If you’re craving a dish that combines crispy, golden chicken with a luscious, velvety sauce, then the Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish brings the perfect balance of crunchy texture and rich, garlicky creaminess, making every bite an absolute delight. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with its straightforward process and spectacular flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that you’ll absolutely love. From the crispy crust to the indulgent sauce, these simple components come together to create a dish that tastes much more complex than it looks.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Providing the tender and juicy foundation for the entire dish.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and helps create that irresistible crispy crust.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko): Gives the chicken its light, crunchy texture when baked.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the breading with a warm, aromatic kick.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings subtle herbal notes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the dish’s natural flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that balances the creaminess of the sauce.
- 2 eggs (beaten): Help the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture stick beautifully to the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection before baking.
- 2 tablespoons butter: The base for the sauce, enriching it with a silky finish.
- 4 garlic cloves (minced): The star of the creamy garlic sauce, providing that signature aromatic punch.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to that ideal creamy consistency.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and a delicate balance to the creaminess.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its luscious, silky texture.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, intensifying the cheesy flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust seasoning for a perfectly balanced sauce.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of green and fresh brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Flatten the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take each boneless chicken breast and gently flatten them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This step ensures that the chicken cooks evenly, helping you avoid dry edges and undercooked centers.
Step 2: Create the Parmesan Breadcrumb Mixture
In a shallow bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan, Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful combination is going to give your chicken an irresistible golden crust that’s packed with taste and texture.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each flattened chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then dredge it in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the crust sticks well. Don’t rush this part—you want every bit of that cheesy crunch clinging to the chicken.
Step 4: Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Place the coated chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step locks in flavor and builds that crunch you’re aiming for.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet directly to your preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through. Baking ensures the chicken stays juicy while finishing off that delicious crust.
Step 6: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
While your chicken bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant but not browned. Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute to create a smooth base. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens to a luscious consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and get ready to pour it all over the golden chicken when it’s done.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once your chicken is perfectly baked, remove it from the oven and generously spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the top. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle on some fresh chopped parsley for a lovely burst of color and freshness. This final touch makes the dish not only tasty but also a total feast for the eyes.
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or even some freshly cracked black pepper adds a beautiful contrast to the creamy sauce and crispy crust. You can also add a few lemon wedges on the side to brighten up each bite if you like a hint of citrus.
Side Dishes
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, or even a bed of buttery pasta. The creamy sauce ties everything together beautifully, making every forkful a dream.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, place the chicken on a plate, drizzle the sauce artistically around, and top with microgreens or edible flowers. Alternatively, serve the chicken sliced over rice or risotto so the sauce seeps into every bite and adds extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 days, making for easy, delicious next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dish in advance, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately. Wrap the chicken tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. The sauce should be cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Both components will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it might dry out the chicken or separate the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and may even add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the baking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, but keep in mind it won’t be as thick or rich as when made with heavy cream. Adding a bit more flour can help thicken lighter milk-based sauces.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and all-purpose gluten-free flour for the sauce. These swaps keep the delicious taste and texture while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
How do I get the chicken crust extra crispy?
Using Panko breadcrumbs and pressing the coating firmly onto the chicken helps create that sought-after crunch. Also, searing the chicken in olive oil before baking locks in crispiness beautifully.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
Yes, you can prep the chicken with the crust ahead of time and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking. Prepare the sauce just before serving to keep it silky and fresh. This helps save time and keeps the dish tasting vibrant.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe quickly becomes a household favorite because of how approachable it is paired with its rich and comforting flavors. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a special indulgence but is easy enough for weeknight dinners. I can’t wait for you to try it and savor every crispy, creamy, garlicky bite!
Print
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe offers a delightful combination of crispy, golden-brown chicken breasts coated in a cheesy breadcrumb crust, topped with a rich and velvety garlic-infused cream sauce. Perfectly balanced with herbs and a creamy texture, this dish is an elegant yet approachable main course ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Using a meat mallet, flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Make Coating Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then dredge thoroughly in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it stick.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce: While the chicken bakes, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute to form a roux.
- Finish the Sauce: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly and bringing it to a simmer. Then add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven, spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the top, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or pasta for a complete meal.
- Ensure the chicken is evenly flattened for uniform cooking and the best texture.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to easily transfer the chicken from stovetop to oven.
