Parmesan Crusted Chicken Garlic Sauce – just the name alone conjures up images of crispy, golden-brown chicken bathed in a luscious, garlicky sauce, doesn’t it? I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Forget boring chicken dinners; this dish elevates the humble chicken breast to something truly extraordinary.

While the exact origins of Parmesan-crusted chicken are difficult to pinpoint, the combination of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs has been a staple in Italian-American cuisine for generations. It’s a testament to the resourcefulness and creativity of cooks who sought to create flavorful and satisfying meals using simple, readily available ingredients. The addition of a garlic sauce takes it to another level of deliciousness!

People adore this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Garlic Sauce for so many reasons. The crispy, cheesy crust provides a delightful textural contrast to the tender, juicy chicken inside. The garlic sauce is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, perfectly complementing the savory Parmesan. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen. I know you’ll love how quickly this dish comes together, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something truly special.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, finely grated
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Garlic Sauce:

4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, finely grated
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges

Preparing the Parmesan Crust

Alright, let’s get started with the best part – that crispy, cheesy Parmesan crust! This is what makes this chicken recipe truly special. Trust me, you’ll want to lick the plate clean!

Prepare the Chicken Breasts: First, we need to make sure our chicken breasts are of even thickness. This will ensure they cook evenly. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to about 1/2-inch thickness. Don’t go too crazy, we don’t want to tear the chicken! This step is crucial for tender and evenly cooked chicken.
Set up the Breading Station: Now, let’s get our breading station ready. In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together really well. This is our dry mixture, and it’s packed with flavor!
Prepare the Egg Wash: In another shallow dish, whisk the eggs lightly. This will help the breading adhere to the chicken. Make sure the eggs are well combined for even coverage.
Bread the Chicken: This is where the magic happens! Take one chicken breast at a time and dredge it in the all-purpose flour, making sure to coat it evenly on both sides. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, dredge the chicken in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere. Make sure the entire surface of the chicken is covered in that delicious Parmesan crust. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken breasts.
Rest the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Place the breaded chicken breasts on a wire rack and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the breading to set and helps prevent it from falling off during cooking. This step is optional, but I highly recommend it for the best results!

Cooking the Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Now that our chicken is beautifully breaded, it’s time to cook it to golden-brown perfection! We’re going to pan-fry it for that perfect crispy crust.

Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the chicken breasts without overcrowding. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and result in steamed, not crispy, chicken.
Cook the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your skillet isn’t large enough to fit all the chicken breasts at once, cook them in batches. This will ensure that each piece of chicken gets properly browned.
Check for Doneness: To check if the chicken is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. If it reads 165°F (74°C), it’s ready! You can also cut into the center of the chicken; if the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink, it’s cooked.
Rest the Chicken Again: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil and keep the crust crispy. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce

While the chicken is resting, let’s whip up that amazing creamy garlic sauce! This sauce is the perfect complement to the crispy Parmesan crust and adds a ton of flavor.

Melt the Butter: In the same skillet (after wiping out any excess oil), melt the butter over medium heat.
Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Stir in Heavy Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to simmer until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season to Taste: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt or pepper, depending on your preference.
Keep Warm: Keep the sauce warm over low heat until ready to serve.

Assembling and Serving

Now for the best part – putting it all together and enjoying our delicious Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Garlic Sauce!

Plate the Chicken: Place the Parmesan crusted chicken breasts on individual plates.
Drizzle with Sauce: Generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken. Make sure each piece of chicken is well coated in that luscious sauce.
Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, if desired. These add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Serve Immediately: Serve immediately and enjoy! This dish is best served hot, so don’t let it sit for too long.

