If you’re craving a dish that brings together irresistible crunch and rich, velvety flavors, then this Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. Imagine tender chicken breasts coated with a golden, crispy layer of Parmesan and breadcrumbs, then smothered in a luscious garlic cream sauce that just melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and elegance, quick enough for a weeknight treat yet special enough to wow guests. Every bite sings with cheesy, garlicky goodness, making it a new favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this recipe’s perfect textures and flavors. Each item plays its part, whether it’s giving that crisp crust, adding creaminess, or enhancing the savory notes with garlic and Parmesan.

2 large chicken breasts, halved into cutlets: These thin cutlets cook quickly and evenly, perfect for that crispy crust.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor to the crust that crisps beautifully in the pan.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Provides the crunchy texture that contrasts with the tender chicken inside.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors popping in this dish.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of spice to balance the richness.
1 tbsp olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to a golden perfection without sticking.
2 tbsp butter: Creates a luscious base for the creamy garlic sauce.
3 cloves garlic, minced: The soul of the sauce, delivering that deep, fragrant garlic punch.
1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its dreamy, silky texture and rich flavor.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, amplifying the cheesy goodness.
1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sauce perfectly without overpowering it.
1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds just the right kick to the creamy sauce.

How to Make Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your chicken will finish cooking evenly after its golden sear.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Crust

In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Season the chicken cutlets on both sides with salt and pepper—this simple seasoning makes a huge difference. Then, coat each piece evenly in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it stick.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the coated chicken cutlets. Sear each side for about 5-6 minutes until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step locks in juices and creates the signature crispy crust essential to the Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish or keep it in the oven-safe skillet if yours allows. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it’s cooked all the way through but still juicy inside.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant—watch carefully so the garlic doesn’t burn. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens into a silky, rich coating.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

When the chicken is done, plate it and generously spoon the creamy garlic sauce over each piece. The combination of crunchy crust and smooth sauce is what makes the Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe so unforgettable.

How to Serve Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Add fresh chopped parsley or basil on top to introduce a pop of bright color and a fresh, herbal contrast that complements the garlic and cheese notes beautifully. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan over the sauce will enhance the cheesy aroma for those Parmesan lovers.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add a satisfying crunch and brighten the plate. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter pasta are perfect companions to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken on a rustic wooden board for a casual gathering or plate it elegantly on warm china with edible flowers for a dinner party. You can slice the chicken into strips and serve it over a bed of wilted spinach and spaghetti squash for a low-carb twist. Drizzling the sauce artistically across the plate will impress any guest with your plating skills!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, place leftover Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe portions in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Separating the sauce from the chicken helps maintain the crispness of the crust.

Freezing

This dish freezes best without the sauce. Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

To keep the crust crisp, reheat chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Warm the sauce separately on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Combine just before serving to preserve the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be a great alternative and will offer a bit more moisture and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as they are thicker and take a bit longer to cook through.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?

If you want a lighter sauce, half-and-half mixed with a little cornstarch can work, or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option, though it will change the flavor profile somewhat.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, and double-check your Parmesan is gluten-free, which it typically is.

How do I get the chicken crust really crispy?

Pressing the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken before cooking ensures a good crust. Also, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken for a proper sear, and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time and reheat just before serving. Baking the chicken right before serving keeps the crust at its crispiest for your guests to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

This Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough to whip up any night but special enough to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you. The crispy texture paired with the silky sauce creates an unforgettable combination you’ll want to keep in your dinner rotation. Give it a try, and I promise this will become one of your go-to comfort dishes for years to come!

Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.2 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a quick and delicious dish featuring juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, pan-seared to golden perfection and finished in the oven. Topped with a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce, this recipe combines flavorful textures and comforting creaminess, perfect for an impressive yet easy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

2 large chicken breasts, halved into cutlets
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

Creamy Garlic Sauce

2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for finishing the chicken after searing.
Prepare the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese with 1/2 cup breadcrumbs. Season the chicken cutlets on both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Dredge each cutlet thoroughly in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken cutlets and sear for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
Bake: Transfer the seared chicken cutlets to the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring they are fully cooked through.
Make the Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
Serve: Plate the crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken and generously spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish.

Notes

For an extra crispy crust, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) to guarantee it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
You can use fresh Parmesan for better flavor and texture in the crust and sauce.
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to preserve the sauce’s creaminess.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian