Are you looking for a restaurant-quality chicken dish that you can easily make at home? This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce will transport your taste buds to culinary heaven. With a perfect crunchy exterior, juicy interior, and a velvety garlic sauce that brings everything together, this dish is guaranteed to impress family and friends alike.
Why This Parmesan Chicken Recipe Stands Out
This isn’t just any chicken Parmesan recipe. The combination of a perfectly seasoned, crispy Parmesan crust with the rich, creamy garlic sauce creates a balanced dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Unlike traditional chicken Parmesan that uses tomato sauce, this version pairs the crispy chicken with a decadent garlic cream sauce that elevates the dish to new heights.
Whether you’re planning a special dinner or just want to upgrade your weeknight meal rotation, this Parmesan crusted chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients for the Perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken
For the Chicken Cutlets:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Olive oil for frying (about 1/4 cup)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Equipment Needed
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Shallow dishes for breading station
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Instant-read thermometer
- Baking sheet with wire rack
- Paper towels
Step-by-Step Instructions for Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Preparing the Chicken
- Butterfly and pound the chicken breasts: Place each chicken breast on a cutting board and, with your hand flat on top, carefully slice horizontally through the middle, stopping just before cutting all the way through. Open the chicken like a book. Cover with plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the breading station: Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, place the flour. In the second, beat the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water. In the third, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper.
- Bread the chicken: Working with one piece at a time, dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off excess. Next, dip in the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off. Finally, press firmly into the Parmesan-panko mixture, ensuring an even coating on both sides. Place on a clean plate and repeat with remaining chicken.
- Rest the breaded chicken: Allow the breaded chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This helps the coating adhere better during frying.
Cooking the Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the chicken: Carefully place 2 pieces of chicken in the hot oil (don’t overcrowd the pan). Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
- Keep warm: Transfer the cooked chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Keep warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you cook the remaining chicken and prepare the sauce.
Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Sauté the garlic: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Create a roux: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter, whisking constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add liquids: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Then add the heavy cream and continue whisking until smooth.
- Simmer: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer (do not boil) and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Add cheese and season: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and dried Italian herbs. Continue to simmer until the cheese is melted and the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Your Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce
- Place a chicken cutlet on each plate.
- Spoon the warm garlic cream sauce over or alongside the chicken.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a brightness that balances the rich sauce.
- For a complete meal, serve with pasta, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan with Creamy Sauce
Achieving the Perfect Crispy Crust
- Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture and flavor. Grating your own ensures the best flavor and melt.
- Press firmly: When coating the chicken with the Parmesan-panko mixture, press firmly to ensure good adhesion.
- Don’t skimp on the resting time: The 10-15 minute rest after breading helps the coating stick better during cooking.
- Maintain oil temperature: If the oil is too hot, the coating will burn before the chicken cooks through. If it’s too cool, the coating will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
Making the Creamiest Garlic Sauce
- Low and slow: Keep the heat medium-low when making the sauce to prevent curdling or separating.
- Continuous whisking: Whisk constantly when adding liquids to prevent lumps from forming.
- Sauce thickness: If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a little more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer to reduce.
- Fresh garlic matters: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every 2 cloves.
Variations on Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Herb-Enhanced Parmesan Chicken
Boost the flavor profile by adding fresh herbs to your Parmesan coating. Mix in 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the breadcrumb mixture.
Spicy Parmesan Chicken Cutlets
Add a kick to your chicken by incorporating 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the egg wash.
Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Add the zest of one lemon to your breadcrumb mixture and a tablespoon of lemon juice to your creamy garlic sauce for a bright, citrusy variation.
If you love this recipe, be sure to check out more delicious and similar ones!
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Preparing in Advance
- Breaded chicken: You can bread the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Arrange on a baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Sauce preparation: The creamy garlic sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat before serving, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore the consistency.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Microwave reheating will result in a soggy crust. Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if needed.
- Freezing: While possible, freezing is not recommended as the breading can become soggy when thawed and the cream sauce may separate.
FAQs About Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Can I bake this chicken instead of frying?
Yes! For a lighter version, place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack. Spray or brush with olive oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
What can I substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?
For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce won’t be as rich. To maintain creaminess with less fat, try using evaporated milk or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer—chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Without a thermometer, cut into the thickest part; the meat should be opaque with no pink remaining.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. Pound them to an even thickness and proceed with the recipe as written. They may require a slightly longer cooking time.
What sides pair well with Parmesan crusted chicken?
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with:
- Pasta tossed in olive oil or butter
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted asparagus or broccoli
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Sautéed spinach with garlic
- Crusty Italian bread for soaking up the sauce
My sauce separated or curdled. How can I fix it?
If your sauce separates, try whisking in a small amount of cold heavy cream. Keep the heat low and whisk continuously until the sauce comes back together. Prevention is key: avoid boiling the sauce and add the Parmesan gradually, removing from heat before adding.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
Conclusion: Master the Art of Parmesan Crusted Chicken
With its golden, crispy crust and luxurious creamy garlic sauce, this Parmesan crusted chicken recipe transforms an ordinary chicken dinner into a memorable culinary experience. The combination of textures and flavors—crunchy, juicy, creamy, and savory—creates a balanced dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply elevating your weeknight dinner rotation, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your home kitchen. With the detailed instructions and tips provided, you’re well-equipped to create this impressive dish with confidence.
So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to enjoy one of the most satisfying chicken dishes you’ll ever make. Your taste buds—and dinner guests—will thank you!
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