🌟 Introduction
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home in under 45 minutes. The chicken is tender and juicy with a crisp, cheesy crust, while the sauce is smooth, garlicky, and comforting. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
📝 Ingredients
For the Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- 3 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying)
- 1 tbsp butter (for added crispiness)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
🔪 Instructions & Methods
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½ inch) using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking.
- Season the flour with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place in a shallow dish.
- In a second bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third dish, combine Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken breast:
- First in the seasoned flour,
- Then dip into the egg wash,
- Finally coat in the Parmesan-panko mixture. Press firmly so it sticks.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the coated chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 75°C).
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium-low and melt 2 tbsp butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant (do not brown).
- Sprinkle in 2 tbsp flour and whisk to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add heavy cream and stir until smooth.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
- Plate the crispy Parmesan chicken.
- Spoon the warm garlic cream sauce over the top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or extra Parmesan if desired.
- Serve with your choice of side dish (mashed potatoes, pasta, or sautéed greens are great options).
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Side Dish Ideas: Mashed potatoes, fettuccine Alfredo, roasted asparagus, or garlic butter green beans.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with this dish.
✅ Tips & Variations
- For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding the cream.
- You can substitute the chicken with turkey cutlets or even firm tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for additional texture and nutrition.