Serving Suggestions:

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Garlic Sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:

Pasta: Serve it over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine. The creamy garlic sauce is perfect for coating the pasta.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with chicken and gravy.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts, add a healthy and flavorful side dish.
Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Rice: Fluffy rice, such as white rice or brown rice, is a great way to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Tips and Tricks:

Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese will make a big difference in the taste of the dish.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
Adjust the Seasonings: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice, depending on your preference.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the Parmesan crust ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also make the garlic sauce ahead of time and reheat it gently before serving.
Conclusion:

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Garlic Sauce isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen! From the satisfying crunch of the parmesan crust to the creamy, garlicky embrace of the sauce, every bite is a testament to simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. I know you might be thinking, “Another chicken recipe?”, but trust me on this one. The combination of textures and tastes is simply irresistible, and it’s surprisingly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight.

Why is this a must-try? Because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the restaurant price tag or the need for complicated techniques. It’s the kind of dish that will impress your family and friends, and leave them asking for seconds (and the recipe!). The parmesan crust provides a delightful savory crunch that perfectly complements the tender, juicy chicken inside. And that garlic sauce? Oh, that garlic sauce! It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with garlicky goodness that elevates the entire dish to a whole new level. It’s not overpowering, but rather a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your preferences. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the parmesan mixture or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. You can also add some fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the parmesan crust for an extra layer of flavor.

As for serving suggestions, the possibilities are endless! I personally love serving this Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Garlic Sauce over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside some roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also makes a perfect accompaniment. For a more complete meal, you could serve it with a side of pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try using the chicken in a sandwich or wrap with some lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of the garlic sauce.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own! The beauty of cooking is that it’s all about experimentation and finding what works best for you. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how you served it. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating delicious and easy-to-follow recipes that you’ll love. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give this Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Garlic Sauce a try – you deserve it! Happy cooking!

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Garlic Sauce: Easy Recipe & Tips

Crispy, cheesy Parmesan crusted chicken breasts pan-fried to golden perfection and smothered in a luscious, creamy garlic sauce. A restaurant-quality meal made easy at home!

Save This Recipe

Prep Time20 minutes

Cook Time25 minutes

Total Time45 minutes

Yield4 servings

👨‍🍳By: Sharey

📂Category: Dinner

📊Difficulty: Easy

🌍Cuisine: American

🍽️Yield: 4 servings

🥗Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

014 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)

021 cup grated Parmesan cheese, finely grated

031/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

041/4 cup all-purpose flour

051 teaspoon garlic powder

061 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

071/2 teaspoon salt

081/4 teaspoon black pepper

092 large eggs, lightly beaten

102 tablespoons olive oil

114 tablespoons butter

124 cloves garlic, minced

131 cup chicken broth

141/2 cup heavy cream

151/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, finely grated

162 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

171 tablespoon lemon juice

181/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

191/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

20Fresh parsley, chopped

21Lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 01

Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to about 1/2-inch thickness.

Step 02

In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Step 03

In another shallow dish, whisk the eggs lightly.

Step 04

Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then dip in the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 05

Place the breaded chicken breasts on a wire rack and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 06

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 07

Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 08

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Step 09

Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let rest for a few minutes.

Step 10

In the same skillet (after wiping out any excess oil), melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 11

Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 12

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 13

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.

Step 14

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to simmer until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 15

Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 16

Keep the sauce warm over low heat until ready to serve.

Step 17

Place the Parmesan crusted chicken breasts on individual plates.

Step 18

Generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken.

Step 19

Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.

Step 20

Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients.

Don’t overcook the chicken; use a meat thermometer.

Adjust the seasonings in the sauce to your liking.

The Parmesan crust and garlic sauce can be made ahead of time.

Serving Suggestions: Pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, salad, or rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I ensure the bread stays moist?

Use fresh, ripe ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. Store in an airtight container.

→ Can I substitute ingredients?

Yes, you can substitute similar ingredients while maintaining the basic ratios for best results.

→ How long does this bread keep?

Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ What if I don't have all the spices?

You can adjust spices to taste or substitute with similar warming spices.

→ Can I freeze this bread?

Yes, wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Garlic Sauce: Easy Recipe & Tips