Easy Creamy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Dinner
If you’re searching for a comforting yet impressive dinner, this creamy Parmesan crusted chicken with garlic sauce delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a crispy Parmesan crust, pan-fried until golden, then finished in a rich, garlicky cream sauce that tastes like something straight from a restaurant menu. It’s the kind of easy dinner recipe that works for busy weeknights but feels special enough for guests.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Crispy meets creamy: The crunchy Parmesan crust pairs perfectly with the silky garlic sauce
- Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish
- Family-friendly: Simple flavors everyone enjoys
- Versatile: Serve with pasta, potatoes, rice, or vegetables
- One-pan recipe: Less cleanup, more enjoyment
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup heavy cream
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Crusted Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise or gently pound them to an even thickness. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and Italian herbs.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Place flour in one shallow bowl. In another bowl, mix Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Dredge each piece of chicken in flour first, then press firmly into the Parmesan mixture to fully coat.
Step 3: Pan-Fry Until Golden
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Step 5: Add Cream and Finish
Stir in the heavy cream and allow the sauce to simmer gently until slightly thickened. Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Tips & Variations
- Extra crispy: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs
- Lighter version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half
- Cheese boost: Add a little extra Parmesan to the sauce
- Herb upgrade: Finish with fresh parsley or basil
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this creamy Parmesan crusted chicken with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop for best texture.
Easy Creamy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Garlic Sauce is a crispy, golden skillet chicken dinner finished with a rich, garlicky cream sauce. It’s fast, family-friendly comfort food that tastes restaurant-worthy—perfect with pasta, mashed potatoes, or veggies.
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved lengthwise or pounded thin)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil (or 2 tbsp butter), for pan-frying
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
Optional garnish: chopped parsley
Optional serving: pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables
Instructions
1. Prep chicken: Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise (or pound) to even thickness. Pat dry.
2. Season: Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian herbs.
3. Set up dredge: Place flour in one shallow bowl. In another, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
4. Coat chicken: Dredge chicken in flour, shake off excess, then press into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture to coat well.
5. Pan-fry: Heat oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F/74°C). Transfer to a plate.
6. Sauté garlic: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and cook 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown).
7. Deglaze: Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes.
8. Make it creamy: Stir in heavy cream and simmer gently 2–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
9. Finish: Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over it. Simmer 2–3 minutes to warm through.
10. Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve hot with pasta, potatoes, rice, or vegetables.
Notes
Make it crispier: Use panko breadcrumbs and press the coating firmly onto the chicken.
Don’t rush the sauce: Keep it at a gentle simmer so the cream doesn’t separate.
Lighter option: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half (sauce will be a bit thinner).
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet / Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet with sauce
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 |
| Protein | ~42g |
| Carbs | ~22g |
| Fat | ~30g |
| Fiber | ~1g |
| Sodium | ~720mg |
Final Thoughts
Creamy Parmesan crusted chicken with garlic sauce is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor — perfect for nights when you want comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. Save this one for your dinner rotation; it’s a guaranteed hit.