Parmesan Crusted Chicken Garlic

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

Savor the delightful combination of crispy, golden parmesan-crusted chicken paired with a rich, creamy garlic sauce. The tender chicken breasts are coated in a savory breadcrumb mixture, fried to crunchy perfection, and served with a silky smooth sauce made from heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This flavorful dish pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables, offering a restaurant-quality culinary experience you can easily recreate at home. Garnish with fresh parsley for added flair and serve warm for a truly satisfying meal.

Ranah
Updated on Wed, 21 May 2025 12:44:30 GMT
A plate of chicken with sauce and pasta. Pin it
A plate of chicken with sauce and pasta. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

This Parmesan crusted chicken delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your kitchen with a crispy, cheesy exterior and a velvety garlic sauce that makes everything on your plate taste better. I've been perfecting this recipe for years, and it never fails to impress even the pickiest eaters at my dinner table.

I first made this dish when trying to recreate my favorite restaurant meal, and now it's become our Sunday night tradition. My husband claims it's better than any version he's had at upscale Italian restaurants.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: The star of the show, choose ones that are similar in size for even cooking
  • Parmesan cheese: Fresh is best as it creates a nuttier crust than pre-grated varieties
  • Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese style breadcrumbs create an exceptionally crispy exterior
  • Garlic powder: Adds flavor to the breading without burning like fresh garlic would
  • Italian seasoning: A time-saving blend that brings herbal notes to complement the cheese
  • Heavy cream: Provides richness and body to the sauce, don't substitute with half and half
  • Fresh garlic: The aromatic foundation of the sauce, mince it finely for best flavor distribution
  • Chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce while keeping it pourable

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the chicken:
Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness of about half an inch using a meat mallet or heavy skillet. This ensures they cook evenly and remain tender throughout. If your chicken breasts are very large, consider slicing them horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
Create your breading station:
Mix Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs and seasonings in one dish. This combination creates the perfect crispy crust. Set up your flour in another dish and beaten eggs in a third. Working in this order creates a coating that actually stays on during cooking.
Bread the chicken:
Dredge each piece thoroughly in flour, shaking off excess. The flour creates a base for the egg to cling to. Then dip in egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally press firmly into the Parmesan mixture, patting gently to ensure good adhesion on all sides.
Pan fry to perfection:
Heat olive oil until shimmering but not smoking. Cook chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply golden and cooked through to 165°F. Avoid overcrowding the pan which can lead to steaming rather than crisping. Transfer to a wire rack rather than paper towels to maintain crispness.
Create the sauce base:
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds. This infuses the base with aromatic flavor. Immediately add flour and whisk constantly to create a smooth paste.
Build the sauce:
Gradually pour in liquids while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Start with just a splash of broth, incorporate completely, then add more. Continue with cream in the same fashion. Simmer gently until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
Finish and serve:
Stir in Parmesan until completely melted. Taste and adjust seasonings. Pour the hot sauce over chicken just before serving to maximize crispiness. Garnish with fresh herbs for color and brightness.
A plate of chicken with sauce and pasta. Pin it
A plate of chicken with sauce and pasta. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it was the first "fancy" meal I cooked for my in-laws. My mother-in-law actually requested the recipe afterward, which might be the highest culinary compliment I've ever received. The secret is really in that creamy garlic sauce - don't skimp on the fresh garlic.

Make-Ahead Options

You can bread the chicken up to 4 hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator on a wire rack. This actually helps the coating adhere better during cooking. The sauce can also be made in advance and gently reheated with a splash of cream to bring it back to life. Just be careful not to let it boil aggressively which can cause separation.

Perfect Pairings

This chicken shines when served with simple sides that can benefit from that amazing sauce. Buttered egg noodles are my go-to, as they catch every drop of the sauce in their little folds. Steamed asparagus or broccoli provides a nice color contrast and healthy balance. For a low-carb option, try serving over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your breading falls off during cooking, try refrigerating the breaded chicken for 20 minutes before frying. This helps the coating set. Make sure your pan and oil are properly heated before adding the chicken. If your sauce becomes too thick, simply thin it with additional broth. Too thin? Simmer a bit longer or add a touch more cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I get the chicken crispy?

Ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the parmesan breadcrumb mixture, and fry in a hot skillet with enough oil to create a crisp golden crust.

→ Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Yes, regular breadcrumbs will work, though panko breadcrumbs provide a crunchier texture.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Great options include pasta, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad for balance.

→ How do I prevent the sauce from clumping?

Whisk the broth and cream gradually into the roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps before adding Parmesan cheese.

→ Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and reheat it gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if it thickens.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Garlic

Crispy chicken topped with creamy garlic sauce. A hearty and flavorful meal for your next dinner.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Ranah

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ For the Chicken

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (preferably fresh)
03 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
04 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
06 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
08 2 eggs, beaten
09 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
10 2–3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

→ For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

11 2 tablespoons butter
12 4 garlic cloves, minced
13 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
14 1 cup chicken broth
15 1 cup heavy cream
16 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
17 Salt and black pepper to taste
18 Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) for even cooking. In a bowl, mix the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set up a breading station: place the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in another, and the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture in a third. Coat each chicken breast in the flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally press it into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture until well coated. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Fry the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and keep warm.

Step 02

In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer the sauce for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 03

Place the crispy chicken breasts on plates and spoon the creamy garlic sauce over them. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Shallow dishes for breading
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and butter)
  • Contains gluten (panko breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour)
  • Contains eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 650
  • Total Fat: 38 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 52 g