Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
If you are craving a dish that is both indulgent and surprisingly easy to prepare, let me introduce you to the magical world of the Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe. This dish marries crispy, golden chicken crusted with nutty Parmesan cheese with a luxurious, garlicky cream sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for seconds, making it an absolute favorite for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from building that irresistible crispy crust to creating the rich and silky sauce that complements the chicken perfectly. The beauty here is in using simple, everyday ingredients that come together for an impressive result every time.
- Chicken breast cutlets: Boneless and skinless for tender, easy-to-cook pieces that soak up flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The base for the crispy coating that holds the Parmesan beautifully.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, slightly salty crunch to the crust and enhances overall flavor.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Essential spices providing a fragrant, savory backdrop to the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.
- Butter: Creates the golden crust on the chicken and forms the foundation of the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream (or half-and-half): Gives the sauce its luscious texture and rich taste.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the sauce with that signature garlicky punch.
- Optional garnishes: Extra Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley add a pretty finish and a burst of freshness.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets
Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half horizontally. This creates thinner cutlets that cook quickly and evenly. Pat each piece dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks perfectly and results in a crisp crust.
Step 2: Mix the Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly ensures every chicken cutlet will have a balanced and flavorful crust.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Press each cutlet into the Parmesan-flour mixture, making sure both sides are well coated. Don’t be shy here — the crust is the star, so a generous but even coating makes all the difference. Shake off any excess to avoid clumps.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken cutlets and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep warm while you whip up the sauce.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté briefly for about 30 seconds until you can smell that heavenly garlic aroma. Pour in the heavy cream along with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir well, scraping up any delicious browned bits stuck to the pan—that’s flavor gold.
Step 6: Thicken and Combine
Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens and becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the luscious sauce over each piece, and heat together for a minute to marry the flavors beautifully.
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish even further, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for an added cheesy punch and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and a hint of freshness. These simple garnishes make it look like a restaurant-quality dish.
Side Dishes
This chicken shines with a variety of sides. Consider serving alongside buttery mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, or a crisp Caesar salad. Each side offers a complementary texture and flavor that balances the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken on a bed of creamy polenta or wild rice, and drizzle extra sauce around the plate. You can even layer slices of roasted vegetables beneath the chicken for a colorful, textured plate that’s as inviting to the eye as it is to the taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. This way, your delicious Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe remains ready for a quick, satisfying meal later on.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately to maintain the best texture. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out the chicken. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwave can be used too but do so in short bursts to keep the chicken tender and sauce creamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and add extra juiciness. Just be sure to adjust cooking time slightly since thighs can be thicker.
Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or use a dairy-free butter alternative. The sauce may taste a bit different but will still be creamy and delicious.
How do I ensure the coating stays crispy when serving?
Pat the chicken dry before coating and avoid overcrowding the pan while cooking. Serve immediately or keep warm in a low oven on a baking rack so the crust stays crisp.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can coat the chicken in advance and keep it refrigerated for a few hours before cooking. However, for the crispiest crust, it’s best to cook right before serving.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese are excellent alternatives that provide a similar nutty, salty flavor to the crust.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe really hits the sweet spot between comfort food and an elegant meal you can whip up without hassle. It’s packed with flavor, texture, and that little bit of indulgence we all need sometimes. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe, savor each bite, and share it with your loved ones. Trust me, it’s going to become a beloved staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine.
Print
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring tender chicken cutlets coated in a crispy Parmesan and flour crust, then pan-fried to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an elegant yet easy meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half horizontally to create 4 cutlets)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Cutlets: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture which helps the coating stick better.
- Make the Coating Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix these dry ingredients until evenly blended to create the flavorful crust.
- Coat the Chicken: Press each chicken cutlet into the Parmesan-flour mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated. Shake off any excess flour mixture to prevent clumping during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Once melted and sizzling, add the coated chicken cutlets. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Then transfer them to a plate and keep warm.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet with the remaining butter and browned bits, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt, which will add depth to the sauce.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, add salt and black pepper, then stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate the flavors. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken and become creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, spoon the creamy garlic sauce over them, and heat everything together for about 1 minute to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the Parmesan crusted chicken hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired, adding a fresh and savory finish.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
- Ensure chicken cutlets are patted dry to get a crisp crust.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while cooking to achieve even browning.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for best flavor and texture.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
