Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. Most children love the mild, cheesy flavors of Parmesan crusted chicken and the creamy garlic sauce. For younger palates, you can reduce the garlic slightly and avoid adding any optional spices like crushed red pepper. Serve it alongside kid-friendly sides such as mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or steamed broccoli to make it a well-rounded meal.

How do I make it gluten-free?

To create a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour in the coating with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Almond flour, in particular, adds a slight nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the Parmesan crust. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the Parmesan cheese and seasonings, are certified gluten-free.

What’s a good substitute for heavy cream?

If you prefer a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. Keep in mind that using milk will result in a thinner sauce, so you may need to add a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch to help thicken it. For a dairy-free alternative, full-fat coconut milk works surprisingly well and adds a subtle hint of sweetness to the garlic Parmesan flavor.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance with a few modifications. To keep the crust crispy, cook the chicken cutlets and let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make the creamy garlic sauce separately and store it in another container. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes and gently warm the sauce on the stovetop before combining them. This approach preserves the texture of the crust and the velvety nature of the sauce.

What’s the best Parmesan for this recipe?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block is always the best choice. It has a higher moisture content and melts beautifully, creating a golden, nutty crust that clings perfectly to the chicken. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting, resulting in a less crispy and flavorful coating. For the sauce, fresh Parmesan also contributes to a smoother, creamier consistency.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce : How To Make The Best Recipe

Description

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken cutlets coated in a crispy Parmesan crust and smothered in a rich, buttery garlic cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half horizontally to create 4 cutlets)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: extra Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Pat them dry with paper towels.
In a shallow dish, combine flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Press each chicken cutlet into the Parmesan-flour mixture, ensuring both sides are coated. Shake off excess.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chicken cutlets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Stir and scrape up browned bits from the pan.
Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes until thickened and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over the top. Heat for 1 minute to combine flavors.
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Notes

For a crispier crust, use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-grated.
Substitute chicken cutlets with turkey or pork if preferred.
Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Fried
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cutlet with sauce
Calories: 410
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 510mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 145mg