Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Oh my goodness, Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re dining at a fancy restaurant—even if you’re just sitting at your kitchen table. The crispy, golden-brown parmesan crust paired with the silky, savory garlic sauce is a flavor combo that’s guaranteed to have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or a weeknight treat, this recipe is both easy and indulgent, making it the perfect go-to for when you need a meal that feels extra special but doesn’t take all night to make. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Crispy & Tender: The parmesan crust gets perfectly crispy while keeping the chicken juicy and tender on the inside. Every bite is a perfect balance of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Rich and Flavorful: The creamy garlic sauce is a game-changer. It’s smooth, garlicky, and rich—just the right amount of decadence to take the dish to the next level.

Quick and Easy: You don’t need hours to make this recipe. With just a few simple steps, you can serve up a gourmet meal in about 30 minutes!

Versatile: This dish is great for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a fancy date night or a busy weeknight dinner, it’s always a hit.

Kid-Friendly: The crispy chicken and creamy sauce make this a meal both kids and adults will love. If you have picky eaters, this is a perfect way to sneak in some extra flavor!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this mouthwatering dish:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, as they cook quickly and stay juicy.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan works best for the crispy crust. It gives the chicken that golden, crunchy exterior that makes each bite so irresistible.
• Breadcrumbs: These help create that extra crispy coating along with the parmesan, ensuring you get that perfect crunch with every bite.
• Eggs: Used to bind the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture to the chicken, giving it that golden coating when cooked.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is the star of the creamy sauce, giving it a rich, savory flavor that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.
• Heavy Cream: For a rich, velvety sauce that’s both decadent and comforting.
• Butter: A little butter in the sauce helps it come together beautifully and adds richness.
• Olive Oil: Used to sear the chicken to crispy perfection before baking.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. These help bring all the flavors together and add depth to the dish.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get to making this indulgent dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little bit of Italian seasoning. In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In another shallow bowl, combine the grated parmesan and breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken breast into the egg wash, then coat it thoroughly in the parmesan-breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the crust is golden and crispy. Once seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is fully cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

While the chicken is baking, melt butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Then, pour in the heavy cream and stir. Allow the cream to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and more Italian seasoning to taste.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and pour the creamy garlic sauce over the top. You can also drizzle the sauce on individual servings if you prefer. Serve immediately, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you want to add a pop of color and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 480
Total Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 160mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrate: 10g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 45g
Vitamin A: 20%
Calcium: 30%
Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

This dish is super satisfying on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

With a Side Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the rich, creamy chicken.

With Garlic Bread: Serve this dish with a side of buttery garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that creamy garlic sauce.

Over Pasta: Serve the chicken on top of a bed of spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta for a hearty meal.

With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or a medley of seasonal veggies would be a great, healthy side to balance out the richness of the chicken.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan will give you the crispiest, most flavorful crust. Avoid pre-grated versions, as they tend to be drier and less flavorful.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce or sprinkle some on top of the chicken.
• Try Different Proteins: This recipe works well with chicken thighs, pork chops, or even a hearty white fish like cod or halibut if you prefer to mix things up.
• Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken can also be reheated in the oven to maintain its crispy crust.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Yes! Chicken thighs will work great in this recipe. They’re a bit juicier and have a richer flavor than breasts, so they’ll add a different, but delicious, twist.

Q2: Can I make the garlic sauce ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove before serving.

Q3: Can I freeze the chicken?
A3: While the chicken can be frozen after it’s cooked, the coating may lose its crispy texture upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 months.

Q4: Can I use light cream or milk instead of heavy cream?
A4: You can use light cream or milk, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy. For the best flavor and texture, heavy cream is ideal.

Q5: How do I make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through?
A5: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to be fully cooked.

Q6: Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
A6: Yes! You can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for added flavor and texture.

Q7: Can I make this dish without breadcrumbs?
A7: Yes! If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or just use more parmesan for the crust.

Q8: Can I make the creamy garlic sauce without butter?
A8: You can use olive oil instead of butter, but the sauce may not have quite the same rich flavor. Butter really helps create that silky, creamy texture.

Q9: How can I make this dish spicier?
A9: Add some red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce or season the chicken with a little cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Q10: What can I serve with this dish if I want a lighter side?
A10: Serve with a simple cucumber and tomato salad or a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to keep it light and fresh.

Conclusion

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a deliciously comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The crispy, golden chicken and the rich, velvety sauce are a match made in heaven. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful—making it the perfect go-to dinner for busy nights or special occasions. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with this irresistible recipe!

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