Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Irresistible Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Crispy parmesan crusted chicken brings an unexpected twist to your dinner routine that’ll make everyone at the table lean forward with anticipation.

Crunchy edges and tender meat create a delightful contrast in every single bite.

Whispers of garlic dance through the creamy sauce, promising a meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

Weeknight cooking just got seriously delicious with this simple yet impressive dish.

Home cooks can master this restaurant-quality recipe without breaking a sweat.

Regional Italian influences shine through in the carefully balanced flavors and textures.

You’ll want to save this recipe for moments when something special feels absolutely necessary.

Why Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Garlic Sauce Wins Hearts

  • Effortlessly transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet meal in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy families seeking delicious dinners without complicated steps.
  • Combines crispy Parmesan crust with rich garlic sauce, creating a restaurant-quality dish that satisfies both kids and adults with its irresistible taste and texture.
  • Requires minimal cooking skills, using simple dredging techniques and straightforward skillet cooking that guarantees golden-brown chicken every single time, making it ideal for home cooks of all experience levels.
  • Pairs beautifully with various sides like roasted vegetables, pasta, or salad, making it a flexible recipe for different meal preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Garlic Sauce

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the main component of the dish, best when boneless and skinless.
Main Coating Components:
  • Flour, Eggs, Panko Breadcrumbs: Create a crispy, golden exterior that locks in chicken's moisture and adds texture.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Provide rich, savory flavor and enhance the coating's taste profile.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Help achieve golden-brown crust and add richness to the chicken, with butter offering depth of flavor.

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Dredging Bowls

Create three separate shallow bowls:

First bowl: regular flour

Second bowl: whisked eggs

Third bowl: mix of

  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Kosher salt
  • Ground black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Italian herb blend

Step 2: Coat Chicken Pieces

Carefully transform each chicken piece through dredging stations:

Dust chicken in flour, shake off excess

Dunk into egg wash

Roll generously in seasoned Parmesan breadcrumb mixture

Press coating firmly onto chicken surface

Step 3: Sizzle Golden Chicken

Heat cooking surface with combination of:

Olive oil

Unsalted butter

Cook chicken on medium heat:

Fry each side 4-5 minutes

Achieve golden-brown exterior

Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C

Transfer finished chicken to warm plate

Step 4: Create Creamy Garlic Sauce

In same skillet:

Melt butter

Sauté minced garlic

Add heavy cream

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese

Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened

Step 5: Serve And Garnish

Drizzle sauce over chicken

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley

Serve immediately with side of choice

Tips for Perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken Every Time

  • Bread Carefully: Pat chicken dry before dredging to help coating stick better and create a crispier texture.
  • Control Oil Temperature: Maintain medium heat to prevent burning and ensure even golden-brown crust without overcooking chicken.
  • Cheese Selection Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and better coating adhesion compared to pre-packaged cheese.
  • Rest Chicken Properly: Let cooked chicken rest for 3-5 minutes to redistribute juices and maintain tenderness.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly version.

Storing Parmesan Crusted Chicken Without Losing Flavor

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes.
  • Heat chicken in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture to avoid rubbery texture.
  • Keep remaining garlic sauce separately to maintain its creamy consistency when reheating chicken.

What to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Garlic Sauce

  • Choose a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, creamy garlic sauce and cut through the chicken's buttery crust.
  • Prepare a fresh lemon-dressed arugula salad with shaved Parmesan to balance the dish's richness and provide a bright, peppery contrast.
  • Drizzle additional chopped fresh parsley or basil over the chicken to boost the herbal notes in the Parmesan crust and add a vibrant, green freshness.
  • Serve with roasted garlic mashed potatoes or herb-infused risotto to soak up the delicious creamy garlic sauce and create a satisfying, complete meal.

Variations on Parmesan Crusted Chicken You’ll Enjoy

  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds for crispy coating.
  • Low-Carb Version: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Use grated Parmesan as primary coating for extra crunch and reduced carbohydrates.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. Use dairy-free butter or olive oil for cooking. Replace egg with plant-based milk or dairy-free yogurt for coating.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Use pork rind crumbs instead of breadcrumbs. Replace flour with finely ground almond flour. Add extra Parmesan cheese for increased fat content and crispy texture.

FAQ for Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Garlic Sauce

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and white and juicy on the inside with no pink areas.

  • Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko?

Yes, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs, but Panko creates a crispier, lighter coating. If using regular breadcrumbs, the texture might be slightly denser and less crunchy.

  • What if I don't have all the seasonings in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture?

You can simplify the seasoning mix with just salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The key is to ensure the chicken has a flavorful coating that complements the Parmesan cheese.

  • Is it necessary to use both olive oil and butter for cooking?

Using both creates a richer flavor and helps prevent burning. The butter adds richness while the olive oil has a higher smoke point, making it ideal for pan-frying the chicken.

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Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy Parmesan crusted chicken mingles with silky garlic sauce, creating a luxurious dinner experience. Elegant flavors blend perfectly, inviting gourmet comfort that satisfies your deepest culinary cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 large chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise to make 4 thin fillets)

Coating Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour (for dredging)
  • 1 egg (beaten)
  • ½ cup (60 grams) Panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs for a finer texture)
  • ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Spices:

  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)

Cooking Fats:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil (for frying)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 grams) butter (for frying, adds extra crispiness)
  • 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
  • ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of thyme, oregano, and basil)

Garnish:


Instructions

  1. Prepare three distinct preparation zones: first with flour, second with whisked egg, and third with a harmonious blend of Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Transform each chicken piece by delicately dusting with flour, ensuring excess is gently shaken away.
  3. Immerse the floured chicken into the egg wash, allowing complete coverage.
  4. Meticulously press the chicken into the seasoned Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, creating a robust, textured exterior.
  5. Warm a large skillet with a luxurious combination of olive oil and butter over medium heat, creating a golden cooking surface.
  6. Carefully place the crusted chicken into the heated skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich, caramelized golden-brown complexion.
  7. Cook thoroughly for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, verifying doneness through an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C.
  8. Remove chicken from the skillet and transfer to a waiting plate, covering to preserve warmth and moisture.
  9. Prepare a complementary creamy garlic sauce in the same skillet, utilizing the flavorful remaining pan drippings.

Notes

  • Customize breading for dietary needs by substituting gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium Parmesan cheese and cutting salt quantity in seasoning mix.
  • Enhance protein coating by adding extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for deeper flavor complexity.
  • Create lighter version by baking chicken on parchment-lined sheet at 425F for 15-20 minutes instead of pan-frying, which reduces oil consumption.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 750
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 50 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 200 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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