This Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce is a game-changer for dinner! Juicy, tender chicken is coated in a golden Parmesan crust, pan-fried to crispy perfection, and smothered in a creamy, garlicky sauce that’s packed with rich flavor.
It’s quick, easy, and made with simple ingredients, yet tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant. Perfect for weeknights or when you want to impress guests without the extra effort. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy & Golden: The Parmesan crust locks in moisture while giving that irresistible crunch.
Rich & Creamy Garlic Sauce: Smooth, velvety, and bursting with bold garlic flavor.
Easy & Quick: Ready in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Versatile: Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies!
What Does This Crispy Parmesan Chicken Taste Like?
Each bite is the perfect balance of crispiness and creaminess. The Parmesan crust adds a salty, nutty crunch, while the garlic sauce is buttery, creamy, and infused with a deep, rich garlic flavor. It’s comfort food elevated to the next level!
Ingredients
For the Crispy Parmesan Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 4 fillets)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Rich Garlic Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for a little brightness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Shallow bowls for dredging
- Tongs
- Whisk
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- No heavy cream? Use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk.
- Want extra crunch? Double-coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Make it spicy! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Gluten-free? Use gluten-free panko and flour.
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce
S1: Prep the Chicken
- Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four fillets.
- Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
S2: Coat the Chicken
- Place flour in one shallow bowl, beaten egg in another, and mix Parmesan and panko in a third.
- Dredge each chicken fillet in flour, then dip into egg, then coat with Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing lightly to help it stick.
S3: Pan-Fry Until Crispy
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
S4: Make the Garlic Sauce
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in lemon juice for a hint of brightness.
S5: Combine & Serve
- Return the crispy chicken to the pan, spoon some sauce over the top, and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
What to Serve with Parmesan Chicken
This dish pairs well with:
- Honey Mustard Roasted Potatoes – A crispy, flavorful side.
- Tasty Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce – Another creamy and rich protein option.
- Roasted Red Pepper and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken – A delicious alternative for a special dinner.
- Mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables – Perfect for soaking up the sauce!
Tips for the Best Parmesan Chicken
Pat the chicken dry before coating to help the crust stick.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying—cook in batches if needed.
For a thicker sauce, simmer for a few extra minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
Want a lighter version? Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-22 minutes instead of frying.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: The cooked chicken (without sauce) can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, or bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great—just adjust cooking time slightly.
Can I bake instead of pan-fry?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-22 minutes, flipping halfway.
Is this sauce super garlicky?
It’s flavorful but not overpowering. Reduce the garlic if you prefer a milder taste.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
- Honey Mustard Roasted Potatoes – Crispy, tangy, and a perfect side dish.
- Tasty Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce – A creamy seafood dish with bright flavors.
- Roasted Red Pepper and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken – A flavorful stuffed chicken option.
📌 Try this recipe and share your photos on Pinterest! Follow me at @TheKitchenJoyy for more delicious ideas!
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Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
- For the Crispy Parmesan Chicken:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced into 4 fillets)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg beaten
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- For the Rich Garlic Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice optional
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prep the Chicken
- Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four fillets.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Coat the Chicken
- Set up three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten egg
- Bowl 3: Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs mixed together
- Dredge each chicken fillet in flour, dip into the egg, then coat with the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing gently to help it stick.
Pan-Fry Until Crispy
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
Make the Garlic Sauce
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add lemon juice for a bright, fresh touch.
Combine & Serve
- Return the crispy chicken to the pan, spoon some sauce over the top, and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-coat the chicken in the Parmesan mixture.
- For a lighter version, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-22 minutes instead of frying.
- Want a thicker sauce? Let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry.
- Make it ahead: Coat the chicken and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before cooking.