Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Crispy, golden chicken meets its match in this irresistible parmesan crusted chicken with creamy garlic sauce that promises to tantalize every taste bud.

The delicate blend of savory parmesan and perfectly seasoned chicken creates a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Tender chicken breasts get coated in a crunchy, cheesy exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.

Each bite delivers a delightful crunch that gives way to succulent meat beneath the crisp coating.

The luxurious garlic sauce adds a velvety richness that elevates this dish from simple to spectacular.

Weeknight dinners will never be the same once you experience this restaurant-quality meal crafted right in your own kitchen.

Let’s turn an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Variations of Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy, lactose-free alternative. Swap parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast to maintain the cheesy flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Champion: Skip the traditional sides and serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum instead of cream for the sauce.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Increase the fat content by using full-fat cream and adding extra butter to the sauce. Replace Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for enhanced flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of traditional breading for the chicken. Double-check seasoning blends to avoid hidden gluten sources.

FAQs

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and the juices should run clear.

• Can I use other types of cheese instead of parmesan?

Absolutely! You can substitute with romano, asiago, or a blend of hard cheeses. Just ensure they melt well and complement the garlic sauce.

• Is it necessary to use heavy cream, or can I use a lighter option?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. Light cream alternatives might make the sauce thinner and less luxurious.

• How can I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?

Don’t overcook the chicken. Use medium-high heat, cook for 5-6 minutes per side, and avoid moving the chicken too much while it’s searing to lock in moisture.

Why Parmesan Crusted Chicken Is a Standout

• Perfect for busy cooks who want restaurant-quality meals without complicated techniques.
• Transform ordinary chicken into a gourmet experience with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.
• Flexible recipe allows adding spinach, adjusting cream type, or pairing with multiple side dishes to suit personal preferences.
• Creamy, cheesy sauce and golden-crusted chicken guarantee smiles around the dinner table, making it a family favorite that appeals to both adults and kids.

Ingredients for Parmesan Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender cut of meat that serves as the primary protein in this delectable dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard, salty cheese that creates a crispy and flavorful crust on the chicken.
• Italian Seasoning, Oregano: Aromatic herbs that add depth and complexity to the dish's overall taste profile.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil used for cooking the chicken and creating a golden, crispy exterior.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that provides a robust and aromatic base for the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream or Light Cream: A rich and smooth liquid that forms the base of the luxurious sauce.
• Spinach (Optional): A nutritious leafy green that can be added to the sauce for extra color and nutrients.

How to Cook Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Poultry

Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

The seasoning creates a flavor foundation that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Step 2: Fire Up the Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Wait until the oil is shimmering and ready to work its magic on the chicken.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet.

Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until you achieve a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

Chicken should be cooked through with a nice crispy exterior.

Step 4: Unleash the Garlic Magic

Reduce heat and add minced garlic to the same pan.

Gently sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes aromatic and develops a light golden color.

Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 5: Craft the Creamy Sauce Base

Pour in cream, stirring smoothly to incorporate all the delicious pan remnants.

The cream will start to create a rich, velvety sauce that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 6: Cheese and Herb Infusion

• Grated parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Dried oregano

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth and luxurious sauce that’s bursting with flavor.

Step 7: Green Boost (Optional)

Toss in chopped spinach if desired.

Let it simmer for 2 minutes until the leaves wilt and incorporate into the creamy sauce.

Step 8: Reunite Chicken and Sauce

Gently place cooked chicken back into the pan.

Spoon the creamy sauce over the top, allowing the flavors to mingle and intensify for about a minute.

Step 9: Final Flavor Celebration

Remove pan from heat.

Your culinary masterpiece is now ready to be devoured.

Step 10: Plate and Devour

• Pasta
• Roasted vegetables
• Mashed potatoes
• Rice

Grab a fork and enjoy every single bite of this incredible dish!

Tips for Better Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a perfectly crispy golden exterior.
• Keep garlic heat low and stir constantly to avoid bitter, burnt taste that can ruin the entire sauce.
• Grate parmesan fresh for smoother melting and richer flavor compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
• If sauce feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out smoothly without losing richness.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, lactose-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.

How to Keep Parmesan Chicken Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chicken and sauce together in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of cream or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165°F.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish with a little extra sauce. Cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that complements the creamy garlic sauce, cutting through its richness with bright acidity and enhancing the parmesan's nutty flavor.
• Craft Herbal Side Companion: Prepare a fresh herb salad with arugula, basil, and light lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's creamy texture and provide a zesty, refreshing counterpoint.
• Boost Carbohydrate Match: Serve alongside garlic-roasted baby potatoes or al dente linguine, which will soak up the decadent sauce and create a harmonious, satisfying meal experience.
• Enhance Vegetable Partner: Roast asparagus spears with olive oil and sea salt, offering a tender-crisp green vegetable that adds nutritional depth and a subtle earthy contrast to the rich chicken.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Parmesan crusted chicken dazzles dinner tables with golden-brown perfection and irresistible Italian-inspired flavors. Creamy garlic sauce complements crisp chicken, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this simple yet elegant meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 chicken breasts (small/medium or 2 large, halved)

Cheese and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup light cream or heavy cream
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides to maximize flavor profile.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature until surface shimmers and appears slightly rippled.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into hot skillet, cooking approximately 5-6 minutes per side until exterior develops a golden-brown crust and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Reduce heat and introduce minced garlic to the same pan, sautéing briefly until aromatic and just turning golden, approximately 30 seconds.
5. Pour cream into pan, gently incorporating with garlic remnants to develop a rich, smooth base for the sauce.
6. Incorporate Italian seasoning and grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely and sauce achieves a silky consistency.
7. Optional: Add chopped spinach to sauce, allowing leaves to wilt and integrate for 2-3 minutes, introducing additional color and nutritional depth.
8. Carefully return cooked chicken to sauce, gently coating each piece and allowing flavors to meld for an additional minute.
9. Remove pan from heat, ensuring chicken remains moist and sauce maintains its creamy texture.
10. Plate immediately, accompanying with complementary side dishes like roasted vegetables, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Perfectly season chicken by generously coating both sides with salt and pepper to maximize flavor absorption.
• Use high-quality parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic taste that elevates the entire dish’s profile.
• Choose between light or heavy cream based on desired richness, knowing light cream creates a lighter sauce while heavy cream produces a more indulgent texture.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg