This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a perfect combination of crispy, golden-brown chicken with a rich, creamy garlic sauce. It's a comforting, indulgent meal that's surprisingly easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because of the way the crispy Parmesan crust on the chicken gives a satisfying crunch, perfectly balanced by the creamy, velvety garlic sauce. The sauce has just the right amount of garlic and creaminess to make the dish feel rich without being overwhelming. Plus, it's quick enough to prepare on a busy weeknight but impressive enough for a dinner party or special occasion. I always find myself going back for seconds!

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 large, halved)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream or light cream
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or oregano
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)

(Hint: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:
I start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to make sure they’re nicely flavored from the inside out.
Make the Coating:
In a shallow dish, I mix together the grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Then, I lightly press the chicken breasts into this mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.
Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, I heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and add the chicken breasts. I cook them for about 3–4 minutes per side until they develop a nice golden, crispy crust.
Prepare the Sauce:
Once the chicken is cooked, I lower the heat and add minced garlic to the pan, cooking it for 30 seconds until fragrant. I then pour in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and more Parmesan cheese. I stir in chopped spinach if I’m using it, letting everything simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine and Serve:
I return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over the top. I let it simmer together for an extra minute to allow the flavors to meld, and then it’s ready to serve!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce for a little heat.
Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for an aromatic twist.
Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce to give it extra depth of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: When reheating, I recommend warming the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to help restore the sauce's consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re more tender and juicy but may require a bit more cooking time.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of the regular panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or even a non-dairy milk such as almond milk. The sauce will still be creamy, but the richness will be lighter.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread the chicken earlier in the day and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. This saves time when you’re ready to get the meal on the table.

What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are good substitutes. They will provide a similar savory, cheesy flavor, though each has a slightly different taste.

Conclusion

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is one of my favorite dishes to make. It’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor, yet easy enough for any night of the week. The crispy chicken paired with the creamy, garlicky sauce is simply irresistible. Whether for a quick dinner or a special meal, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress!

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Searing, Simmering
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce combines crispy, golden-brown chicken with a rich, velvety garlic sauce, creating a comforting and indulgent dish perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
Make the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese and ½ cup panko breadcrumbs. Lightly press the mixture onto both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring an even coating.
Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side until a golden, crispy crust forms.
Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir in the chopped spinach, if using. Simmer the sauce for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine and Serve: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for an additional minute to meld the flavors. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
For added aroma, incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the sauce.
For extra flavor, include sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes in the sauce.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce's consistency.