Parmesan Crusted Chicken Garlic

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is my go to when I want a dinner that feels like a treat but takes almost no time to make The chicken is juicy with a crisp cheesy crust and the garlic cream sauce brings it all together with restaurant style flavor in just one pan

I remember the first time I made this after a hectic workday It was so easy my kids cleaned their plates and asked for seconds before I even sat down

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender base for a lean protein packed meal Try to choose evenly sized pieces for even cooking
• All purpose flour: Helps the crust adhere and adds ideal crunch Go for unbleached flour for a cleaner flavor
• Grated Parmesan cheese: The key to a nutty crispy crust Freshly grated gives the best melt and structure
• Garlic powder: Adds depth without extra chopping
• Onion powder: Brings savory complexity and a touch of sweetness
• Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer Use kosher or sea salt for clean seasoning
• Black pepper: Gives a light kick and enhances all the flavors Use freshly ground if possible
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce without too much salt lets you control the flavor
• Heavy cream: This is the secret to a thick velvety sauce Go for high quality for extra richness
• Fresh garlic: Provides punchy aroma and true garlic flavor Choose firm heavy cloves for freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven:

Set the oven to 400 Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper This helps your chicken cook evenly and make clean up fast

Dry the Chicken:

Use paper towels to pat the chicken breasts until they are completely dry This ensures the crust will stick and crisp well in the oven

Mix the Crust:

Combine flour Parmesan garlic powder onion powder salt and black pepper in a shallow dish Stir everything together so there are no lumps

Bread the Chicken:

Press each chicken breast into the Parmesan mixture Coat all sides thoroughly and press so the crust sticks well

Bake the Chicken:

Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet Make sure the pieces are not touching Bake until the crust is a deep golden color and a thermometer in the thickest part reads 165 Fahrenheit This should take about 15 to 20 minutes

Make the Garlic Sauce:

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat Add the minced fresh garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it smells fragrant Watch closely so the garlic does not burn

Simmer the Cream:

Slowly add in the heavy cream with a pinch of salt and black pepper Stir while it heats and let it simmer for two to three minutes The sauce will thicken as the cream gently bubbles

Serve it Up:

Move the baked chicken to plates and generously spoon the warm creamy garlic sauce on top Finish with a little extra Parmesan if you like

Pin it

The Parmesan is truly the highlight It crisps up like a dream and brings every bite to life One of my favorite memories is serving this to my parents and watching my dad mop up every drop of sauce with his bread always a sure sign of a winner

Storage Tips

Store any leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers The chicken keeps its texture best if you reheat it in the oven at 325 Fahrenheit for about ten minutes The sauce can be warmed gently on the stove with a splash of extra cream or milk

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of Parmesan Pecorino Romano also brings nutty flavor A gluten free flour blend works perfectly for anyone avoiding wheat You can use chicken thighs for a juicer result just extend the baking time until they are fully cooked

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken over a bed of buttered noodles with steamed broccoli or a simple green salad to soak up the sauce Garlic bread on the side makes every bite more indulgent

Cultural or Historical Context

Parmesan crusted chicken is inspired by classic Italian flavors and techniques where breading meat with cheese is a time honored way to lock in moisture and add richness Creamy pan sauces bring an extra layer of comfort and are a hallmark of southern Italian home cooking

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I get the crispiest Parmesan coating?

Firmly press the chicken into the Parmesan mixture and use a baking rack or parchment-lined sheet for crisp results.

→ Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese?

Yes, Pecorino Romano is a great alternative and provides a similar salty, sharp flavor.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use your preferred gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for the coating step.

→ What pairs well alongside this dish?

Try serving with roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, pasta, or a crisp garden salad for balance.

→ Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely—just adjust baking time to ensure thighs are thoroughly cooked through.

→ How do I prevent the cream sauce from splitting?

Simmer gently on low heat and avoid boiling for a smooth, thick sauce.