Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with rich, garlicky flavor. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a Parmesan-breadcrumb crust, pan-fried until golden, and smothered in a luscious garlic cream sauce. It’s the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess! Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish is a total winner. On top of that, it’s easy to customize—spicy, keto, or gluten-free versions work just as well. Once you try it, you’ll never settle for plain chicken again!
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise to make 4 thin pieces)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated for best flavor
- ½ cup breadcrumbs panko for extra crunch or regular for a finer texture
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or a mix of dried oregano and basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter version
- ½ cup chicken broth adds depth of flavor
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon butter for extra richness
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice brightens up the sauce, optional
Substitutions & Tips:
- No breadcrumbs? Swap with crushed crackers or almond flour for a low-carb option.
- No heavy cream? Use milk with a bit of cornstarch to thicken.
- Want more heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Instructions
How to Cook Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Get Everything Ready
- Gather all your ingredients so you’re not scrambling mid-cook.
- Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make them thinner.
- Pat them dry with a paper towel and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
- In one bowl, beat the egg.
- In another bowl, mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Press it into the Parmesan mixture, covering it completely for that crispy, cheesy crust.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Don’t flip too soon—let that crust develop!
- Once done, transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In the same pan, melt 1 teaspoon of butter and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds (until it smells incredible).
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for a minute.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for extra flavor (optional but recommended).
Step 5: Bring It All Together
- Place the crispy chicken back into the pan, spoon the sauce over the top, and let it heat through for a minute.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or veggies—whatever you love.
Step 6: Enjoy!
- Take a bite, savor the crispy-cheesy goodness, and pat yourself on the back for making a restaurant-quality meal in 30 minutes!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, let the breaded chicken sit for 5–10 minutes before cooking.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up.
- Leftovers? Store the sauce separately to keep the chicken crispy!