Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Nothing beats the irresistible crunch of Parmesan Crusted Chicken paired with a rich and velvety garlic cream sauce. This dish strikes the perfect balance between crispy, cheesy goodness and smooth, savory decadence. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe feels gourmet but comes together with minimal effort.

What is Parmesan Crusted Chicken?

Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a flavorful dish where chicken breasts are coated with grated parmesan cheese—sometimes mixed with panko breadcrumbs—and then pan-seared until golden and crispy. Unlike traditional breaded chicken, this method skips flour and focuses on the sharp, umami-rich flavor of parmesan to create a satisfyingly crunchy crust.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25–30 minutes
Full of Flavor: Savory parmesan crust with juicy chicken inside
Creamy & Comforting: The garlic sauce adds a decadent finishing touch
Kid-Friendly: A family favorite—even picky eaters love it
Customizable: Works with various sides and dietary tweaks

A Bit of Background

While cheese-crusted dishes are common in Italian cooking, parmesan-coated meats appear in many culinary traditions. Chicken Parmigiana, for example, is one of the inspirations behind this recipe. Over time, cooks have adapted it, skipping breadcrumbs entirely in favor of a cheesy crust, and pairing it with creamy sauces for extra indulgence.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 chicken breasts (small-medium or 2 large, halved)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Parmesan Coating:

½ cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup light cream or heavy cream
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or oregano
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup chopped spinach (optional)

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken

1. Prep the Chicken

Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.

2. Coat the Chicken

Mix parmesan and panko in a shallow dish. Press the mixture firmly onto both sides of each chicken breast.

3. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.

4. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in cream and Italian seasoning. Add spinach if using and let it wilt. Mix in grated parmesan and let the sauce thicken slightly.

5. Finish the Dish

Return the chicken to the skillet. Cover and cook for another 8–10 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Spoon sauce over the chicken to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over:

Pasta or orzo
Mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower
Roasted or sautéed vegetables
Rice (Cilantro Lime Rice is a great contrast!)

Best Side Dishes

Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes – Crispy, golden, and herb-infused
Parmesan Zucchini Fries – Low-carb and perfect for dipping in extra sauce
Sautéed Spinach & Mushrooms – Quick and full of earthy flavor
Butternut Squash Ravioli – A sweet contrast to the savory chicken
Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Rich and ultra comforting
Cilantro Lime Rice – Light and zesty to cut the richness
Garlic Parmesan Orzo – Creamy and cohesive with the main
Italian Grinder Salad – Crunchy and fresh with tangy dressing

Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approx.)

Calories: 450–550
Protein: 40g
Carbs: 4g
Fat: 30g
Sodium: 500–600mg
Fiber: 1g

Healthier Swaps

Use light cream to cut fat
Bake or air-fry the chicken instead of pan-searing
Add more spinach or serve with roasted veggies
Try nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a dairy-free option

Pro Tips for Success

Use Fresh Parmesan: Skip the pre-grated stuff for better texture and flavor
Don’t Overcook Garlic: Just a quick sauté to avoid bitterness
Let Chicken Rest: Rest 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy
Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if needed for maximum crispiness
Simmer Sauce Gently: High heat can cause curdling—keep it low and slow

Recipe Variations

Oven-Baked: Bake at 400°F for 20–25 mins, broil to crisp
Air Fryer: 375°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or paprika to coating or sauce
Keto-Friendly: Use almond flour instead of panko, and heavy cream
Extra Cheesy: Mix in mozzarella or asiago for more melty goodness

Final Thoughts

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the kind of comfort food that feels fancy but is easy enough for a weeknight. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Serve it with your favorite side dish and enjoy a crispy, creamy, crowd-pleasing meal.