Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce: A Crispy, Flavorful Delight
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home. The golden, crispy parmesan crust gives way to tender, juicy chicken, while the velvety garlic sauce adds a luxurious finish. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors—savory, cheesy, and rich—that will impress family and guests alike.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to serve at a dinner party, this recipe delivers. The combination of crispy parmesan breading and creamy garlic sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it pairs beautifully with pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A savory, umami-packed dish with the nuttiness of parmesan and the richness of garlic cream sauce.
- Texture: Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside, with a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Aroma: The scent of garlic, herbs, and parmesan fills the kitchen as it cooks.
- Visual Appeal: Golden-brown crust with a creamy white sauce makes for an elegant presentation.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly with simple techniques like breading and pan-searing.
- Special Equipment: A skillet and a shallow dish for breading are all you need.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This recipe is easy enough for beginners but delivers gourmet results. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are easy to find.
- Category: A main course that works for both casual and special occasions.
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired with a modern twist, featuring classic flavors like parmesan and garlic.
- Cost: Budget-friendly, using pantry staples and affordable proteins.
- Season: Perfect year-round, but especially comforting in cooler months.
- Occasion: Great for weeknight dinners, date nights, or entertaining guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a winner for so many reasons. First, the crispy parmesan coating locks in the chicken’s juices, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful. The creamy garlic sauce adds a luxurious touch that elevates this dish beyond simple pan-fried chicken.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. The prep is quick, and the cooking process is simple—no complicated techniques required. Even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results.
Nutritionally, this dish provides a good source of protein from the chicken and calcium from the parmesan. By controlling the ingredients, you can make it healthier than restaurant versions—less oil, no preservatives, and quality dairy.
From a social perspective, this dish is perfect for entertaining. It looks impressive but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The rich, comforting flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults.
Finally, it’s cost-effective. Chicken breasts, breadcrumbs, and parmesan are affordable ingredients, making this a budget-friendly meal that tastes indulgent.
The Recipe
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Shallow dishes for breading
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Tongs
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) for even cooking.
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking until the sauce thickens slightly (about 3-4 minutes).
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over it. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Recipe Notes
- For extra crispiness, bake the breaded chicken at 375°F for 10 minutes after pan-searing.
- Substitute panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.