Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
If you love a meal that feels both comforting and downright impressive, Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is about to become your new best friend. Succulent, golden-brown chicken gets a crispy, cheesy coating, then is draped in a velvety garlic-infused sauce that begs to be mopped up with every bite. This dish brings together familiar flavors in a way that feels luxuriously special, yet is straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner. Whether you’re serving it for family or friends, this recipe always delivers joy around the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, coming together to create layers of flavor, crunch, and creamy richness. Gather these pantry staples and a few fresh touches, and you’ll be amazed at how each one elevates the final dish!
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a juicy, tender base that soaks up the flavors beautifully.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: The star of the show, Parmesan brings deep, nutty flavor and a gorgeous golden crust.
- Italian-Style Breadcrumbs: These add herby crunch and help the coating crisp up to perfection.
- Garlic Powder: Gives the chicken a subtle, savory note that complements the creamy sauce.
- Black Pepper: A hint of spice to balance the Parmesan and intensify the flavor.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs act as the glue, ensuring the crust sticks to every inch of chicken.
- Olive Oil: For pan-frying the chicken to a golden, crispy finish without heaviness.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps build the base for the creamy garlic sauce.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Just a spoonful thickens the sauce to silky perfection.
- Chicken Broth: Gives depth and savory backbone to the creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream: For that luscious, dreamy texture in every spoonful of sauce.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (for sauce): Melts into the sauce, adding even more cheesy goodness.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to your taste to make all the flavors sing.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of green for a fresh, vibrant finishing touch.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness. This simple step ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy throughout. Lay the breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment, and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently flatten them. This also means you get a more impressive crust-to-chicken ratio in every bite!
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, Italian breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and black pepper. Give it a quick mix so everything’s evenly distributed. Beat your eggs in a separate bowl. Dip each chicken breast first into the egg, coating it well, and then press it into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, making sure every nook and cranny is covered. Don’t rush this step—the more coating that sticks, the crunchier and more flavorful your Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce will be.
Step 3: Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until the crust is a deep golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep them warm while you make the sauce. The aroma at this stage is irresistible!
Step 4: Create the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until fragrant—watch out, because garlic cooks fast! Sprinkle in the flour, stir, and let it cook another minute to lose its raw taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any golden bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Pour in the heavy cream, then let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until just thickened. Stir in the extra Parmesan, then season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce is pure magic—rich, velvety, and packed with garlicky goodness.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy garlic sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top so every piece gets a generous coating. Let everything warm together for a minute or two, then sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Your Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is ready to shine!
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a simple garnish! A shower of freshly chopped parsley not only adds color but also a lively, herbal note that cuts through the richness. A few extra shavings of Parmesan on top never hurt, and a crack of black pepper just before serving makes the flavors pop.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with so many sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or a bed of silky pasta are classic choices for soaking up every drop of sauce. If you prefer something lighter, try steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad. The Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is also fantastic over buttery rice or with a hunk of crusty bread on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, slice the chicken and fan it out over a platter, drizzled with sauce and sprinkled with parsley for a restaurant-worthy look. For a cozy family dinner, serve each chicken breast whole, letting everyone spoon on as much sauce as they like. You can even turn leftovers into an incredible sandwich or slice the chicken to top a Caesar salad for a lunch that feels anything but ordinary.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The chicken and sauce will keep well for up to three days. Store the sauce separately if you can, to help preserve the crispy texture of the chicken.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze leftovers, let the chicken and sauce cool completely first. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Store the sauce in a separate container. Both will keep in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crisp again. Gently heat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of cream or broth to loosen it up. Pour the warm sauce over the reheated chicken and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and offer even more juiciness. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may need a couple of extra minutes to cook through.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes! Simply substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free all-purpose flour. Make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free as well. You’ll still get all the delicious crunch and creaminess in your Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce.
Can I make the sauce lighter?
If you’d like a lighter sauce, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk. The sauce will be a bit less rich but still creamy and satisfying.
What’s the best way to get the crust to stick?
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness, thoroughly drying it before breading, and pressing the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken firmly all help the crust adhere better. Don’t skip the egg dip, as it’s key for binding the coating!
Can I prepare Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. You can also make the sauce a day ahead and reheat it gently before serving. For the freshest results, fry the chicken just before serving and assemble everything at the last minute.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about gathering around the table to enjoy Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce—it’s pure comfort with a touch of elegance. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience just how delicious (and easy!) it can be to create a memorable meal at home. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, served with a rich and creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin for uniform cooking.
- Make the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, Italian-style breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then thoroughly coat with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the flour and cook for an additional minute to form a roux.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream. Simmer the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it begins to thicken.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- This recipe also works well with chicken thighs as an alternative to breasts.
- To keep the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 160mg