If you love a dish that combines golden, crunchy textures with rich, indulgent flavors, then this Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is going to be your new absolute favorite. It’s all about perfectly breaded chicken breasts that have that irresistible crispness from Parmesan and breadcrumbs, paired with a dreamy garlic-infused cream sauce that just melts into every bite. This recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients in a way that feels both comforting and a little bit luxurious, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want to wow without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of crispiness, flavor, and creamy texture in this Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean, they’re the perfect canvas for the crispy crust and sauce.
- Breadcrumbs (panko or regular): Panko gives extra crunch, but regular works wonderfully too, providing texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory complexity and helps achieve that iconic golden crust.
- Garlic powder: Boosts depth and melds perfectly with the garlic sauce flavors.
- Paprika: Offers a subtle smoky warmth plus beautiful color to the crust.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance every layer of taste.
- Eggs, beaten: Acts as the glue to hold the breadcrumb coating nicely on the chicken.
- Olive oil: For pan-frying to get that crisp exterior without overpowering flavor.
- Butter: The base for the creamy garlic sauce, enriching every spoonful.
- Minced garlic cloves: Fresh garlic ensures the sauce is aromatic and vibrant.
- Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its luscious, silky texture.
- Chicken broth: Balances the richness and adds savory depth to the sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, herbaceous garnish that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by mixing your breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. This blend will give the chicken that signature crispy coating packed with flavor.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs to help the coating stick, then press them firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure each piece is evenly covered. This step is key for achieving that perfect crunch you crave.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully cook the chicken breasts for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until they develop a deep golden-brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, set them aside to keep warm.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Using the same skillet saves all those lovely browned bits from cooking the chicken. Melt the butter over medium heat, then add the minced garlic. Let the garlic cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt—this step infuses your sauce with wonderful aroma.
Step 5: Combine the Sauce Ingredients
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes so it thickens just right. Then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with salt and pepper to taste. Keep cooking until the sauce reaches a creamy, smooth consistency that will coat your chicken beautifully.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Place the golden, crispy chicken breasts on plates and generously spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving immediately.
How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley isn’t just for looks here — it adds a burst of herbaceous brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce perfectly. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top is also a delicious finishing touch if you want to double down on flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that balance the decadence, like steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic bread are equally fabulous if you’re craving something more indulgent to sop up every bit of that incredible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate your presentation for guests, serve the chicken over a bed of angel hair pasta or creamy risotto, letting the sauce cascade down in tempting ribbons. Alternatively, plating with a wedge of lemon can add a fresh twist for those who enjoy a slight citrus zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and chicken together helps maintain flavor, but the crust might soften a bit.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken breasts and sauce separately in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. This makes it easy to enjoy the Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe on a busy day without extra prep.
Reheating
For best results, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil to restore some crispiness. Warm the sauce separately in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often to avoid separating before combining them back together.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add extra juiciness and flavor, though cooking times may vary slightly. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly and adjust breading and frying time as needed.
Is panko better than regular breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs tend to give a lighter, airier, and crunchier crust, which many people prefer for this dish. However, regular breadcrumbs work just fine and still deliver great texture and taste.
Can I make the creamy garlic sauce dairy-free?
You can! Swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a non-dairy creamer and use a dairy-free butter substitute. Just keep in mind the flavor will vary slightly from the original but can still be delicious.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use an instant-read thermometer; it should read 165°F when inserted into the thickest part of the breast. If you don’t have one, cut into the chicken to ensure there’s no pink and juices run clear.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes! Baking at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes after coating can yield a crispy crust with less oil, though it might not be quite as golden or crunchy as pan-fried.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe has that wonderful ability to feel both homey and special all at once. It’s so satisfying to pull together a meal that tastes as fancy as it looks without any complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. I promise once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again, sharing it with friends, and delighting in every luscious, crispy bite.
Print
Crispy Parmesan 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: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a delightful dish featuring golden-brown, breadcrumb-coated chicken breasts topped with a rich and velvety garlic-infused cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it pairs crispy textures with savory, tangy Parmesan flavors, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture will create the flavorful coating for your chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then press the chicken breasts into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure the coating adheres well.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the skillet.
- Fry Until Golden: Cook the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring they’re cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Parmesan and Season: Incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking the sauce for another 2-3 minutes until it’s creamy and smooth.
- Assemble and Serve: Pour the rich creamy garlic sauce over the cooked chicken breasts. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by simmering longer for a thicker consistency or adding a splash of chicken broth if too thick.
- Freshly grated Parmesan delivers better flavor than pre-grated.
- Can be served with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
