Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the perfect combination of crispy, tender chicken and a rich, velvety sauce. The crispy Parmesan crust adds a burst of flavor and texture to each bite, while the creamy garlic sauce enhances the dish with its savory richness. The sauce is easy to make and elevates the chicken to a new level of deliciousness. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a dinner party.

Ingredients

• For the Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs (preferably Panko for extra crunch)

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or oregano)

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

• For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth

  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

1. Prepare the crust:

   • In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.

   • In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.

2. Coat the chicken:

   • Dip each chicken breast first into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks to both sides.

3. Cook the chicken:

   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

   • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

4. Make the sauce:

   • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).

   • Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

   • Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

5. Combine and serve:

   • Return the Parmesan-crusted chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb some of the sauce.

   • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15-20 minutes

• Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce for a touch of heat.

• Herb Options: Use fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil in place of dried Italian herbs for a fresh, aromatic flavor.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this dish.

• Add Vegetables: Toss some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables in with the creamy garlic sauce for extra flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken (without the sauce) for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

• Reheating: Reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a little extra cream or broth to thin out the sauce if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the Parmesan-crusted chicken. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

The creamy garlic sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it in a skillet and adjust the consistency by adding a little extra cream or chicken broth if necessary.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative, and use a plant-based cream (such as coconut cream) and a dairy-free butter substitute.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will take slightly longer to cook than chicken breasts, so adjust the cooking time as needed.

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or a simple side salad.

How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink in the center. You can use a meat thermometer to check.

Conclusion

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a rich and flavorful dish that combines crispy, cheesy chicken with a velvety garlic sauce. This meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting dinner any night of the week. With its delicious flavor combination and satisfying texture, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it with your favorite sides and let the creamy goodness shine!

---

Print