If you’re looking for a dish that’s crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and topped with an indulgent sauce—this parmesan crusted chicken with creamy garlic sauce delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner party, this meal is both satisfying and elegant. The parmesan coating adds an umami-rich crunch, while the creamy garlic sauce turns simple chicken into something truly decadent.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can serve it with pasta, roasted vegetables, or even spoon the sauce over rice. It’s a great go-to for busy weeknights, and the leftovers (if there are any) taste just as good the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the parmesan crusted chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup flour (for dredging)
- Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the creamy garlic sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley and lemon zest for garnish
Make sure to use fresh parmesan—the pre-shredded kind doesn’t melt as well and won’t give you the crisp crust you’re after. If you’re unsure about what kind of cream to use, check out The Kitchn’s guide to heavy cream for more clarity.
Prepping the Chicken for the Best Crust
Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Pound them gently with a mallet to ensure an even thickness of about ½ inch. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
Next, create your breading station:
- Bowl 1: flour
- Bowl 2: beaten egg
- Bowl 3: parmesan + panko mixture
Dredge each piece in flour first (this helps the egg stick), then dip into the egg, and finally press into the parmesan mixture. Be sure to press the coating in well so it adheres tightly. Want to explore another delicious variation? Check out this pecan crusted chicken for a nutty alternative!
Pan-Frying: Crispy, Golden, and Juicy
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot and shimmering, add the chicken cutlets and cook for 4–5 minutes per side. Resist the urge to flip too early—let that parmesan crust get golden and crispy. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when the edges start turning golden brown and the crust releases easily from the pan.
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Then, remove the chicken from the pan and set it on a paper towel-lined plate to rest. For an extra crispy edge, you can finish them in a 400°F oven for 5 minutes.
Not sure you’re pan-frying correctly? Serious Eats has an excellent breakdown of pan-frying techniques to help you master the method.
Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same pan (don’t clean it—you want those flavor bits), reduce the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to brown the garlic too much, as it can turn bitter.
Slowly add in the heavy cream, whisking continuously. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly—about 3–5 minutes. Stir in the parmesan and continue whisking until smooth and thick. If you want to add a splash of brightness, finish with some lemon zest or fresh parsley.
You’ll know the sauce is ready when it coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. This creamy garlic sauce also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or pasta. Speaking of pasta, if you love this flavor combo, you might also enjoy our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe.
Plating and Serving Suggestions
Once your sauce is creamy and smooth, it’s time to plate. Place your crispy parmesan chicken cutlets on a serving dish or individual plates. Spoon the warm garlic cream sauce generously over the top, allowing it to drizzle down the sides. Garnish with chopped parsley or a touch of lemon zest for freshness and color.
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted green beans or broccoli
- Fettuccine or angel hair pasta
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
If you love hearty comfort meals with gourmet flair, this chicken is a perfect base for so many dinner themes. A simple side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad makes the meal complete without overwhelming the main dish.
Pro Tips to Nail This Recipe Every Time
Don’t skip the flour step. It creates a dry surface for the egg to cling to, which then helps the parmesan breadcrumb coating stick tightly.
Use fresh parmesan cheese. Pre-packaged varieties often contain anti-caking agents that prevent the cheese from melting and browning properly.
Avoid crowding the pan. If you try to cook too many cutlets at once, the temperature drops, and you’ll end up steaming instead of searing the chicken.
Let the chicken rest. After cooking, let the chicken sit for 3–5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat moist.
Deglaze if needed. If your pan gets too dry while making the sauce, add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to loosen the flavorful bits from the bottom.
Frequently Asked Questions
To make a rich creamy garlic sauce, sauté minced garlic in butter until fragrant. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated parmesan until melted, then season with salt and pepper. Simmer to thicken, and garnish with parsley if desired.
Garlic parmesan sauce typically includes butter, minced garlic, heavy cream or milk, and grated parmesan cheese. Some versions add a thickener like flour or cornstarch and optional herbs for added flavor.
Creamy garlic sauce is generally made from butter, garlic, heavy cream, and cheese. It’s simmered until smooth and thick, sometimes enhanced with chicken broth or a dash of lemon juice for balance.
For the breading to stick well, use the classic three-step process: dredge the chicken in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally press into a parmesan and breadcrumb mixture. Let the breaded chicken sit for a few minutes before frying, which helps the coating adhere better during cooking.
A Delicious Take on Comfort Food
This parmesan crusted chicken with creamy garlic sauce is everything you want in a dinner: crunchy, creamy, savory, and satisfying. It feels luxurious without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving this to family or impressing dinner guests, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
What makes this recipe shine is the balance: crispy cheese crust meets a rich, velvety garlic sauce. Add your favorite sides, and you’ve got a full meal that’s worthy of a regular spot on your dinner rotation.
If you’re looking for more comforting meals, don’t miss our roundup of easy dinner recipes for family comfort foods — packed with dishes just like this one!
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve mastered this irresistible chicken dish, it’s time to make it your own. Try different herbs, swap in Romano cheese, or turn the garlic sauce into a mushroom cream sauce. Cooking is all about personalization—and with a solid foundation like this recipe, you can’t go wrong.
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