Name: Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Slice in half horizontally to create four cutlets.); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated is best.); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup butter; 1/4 cup heavy cream (Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe

Are you craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor and elegance but takes less than 30 minutes to make? Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the culinary hug you didn’t know you needed! Imagine crispy, golden chicken nestled under a blanket of luscious, garlicky sauce—it’s pure comfort on a plate. I still remember the first time I made this dish for my family: it was an instant favorite. Did you know that Parmesan has been gracing Italian tables for centuries, but pairing it with creamy garlic sauce turns a simple chicken dinner into a show-stopper?

What I love about this dish is how effortlessly it all comes together, much like my popular Creamy Tuscan Chicken. If you enjoyed that recipe, you’ll find this one irresistibly easy yet equally impressive. Whether you’re serving friends, family, or just looking to treat yourself, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in a fuss-free way. So, let’s dive into a dish that’s destined to become your new weeknight favorite!

What is Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce?

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce—what a mouthful, right? But trust me, every part of that name promises something magical. Ever wonder who decided to coat tender chicken in Parmesan and then drown it in a velvety, garlic-infused sauce? Maybe it was someone who believed, like our grandmothers always said, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—and I think they were onto something! The “crust” is all about that irresistible crispy, cheesy coating, while the creamy garlic sauce guarantees flavor in every bite. So what are you waiting for? Dive fork-first into something that’s sure to steal the spotlight at your table tonight!

Why You’ll Love This

This recipe is all about bold flavors, simple prep, and serious crowd-pleasing power. The real star is the golden Parmesan crust—adding a nutty, crispy finish to juicy chicken breasts. Making it at home means you’ll save a bundle compared to restaurant prices, plus you can control every ingredient. The creamy garlic sauce—rich, silky, and loaded with real garlic—takes it up a notch, making each bite memorable. It doesn’t get lost in the crowd, much like my Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken, but here, the Parmesan adds a delightful layer of texture and taste. If you love chicken recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimum effort, this is one to bookmark. Try it today and bring a little restaurant magic into your kitchen!

How to Make

Quick Overview

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. You’ll love the simplicity; there’s no dredging line or fancy equipment needed—just a few pantry staples. The best part? The creamy garlic sauce is simmered in the same pan, picking up all those savory chicken drippings. Easy, tasty, and seriously satisfying—what more could you ask for?

Golden Parmesan crusted chicken topped with creamy garlic sauce in a skillet

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step

Slice the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Pat them dry with paper towels for better browning.
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Press each chicken cutlet into the Parmesan-flour mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated. Shake off excess.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. When it starts to foam, add the chicken cutlets. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden-brown and cooked through. Remove to a plate and keep warm.
Without cleaning the skillet, add the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Stir, scraping up any brown bits from the skillet.
Simmer the sauce gently for 2-3 minutes until thickened and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Return the chicken cutlets to the pan, spooning sauce over the top. Heat gently for an additional minute to combine flavors.
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley if desired.

What to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce With

This dish shines when paired with simple sides that let its flavor stand out. Try serving it over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or your favorite pasta for a complete meal that absorbs that velvety sauce. For a pop of freshness, add roasted broccoli, steamed green beans, or a colorful side salad with a light vinaigrette. Crusty bread is also a must for mopping up every last drop of sauce. To drink, consider a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon. Mix and match to create your perfect dinner plate!

Top Tips for Perfecting

Buy freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture—pre-shredded cheese just doesn’t melt as smoothly.
If you’re short on butter, try using half olive oil for a richer, earthier crust.
Watch your chicken closely; thin cutlets cook quickly and can dry out if overcooked. A meat thermometer is your best friend—look for 165°F at the thickest part.
Want to lighten it up? Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, or swap in Greek yogurt for an extra protein boost.
Avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can cause steaming rather than browning. If needed, cook the chicken in batches.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to thin the sauce if needed. Alternatively, microwave gently in 30-second increments until hot. Freezing is possible, although the sauce may separate slightly—store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best quality, enjoy fresh when you can!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more juiciness, but you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in the coating.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even unsweetened almond milk for a lighter—but still creamy—sauce.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken earlier in the day; just refrigerate the cutlets until you’re ready to cook.

What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are great substitutes. You won’t get exactly the same taste, but they’ll still give you a savory, cheesy crust.

Conclusion

There you have it—a complete guide to making Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce that anyone can master. With its golden, crispy chicken and decadent sauce, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your home kitchen, proving that impressive meals don’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just treating yourself, this dish delivers every time. Don’t forget to experiment with sides and share your creations! Dive in and make tonight delicious—you deserve it!