Golden, crispy chicken with a flavorful parmesan crust, smothered in a rich, buttery garlic cream sauce. This Creamy Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Garlic Sauce brings together comfort food indulgence and elevated bistro flavor in one easy dinner recipe. It’s a showstopper dish that feels like restaurant-quality but is surprisingly simple to make at home.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or a date night in, this chicken is the kind of recipe that leaves a lasting impression. Juicy inside, crispy outside, and draped in a velvety garlic cream sauce—it’s the perfect main to serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or even crusty bread to soak up every drop.

What Kind of Parmesan Should I Use?

For this dish, always go with freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-shredded varieties tend to have anti-caking agents that don’t melt as beautifully and can alter the final texture of your crust. Grate it fresh from the block for the most luxurious crust and richest flavor. If possible, use Parmigiano Reggiano for its sharp, nutty depth.

Ingredients for the Creamy Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Garlic Sauce

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for crisping and slicing. Pound them slightly for even cooking.

Parmesan Cheese: A key element in the crust, it adds saltiness, crispiness, and that signature nutty kick.

Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs bring a crunchier texture than regular breadcrumbs.

Eggs: Used to help bind the parmesan and breadcrumbs to the chicken.

All-Purpose Flour: The first coating layer that gives the crust structure and helps everything stick.

Heavy Cream: Forms the base of the garlic sauce, making it rich and luscious.

Garlic: The heart of the sauce—freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable.

Butter: Adds flavor depth and helps build the sauce’s velvety texture.

Chicken Broth: Balances the richness of the cream and deepens the sauce’s flavor.

Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs that brightens up the creamy sauce.

Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer from crust to sauce.

How To Make the Creamy Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by butterflying or pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures quick, even cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of panko breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan. Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip into the egg, and press into the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture to fully coat.

Step 3: Pan-Fry Until Golden

In a large skillet over medium heat, add oil and butter. Once hot, place the coated chicken in and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up those delicious browned bits. Add in heavy cream, a bit more grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Place the crispy chicken back into the skillet or serve it sliced with the creamy garlic sauce spooned generously on top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Serve this rich and crispy chicken immediately after topping with the garlic cream sauce. It pairs beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes, linguine, or roasted veggies. For a lighter option, serve it with a side salad and lemon wedges to cut the richness.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven to maintain the crust’s texture—avoid the microwave if possible to keep that crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the crust from falling off the chicken?

Make sure to pat the chicken dry before breading and press the coating firmly into the chicken. Let the breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying to help the crust adhere better.

Can I bake this instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal for the crust.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or even a mix of milk and a touch of cream cheese for a lighter version. The texture may vary slightly.

Can I prep this dish ahead?

You can bread the chicken up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to cook. The sauce is best made fresh, but leftovers still taste great.

What herbs can I add to customize the sauce?

Fresh thyme, parsley, or a bit of tarragon can be excellent additions depending on your taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add heat.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Garlic Sauce, here are more flavor-packed favorites to add to your weeknight rotation:

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine – Bright citrus meets creamy comfort.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta – Dreamy ricotta sauce with tender bites of chicken.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes – A one-pan wonder full of cozy, hearty flavor.
Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken – Crunchy and flavorful, with a herby twist.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – Bold and buttery with a slight kick.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready whenever you need a creamy, crispy dinner fix.

And let me know in the comments how it turned out! Did you try baking instead of frying? Add any custom herbs to the sauce?

I always love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Feel free to share your tips and questions—we’re all in this kitchen together.

Explore more of my daily recipe ideas on Pinterest @LifeWithNinaRecipes

Creamy Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Garlic Sauce

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Pan-Fry
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Garlic Sauce is a restaurant-style dinner made easy at home. Juicy, golden chicken with a crispy parmesan crust is topped with a rich garlic cream sauce that’s full of bold, savory flavor. A perfect comfort meal that pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Instructions

1. Butterfly or pound chicken breasts to even thickness and season with salt and pepper.

2. Prepare three shallow bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, panko and parmesan mixed in the third.

3. Dredge chicken in flour, dip in eggs, then press into breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.

4. Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pan-fry chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

5. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

6. Add chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.

7. Pour in heavy cream, remaining parmesan, Italian seasoning, and stir. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly.

8. Return chicken to the pan or serve on a plate with sauce generously spooned over.

9. Garnish with chopped herbs and serve hot with your favorite sides.