There’s nothing like the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy crust and silky smooth sauce to make a weeknight dinner feel truly special. The Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe brings together crunchy, golden chicken cutlets and a luxuriously rich garlic cream sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. This dish is a celebration of flavor and texture, turning simple ingredients into an irresistible meal that’s both comforting and elegant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pretty straightforward and accessible, the ingredients for this recipe are the magic behind the distinct taste and texture you’ll enjoy. Each element contributes something crucial—whether it’s the crunchy Parmesan-breadcrumb coating, the juicy chicken cutlets, or that decadently creamy, garlicky sauce.
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved into cutlets: Ensures quick, even cooking with a tender bite.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that crisps beautifully.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Provides that essential crunchy texture on the crust.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances flavor throughout the chicken and sauce.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Offers a gentle spiciness to balance the richness.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for a golden sear that locks in juices.
- 2 tbsp butter: Builds a luscious base for the creamy garlic sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and warmth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that silky, rich texture that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Boosts the sauce’s cheesy tang and smoothness.
- 1/2 tsp salt (for sauce): Balances the cream and cheese in the sauce perfectly.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (for sauce): Adds a mild peppery kick to the creamy element.
How to Make Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature sets the stage for finishing the chicken perfectly after you’ve seared it, allowing the crust to stay golden and crisp without overcooking the chicken underneath.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly on the chicken cutlets to season from within. Then dredge each piece thoroughly in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture. This coating will transform into a crunchy, flavorful crust that’s irresistibly crispy.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the coated chicken cutlets into the hot pan and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until they achieve that gorgeous golden-brown color. This step is crucial for locking in juices and creating the perfect texture before baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the seared chicken cutlets onto a baking sheet or oven-safe dish and bake them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The goal here is to ensure the chicken cooks through completely, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), while maintaining that crisp crust.
Step 5: Whip Up the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Using the same skillet (no need to wash—those leftover browned bits add flavor), melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the heavy cream, additional Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken into a luscious, dreamy sauce that will perfectly complement the crunchy chicken.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is baked and the sauce thickened, pour the creamy garlic sauce generously over the Parmesan-crusted chicken cutlets. The hot sauce will slightly soften the crust edges, creating a marvelous balance between crisp and creamy in every bite.
How to Serve Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a pop of color and freshness that brightens the rich, creamy garlic sauce. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top brings an inviting extra cheesy note that visually and flavor-wise elevates this meal.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light sides that soak up that dreamy sauce. Think garlic mashed potatoes, buttered asparagus, or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. Any of these help keep the meal balanced while letting the Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe remain the star of the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning dinner presentation, arrange the chicken cutlets slightly overlapping on a large platter, drizzle the creamy garlic sauce artistically across, then sprinkle fresh herbs and a touch of freshly cracked black pepper. Serving it family-style encourages everyone to dive in and enjoy the comforting layers of flavor together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be a challenge!), store the Parmesan-crusted chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy and keeps the sauce fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but for best texture, freeze the chicken cutlets and sauce separately. When frozen in airtight containers, both will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat without sacrificing texture, warm the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to help restore crispness. Warm the sauce separately on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until creamy and heated through. Then combine just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can work well and add extra juiciness, but be sure to adjust cooking times slightly as thighs can vary in thickness.
What if I don’t have heavy cream? Can I substitute it?
A good substitute is half-and-half or a mixture of milk and sour cream, but the sauce may be less rich and thick. For the creamiest sauce, heavy cream is preferred.
Is the Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
It’s a bit tricky since Parmesan and cream are central, but you can try using dairy-free cheese alternatives and coconut cream. The flavor and texture will differ but can still be delicious.
How do I get the crust extra crispy?
Make sure your skillet is hot enough before searing and avoid overcrowding the pan. Also, pressing the cheese and breadcrumbs coating firmly onto the chicken helps create a better crust.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress family or friends with a dish that feels special but is surprisingly simple to make, this Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is your new go-to. It’s the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and utterly comforting—a combination that wins hearts every time you serve it. Give it a whirl and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Print
Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a deliciously crispy and juicy chicken dish coated in a Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, perfectly seared then baked to golden perfection. It’s served with a rich and velvety garlic cream sauce, making it an impressive yet easy meal ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the chicken later.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Season the halved chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then press them into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
- Cook the Chicken on Stovetop: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and sear each side for 5 to 6 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. This step locks in moisture and creates the crust.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken to the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. This ensures the chicken cooks through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), resulting in tender and juicy meat.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, remaining Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Serve: Plate the crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken and generously spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish!
Notes
- Halving the chicken breasts into cutlets ensures quick and even cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and better crust texture.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may not thicken as much.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when searing to maintain crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
