If you’re craving a dinner that’s crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor, then Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce is the dish you’ve been waiting for. Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, crunchy chicken cutlet, the parmesan coating giving it that irresistible crispy texture, all while being drenched in a luxuriously rich garlic sauce that coats each bite with a savory, buttery goodness. It’s a total flavor bomb, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked! This dish feels fancy enough for a special night but is easy enough to whip up any time you want something comforting and utterly satisfying. It’s the type of dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce
Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a family favorite:
- Crispy Perfection: The crispy, golden-brown chicken has a satisfying crunch with every bite, creating a perfect contrast to the creamy garlic sauce.
- Garlic Lovers’ Dream: If you’re a garlic fan, this dish is a must-try. The rich, buttery garlic sauce is the star of the show, infusing the chicken with flavor and making each bite feel indulgent.
- Quick and Easy: This dish looks and tastes gourmet, but it’s surprisingly simple to make! With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that feels fancy without the hassle.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just a cozy night in, this recipe will impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
- Versatile: Serve it with a side of mashed potatoes, a green salad, or over pasta. The possibilities are endless, making it a versatile meal for any occasion.

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Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this crispy, garlicky chicken dish:
- For the Chicken:
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless are best for this dish.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for a crisp, golden crust that adds that signature flavor.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs create that ultra-crispy coating.
- Eggs: To help the coating stick to the chicken.
- All-purpose flour: For dredging the chicken and creating a solid base for the breadcrumbs.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning the chicken.
- For the Garlic Sauce:
- Butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic: The key to the sauce! Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Chicken broth: To give the sauce some savory depth.
- Heavy cream: For that velvety smooth, rich texture.
- Fresh parsley: For garnish and a pop of freshness.
- Lemon juice: Just a splash to brighten the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: To season the sauce to taste.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this mouthwatering dish:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by setting up a breading station. In one shallow dish, place the flour and season with salt and pepper. In a second dish, whisk the eggs. In a third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
Coat each chicken breast in the flour first, shaking off any excess, then dip it in the egg wash, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure a good, even coating.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a couple of tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not burnt. Be careful not to let the garlic brown!
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
Return the crispy chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the garlic sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to soak up all the delicious flavors.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the chicken hot, spooning extra garlic sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy every bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 560
Total Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 150mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 25g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 40g
Vitamin A: 18% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 10% Daily Value
Calcium: 25% Daily Value
Iron: 12% Daily Value
Potassium: 550mg
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce
This dish is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to make it even better:
- With Pasta: Serve the crispy chicken over a bed of pasta—spaghetti or fettuccine works great! The rich garlic sauce will coat the noodles perfectly.
- On a Bed of Greens: For a lighter meal, serve the chicken on a bed of fresh greens, drizzled with a little vinaigrette.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair this dish with roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots for a balanced meal.
- With Mashed Potatoes: The rich sauce will pair beautifully with mashed potatoes—perfect for soaking up all that garlic goodness.
Additional Tips
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce if you like a bit of heat.
- Make it Low-Carb: Swap the panko breadcrumbs for almond flour to make the dish keto-friendly.
- Crispier Coating: For an even crispier chicken, try double-breading the chicken (coat in flour, then egg wash, then breadcrumbs, and repeat).
- Herb Variations: Add a little thyme or rosemary to the garlic sauce for extra flavor depth.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs would be a great alternative, and they tend to be even juicier. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: While the chicken is best fresh, you can prep the breading and make the garlic sauce in advance. When ready to serve, just cook the chicken and heat the sauce.
Q3: Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
A3: Yes! You can use dairy-free butter and heavy cream substitutes like coconut cream or almond milk to make the sauce dairy-free.
Q4: Can I freeze the leftover chicken?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the chicken and garlic sauce. Just make sure to store them separately in airtight containers. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese for the breading?
A5: Absolutely! Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or Gruyère would all be fantastic options to add a unique twist to the flavor.
Q6: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
A6: The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Q7: Can I make this recipe without the garlic sauce?
A7: Yes, you can. If you prefer the crispy chicken without the sauce, just serve it with a side of marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.
Q8: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A8: Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this dish gluten-free.
Q9: Can I make this dish spicier?
A9: Yes, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Q10: How can I make the garlic sauce thicker?
A10: If you’d like the sauce thicker, you can simmer it for a few more minutes, or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to help thicken it.
Conclusion
This Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce is a game-changer! With crispy, golden chicken and a creamy, garlicky sauce that you’ll want to drizzle over everything, it’s the ultimate comfort food with a touch of elegance. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or a weeknight treat, this dish delivers every time. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a dinner that’s as flavorful as it is satisfying!
Print
Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crispy Parmesan Chicken is golden, juicy, and coated in a flavorful Parmesan crust, served with a rich, creamy garlic sauce that takes it to the next level! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Parmesan Chicken (Serves 4):
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise (to make 4 cutlets)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Rich Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Set up a breading station:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs + Parmesan cheese
- Dip each chicken cutlet into flour, then egg, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a plate and set aside.
-
Make the Garlic Sauce:
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until thick and creamy.
-
Serve & Enjoy!
- Pour the rich garlic sauce over the crispy chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted veggies.
Notes
- You can adjust the seasoning in the garlic sauce to taste.
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet with sauce
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 145mg