Name: Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style or seasoned); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 eggs, beaten; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk (or half-and-half); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish

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This Parmesan crusted chicken with creamy garlic sauce is one of my favorite comfort meals. The crispy, golden crust pairs perfectly with the rich and velvety garlic sauce, making every bite satisfying. I like serving it with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a hearty and balanced dinner.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple yet impressive this dish is. The chicken comes out juicy with a crunchy coating, while the garlic sauce adds a silky, cheesy finish. It feels like a restaurant-quality meal, but I can make it at home in under an hour. I also like that the recipe uses pantry staples, so I don’t need anything fancy to prepare it.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style or plain with seasoning)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 eggs, beaten
2 tbsp olive oil

For the creamy garlic sauce:

3 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and keep warm.
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
Stir in the flour and cook briefly, then slowly whisk in the milk until smooth and thickened.
Add the Parmesan, salt, and pepper, and stir until creamy.
Pour the garlic sauce over the chicken, garnish with parsley, and serve with sides of choice.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It usually takes me about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook, so I can have dinner on the table in around 40 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs when I want extra crunch. For a lighter option, I bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes instead of pan-frying. I also like swapping milk with half-and-half when I want a richer sauce. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes gives the garlic sauce a nice kick.

Storage/reheating

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) so it stays crispy, then heat the sauce separately on the stovetop and pour it over just before serving. Freezing isn’t ideal because the sauce can separate, but the chicken alone freezes well for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, I sometimes use boneless, skinless thighs because they stay juicy and flavorful.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

I swap the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce.

What sides go best with this dish?

I like serving it with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. A crisp green salad also balances the richness of the sauce.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, I coat the chicken in advance and refrigerate it for up to 8 hours before cooking. This helps on busy nights.

How do I thicken the garlic sauce more?

If the sauce feels too thin, I whisk in a little more flour or let it simmer a few extra minutes until it reaches my desired consistency.

Conclusion

This Parmesan crusted chicken with creamy garlic sauce is a delicious, comforting meal that I love making for family dinners or even when I just want something cozy for myself. The crispy coating, combined with the creamy, garlicky sauce, makes it a dish I come back to again and again.