If you love a dish that’s both crispy and indulgently creamy, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe. Imagine tender chicken breasts coated in a golden, crunchy Parmesan crust, all topped with a decadent, silky garlic sauce that just melts in your mouth. This recipe perfectly balances texture and flavor, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or serving guests on a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential, coming together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and irresistible creaminess. Each item brings something special to the table from the crisp cheesy crust to the luscious garlic sauce.
- Chicken breasts (2 large, halved into cutlets): Provides juicy, tender meat that’s perfect for quick cooking and crisp crust coverage.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup + 1/4 cup): The star for a savory, nutty crust and a rich addition to the creamy sauce.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Adds the satisfying crunch and golden color to the crust.
- Salt (1 tsp total): Enhances all the flavors beautifully without overwhelming the dish.
- Black pepper (3/4 tsp total): Adds just the right touch of mild heat and depth.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps to sear the chicken to a perfect golden brown without sticking.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Creates a rich base for the creamy garlic sauce.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Delivers aromatic warmth and depth to the sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Provides luxurious smoothness to the sauce, balancing the crispy crust.
How to Make Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to make sure it’s ready to finish cooking the chicken perfectly after searing. This locks in all those delicious juices while maintaining the perfect crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Mix the Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl for your crispy coating. Season each chicken cutlet with salt and pepper, then generously press them into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture. This step is key for that mouthwatering crunch you’ll fall in love with.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and carefully place the crusted chicken cutlets in the pan. Sear each side for 5 to 6 minutes until they achieve a gorgeous golden brown crust. This initial cooking gives the chicken a satisfying crispness while creating a base layer of flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Transfer your beautifully seared chicken into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This step finishes cooking the chicken through, ensuring it’s juicy and tender on the inside.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Use the same skillet where you cooked the chicken so none of that wonderful flavor goes to waste. Melt the butter, then sauté the minced garlic for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens delightfully into a velvety, aromatic coating.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Pour the luscious creamy garlic sauce over the Parmesan-crusted chicken cutlets, making sure every bite is bathed in flavor. Now you have a restaurant-quality dish ready to impress!
How to Serve Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of vibrant color and fresh herbal notes that complement the richness of the creamy garlic sauce beautifully. Adding a twist of lemon zest brightens the dish and balances the depth of the Parmesan crust.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a crisp arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette. These sides introduce fresh textures and flavors, keeping the meal balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, plate the chicken atop a bed of creamy polenta or angel hair pasta tossed lightly in olive oil and herbs. Drizzle extra creamy garlic sauce on the plate for a gorgeous restaurant-style presentation that’s sure to wow your family or guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Re-seal tightly to maintain the crust’s texture and sauce’s creaminess.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken without sauce for up to 2 months. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can freeze it separately for up to 1 month in a sealed container.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes uncovered to preserve crispiness. Warm the sauce gently on the stovetop or in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, stirring frequently to keep its smooth, creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and offer a slightly richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may need a few minutes longer in the oven to reach the proper internal temperature.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?
If you want a lighter version, you can try half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a bit of flour to thicken; however, the sauce will be less rich and creamy compared to using heavy cream.
How do I get the Parmesan crust extra crispy?
Make sure you pat the chicken dry before coating, and press the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken. Also, sear it in a hot pan with enough oil to form a golden crust before baking.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute dairy Parmesan with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute for the sauce. The flavor will differ, but it can still be delicious!
What wine pairs well with Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe?
A crisp Chardonnay or a dry Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy garlic sauce and the cheesy crust perfectly, enhancing the flavors without overpowering the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is the kind of meal that becomes a fast favorite in your recipe rotation thanks to its perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and savory notes. It’s comforting, elegant, and surprisingly simple to make, so do yourself a favor and give it a try—you won’t regret it!
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Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A delicious and easy Parmesan-crusted chicken recipe served with a rich and creamy garlic sauce. This dish features tender chicken breasts coated in a crisp Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, pan-seared for golden perfection, then finished in the oven. The creamy garlic sauce complements the chicken beautifully, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved into cutlets
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Season the chicken cutlets with salt and black pepper, then thoroughly coat each piece with the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture to ensure a crispy crust.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the coated chicken cutlets in the skillet and sear each side for 5-6 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
- Make the Sauce: While the chicken bakes, use the same skillet to melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper, stirring constantly. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Serve: Plate the baked chicken cutlets and generously spoon the creamy garlic sauce over them. Serve immediately to enjoy the flavor at its best.
Notes
- You can use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy crust.
- To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before coating.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
