Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Golden-crusted chicken meets rich, garlicky cream—comfort food done right.

A Comforting Classic for Any Occasion

There’s something magical about the combination of crispy textures and creamy sauces—it’s the kind of comfort food that brings people together around the table, no matter the season. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner on a chilly autumn evening, hosting a casual weekend gathering, or just craving something indulgent after a long day, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce fits the bill perfectly.

This dish was inspired by a family dinner I had years ago at a little trattoria in Florence. The chicken was perfectly crisped, the sauce decadently garlicky, and the memory unforgettable. Recreating that experience in my kitchen—and now yours—means savoring every bite of that rich, flavorful harmony between crispy parmesan crust and velvety garlic cream. It’s a simple recipe, but the flavors are anything but ordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✨ Easy yet impressive – With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with weeknight simplicity.
✨ Crispy + creamy contrast – A golden crust of parmesan and breadcrumbs wraps tender chicken, while the garlic cream sauce adds indulgent depth.
✨ Family favorite – Even picky eaters can’t resist this crispy-creamy combo!
✨ Customizable – Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or over sautéed greens—it’s versatile and always satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down what goes into this crave-worthy dish. Most of these are pantry staples, so you may already have everything you need!

For the Chicken:

4 chicken cutlets – Thinly sliced for quick, even cooking.
½ cup grated Parmesan – Adds that salty, nutty crust.
½ cup breadcrumbs – For crunch; use Panko for extra crispiness!
1 egg – Helps the coating stick.
Salt & pepper – For seasoning the chicken.
2 tbsp olive oil – For pan-frying to golden perfection.

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

3 cloves garlic, minced – The heart of the sauce.
1 tbsp butter – Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic.
½ cup chicken broth – The savory base for the sauce.
½ cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth.
¼ cup grated Parmesan – Melts into the sauce for even more cheesy flavor.
Cracked black pepper & parsley – For garnish and a hint of freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is easy to follow and delivers big results. Let’s walk through it together:

1. Bread the Chicken Cutlets

In a shallow bowl, beat the egg and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
In another dish, mix together the grated Parmesan and breadcrumbs.

Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg, then press it into the parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. This will give you that crispy, golden crust that’s absolutely irresistible.

🔥 Pro Tip: Let the breaded chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before cooking. It helps the coating stick better during frying.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).

Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it—those little brown bits are flavor gold!), add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken slightly. Stir in the Parmesan until melted and smooth.

Season with cracked black pepper to taste.

4. Assemble and Serve

Spoon the luscious garlic cream sauce over the crispy chicken cutlets. Garnish with chopped parsley and a bit more cracked black pepper for a pop of color and flavor.

🍽️ Serving Suggestion: Pair with roasted vegetables, buttery mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or even pasta to soak up all that dreamy sauce.

Tips for Crispy Chicken & Silky Sauce

✅ Thin cutlets cook fast and stay juicy. If you only have whole chicken breasts, butterfly and pound them to even thickness.
✅ Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting.
✅ Don’t rush the sear. Let the chicken get nice and golden before flipping.
✅ Deglaze the pan with broth. This pulls up all the delicious bits left from cooking the chicken, adding depth to your sauce.

Make It Your Own: Variations & Add-Ins

This dish is a perfect base for a variety of creative twists. Here are a few ideas to make it yours:

Lemon Zest: Add a touch of lemon zest to the sauce for a citrusy brightness.
Spinach & Mushrooms: Sauté with the garlic before adding broth to add heartiness.
Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes will bring heat to balance the richness.
Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for the coating.
Low-Carb Version: Skip the breadcrumbs and use only Parmesan for a keto-friendly crust.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Parmesan Crusted Chicken

This dish can be dressed up or down, making it incredibly versatile. Here are some pairing ideas:

🥔 Garlic Mashed Potatoes – The creaminess complements the sauce beautifully.
🍝 Angel Hair Pasta – Tossed with a bit of olive oil or even some of the sauce itself.
🥦 Steamed Broccoli or Roasted Veggies – To balance out the richness.
🍷 White Wine – Try a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing contrast.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

Planning ahead or making extra? No problem!

Make Ahead: Bread the chicken in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat Gently: Use the oven or stovetop to keep the crust crispy. Add a splash of broth or cream to rehydrate the sauce.
Freezing Not Recommended: Cream sauces can separate when frozen and reheated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of cutlets?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work well—they’re extra juicy, but may take a bit longer to cook through.

What’s the best Parmesan to use?
Freshly grated from a block is ideal. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that affect melting and flavor.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes on a wire rack over a baking sheet for even crisping.

How do I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free Parmesan and swap in unsweetened oat cream or cashew cream. The flavor will change slightly but still be delicious!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

In a world full of dinner options, this one stands out for its simplicity, elegance, and soul-warming flavor. The golden-crusted chicken delivers the satisfying crunch you crave, while the creamy garlic sauce wraps every bite in comfort.

Whether you’re cooking to impress or just want something special on a regular night, Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce delivers every time. It’s a dish that turns an ordinary day into something memorable, and we promise—it’s going straight into your “favorites” file.

Share the Love!

If you try this recipe, we’d love to hear how it turned out! Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram with #ComfortKitchenCravings or share your version in the comments below.

📌 Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later, and share it with friends who love an easy, comforting meal!

Print & Save This Recipe

📝 Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total: 30 mins
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

Chicken

4 chicken cutlets
½ cup grated Parmesan
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
Salt & pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

Garlic Sauce

3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp butter
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan
Cracked black pepper & parsley for garnish

Directions:

Dip chicken in egg, then coat with Parmesan & breadcrumbs.
Sear in olive oil until golden & cooked through. Set aside.
Sauté garlic in butter, add broth