Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Garlic Sauce – Crunchy, Flavor-Packed & Easy!

Hey there, friend! If you’re craving a dinner that’s crispy, comforting, and packed with flavor, you’ve just found your new go-to. This Parmesan crusted chicken with garlic sauce is one of those recipes that always gets rave reviews in my house. The chicken comes out golden and crunchy, while the creamy garlic sauce takes it to the next level. Honestly, it feels like something you’d order at a restaurant, but you can whip it up right in your kitchen in under an hour. That’s a win in my book!

Why This Dish is So Delicious (and Balanced)

Chicken is one of those versatile proteins that never goes out of style, and coating it in a Parmesan crust makes it irresistible. Parmesan cheese not only gives a nutty, salty crunch but also provides calcium and protein. The garlic sauce? It’s creamy and indulgent but can be lightened up with a few tweaks if you’d like. Pair it with a side of roasted veggies or a simple salad, and you’ve got yourself a balanced meal that feels indulgent without being too heavy.

Tasty Variations You Can Try

• Lighter Version: Bake the chicken instead of pan-frying to cut back on oil.
• Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of breadcrumbs.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the crust for a subtle heat.
• Herb Lovers: Mix in Italian seasoning, fresh basil, or parsley to the crust for an herby flavor boost.

The Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Garlic Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crunch)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup flour (for dredging)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, dip into beaten eggs, then coat in a mixture of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pan-fry chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Whisk in flour and cook for another minute. Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking until smooth. Add cream and Parmesan, stirring until thickened and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve: Spoon the garlic sauce over the crispy chicken. Garnish with parsley and serve with veggies, pasta, or rice.

Helpful Tips for Success

• Thin Chicken Works Best: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness so they cook quickly and evenly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if needed to keep the crust crispy.
• Extra Crispy? Bake cooked chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes to make the crust even crunchier.
• Perfect Pairing: This dish goes beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes or roasted asparagus.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying? Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
2. Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan? Freshly grated Parmesan works best, but pre-shredded will still work if that’s what you have.
3. How do I store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the crust crispy.
4. Can I freeze this? Yes—freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven, then top with freshly made sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Parmesan crusted chicken with garlic sauce is crunchy, flavorful, and downright irresistible. I love how it feels indulgent but is still easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Every bite is a mix of crispy coating and creamy sauce—comfort food at its best. If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turned out for you! And don’t forget—pin it to your Pinterest board so you always have a crowd-pleasing dinner idea ready to go. 🍗🧄🧀