Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a delightful mix of crispy, cheesy chicken and a decadent garlic cream sauce. It’s quick and easy, ready in under 30 minutes, and versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides. The combination of textures and flavors ensures everyone at the table will be asking for seconds. Plus, the creamy garlic sauce adds a touch of luxury, making it feel like a gourmet meal without a lot of effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

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

For the Crispy Coating:

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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 Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Make the Coating: Mix ½ cup grated Parmesan and ½ cup panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Coat the chicken breasts on both sides with the mixture.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until the crust is golden and crispy.
Prepare the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the cream and stir in Italian seasoning. Add spinach if using, and stir in grated Parmesan to thicken the sauce.
Finish Cooking: Cover and cook the chicken for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Serve: Plate the chicken and spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Keto-Friendly: Use heavy cream and pair with roasted cauliflower.
Gluten-Free: Ensure the parmesan is pure cheese without additives.
Dairy-Free: Replace cream with coconut milk and parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream to restore the sauce’s consistency. You can also reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, covered.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work great and provide extra juiciness.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the chicken and sauce separately a day ahead. Reheat before serving.

3. What can I serve with this chicken?

It pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or pasta.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy sauce, but the chicken can be frozen separately and reheated.

5. Is this recipe spicy?

No, it’s not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.

6. Can I use store-bought garlic sauce instead of making my own?

Yes, you can substitute store-bought garlic sauce if you’re short on time.

7. Can I add more cheese to the sauce?

Absolutely! You can add extra parmesan or even a bit of mozzarella for a cheesier sauce.

8. Can I skip the spinach in the sauce?

Yes, the spinach is optional and adds some color and nutrients, but the dish will still be delicious without it.

9. Can I make the crust even crispier?

For an extra crispy crust, you can coat the chicken in a mix of parmesan and panko, then bake it in the oven for a few extra minutes after searing.

10. Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

You can use lighter cream or a dairy-free alternative and reduce the amount of cheese in the sauce.

Conclusion

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a simple yet elegant dish that delivers on flavor and texture. The golden, cheesy crust combined with the smooth garlic sauce makes it a comfort food classic with a gourmet twist. Perfect for any night of the week or for entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress!

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

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Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a savory and indulgent dish that combines crispy, parmesan-coated chicken with a velvety, rich garlic cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its delicious blend of textures and flavors, it’s a meal that will impress every time!

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 15min
Total Time: 25min
Yield: 4servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Make the Coating: Mix ½ cup grated Parmesan and ½ cup panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Coat the chicken breasts on both sides with the mixture.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until the crust is golden and crispy.
Prepare the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the cream, stir in the Italian seasoning, and add spinach if using. Stir in grated Parmesan to thicken the sauce.
Finish Cooking: Cover and cook the chicken for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Serve: Plate the chicken and spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Keto-Friendly: Use heavy cream and pair with roasted cauliflower for a low-carb alternative.
Gluten-Free: Ensure the Parmesan is pure cheese without additives to keep the recipe gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Extra Crispy: For a crunchier crust, you can bake the chicken in the oven for a few minutes after searing it in the skillet.