There’s something magical about crispy, golden-brown chicken topped with a rich, velvety garlic sauce. This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the perfect weeknight dinner—simple, delicious, and packed with flavor. If you love meals that are both comforting and restaurant-quality, this recipe is for you!
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Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Crusted Chicken
✅ Crispy & Flavorful – The Parmesan coating adds an irresistible crunch and cheesy depth of flavor.
✅ Rich & Creamy Sauce – The garlic butter sauce takes this dish to the next level with its luxurious texture.
✅ Simple & Quick – Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
✅ Versatile – Serve it with pasta, veggies, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
What Does Parmesan Crusted Chicken Taste Like?
This dish has an incredible balance of textures and flavors. The chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, thanks to the Parmesan-infused coating. The creamy garlic sauce adds a rich, buttery, and slightly garlicky flavor that complements the crunch of the crust beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- ½ cup butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
✔️ Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
✔️ Shallow dish for dredging the chicken
✔️ Saucepan for making the garlic sauce
✔️ Whisk for smooth sauce consistency
✔️ Sharp knife for prepping ingredients
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
🔹 Flour Alternative – Use almond flour or gluten-free flour for a low-carb or gluten-free version.
🔹 Parmesan Upgrade – Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor.
🔹 Extra Crunch – Mix panko breadcrumbs with the Parmesan for extra crispiness.
🔹 Dairy-Free Option – Substitute olive oil for butter and coconut cream for heavy cream.
🔹 Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
In a shallow dish, combine flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the mixture, ensuring an even coating.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the crust is golden brown.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
While the chicken is baking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add heavy cream, salt, and pepper, whisking until smooth. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Plate the crispy chicken and drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce. Enjoy immediately!
What to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with:
🍽️ Roasted Vegetables – Try asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini.
🍽️ Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes complement the crispy chicken perfectly.
🍽️ Pasta – Serve with fettuccine or spaghetti for a hearty meal.
🍽️ Rice or Quinoa – A great gluten-free option that soaks up the delicious sauce.
🍽️ Fresh Salad – A light Caesar or arugula salad balances out the richness.
Expert Tips for Perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken
✔️ Pound the Chicken Evenly – If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them slightly to even out the cooking time.
✔️ Let the Chicken Rest – After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to keep it juicy.
✔️ Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese has anti-caking agents that affect the texture. Fresh is best!
✔️ Don’t Overcook the Sauce – Simmer gently and whisk continuously to prevent separation.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
🧊 To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🔥 To Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat to keep the chicken crispy. The sauce may thicken in the fridge—simply add a splash of milk or cream when reheating.
❄️ To Freeze: Freeze the chicken separately (without sauce) for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can coat the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. The sauce is best made fresh.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well—just adjust the baking time as needed.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or Greek yogurt, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
How can I make this dish healthier?
For a lighter version, use olive oil instead of butter and Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
Try More Delicious Chicken Recipes
🔥 Garlic Butter Chicken Bites – A quick and flavorful skillet meal!
🔥 Creamy Tuscan Chicken – A decadent dish with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
🔥 Crispy Lemon Herb Chicken – Zesty, crispy, and full of flavor!
Share Your Creations!
If you make this Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce, I’d love to see your results! Tag me on Instagram or Pinterest and share your photos. Don’t forget to leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review in the comments below!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and creamy chicken dinner! 🍽️🧄🧀
