Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of perfectly seared chicken coated in golden Parmesan, especially when it’s draped in a smooth, garlicky cream sauce. This dish hits every note: crispy, creamy, savory, and utterly comforting. It’s fast enough for a weeknight but indulgent enough for date night or dinner guests.
🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick and easy – Ready in about 30 minutes
✅ Crispy + creamy combo – The best of both worlds
✅ Crowd-pleasing – Even picky eaters love this
✅ Pairs with anything – Pasta, rice, veggies, or salad
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 small-medium chicken breasts (or 2 large, sliced in half horizontally)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish
🔪 Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a shallow bowl, combine Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and garlic powder. Dredge each chicken breast in the mixture, pressing firmly to adhere the coating.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F).
Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn!).
Sprinkle in the flour and stir to make a quick roux. Cook for about 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Then stir in cream and Parmesan. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring It All Together
Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for a minute or two, or serve chicken with sauce poured on top just before serving.
🍝 Serving Suggestions
Pair this Parmesan Crusted Chicken with:
Creamy mashed potatoes
Buttered pasta or fettuccine
Steamed broccoli or green beans
Garlic bread and a crisp green salad
👩🍳 Tips for Success
Use freshly grated Parmesan for better texture and flavor.
Pound chicken to even thickness to ensure even cooking.
Want it crispier? Bake or broil the coated chicken briefly after pan-frying.
Double the sauce if you’re serving over pasta — trust us, it’s worth it.
🔄 Variations
Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra texture and nutrients.
Swap the cream for half-and-half or milk to lighten things up.
Want heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven with a splash of broth or cream.
Avoid microwaving to preserve crispiness.
🥄 Final Thoughts
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the kind of dish that feels a little fancy but is totally accessible for a weeknight meal. The crispy chicken paired with the rich, garlicky sauce is nothing short of addictive. Serve it once, and chances are it’ll make its way into your regular dinner rotation. ✨