Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

There are few dinners that make a kitchen smell this good. The moment the garlic hits the butter, you know something special’s happening. This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the kind of comforting meal that feels restaurant-worthy — yet it’s easy enough for a busy weeknight.

Each juicy chicken breast gets coated in a savory Parmesan crust that bakes to golden perfection. Then comes the creamy garlic sauce — velvety, rich, and packed with flavor — spooned generously over the crispy chicken. It’s pure comfort on a plate.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

⏱️ Ready in 30 minutes: Quick prep, simple steps, and satisfying results.
🧀 Crispy meets creamy: A golden crust meets a velvety garlic-butter sauce.
🍽️ Perfect for any occasion: Weeknight dinner or special gathering.
💛 Family favorite: Even picky eaters ask for seconds!
🌿 Pantry-friendly ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen.

When I first made this dish, I remember thinking, this smells exactly like my grandmother’s kitchen. She always said garlic and butter could fix anything — and she was right.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For the Crust Mixture

65 g all-purpose flour
25 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp salt
⅛ tsp black pepper

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

115 g unsalted butter
60 ml heavy cream
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ tsp salt
⅛ tsp black pepper

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Oven
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Shallow bowl
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel — this helps the coating stick. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the mixture, pressing gently so the crust clings to every side.

2. Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the coated chicken breasts with space between each one. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden and crisp, and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).

3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

While the chicken bakes, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper, stirring until slightly thickened — it should coat the back of a spoon.

4. Serve and Enjoy

Place the baked chicken on plates and spoon the warm garlic sauce generously over the top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like, and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken pairs beautifully with:

Buttery pasta or mashed potatoes (to soak up that sauce!)
Roasted broccolini, asparagus, or green beans for a fresh balance
A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette
Warm rustic bread for dipping

Ingredient Substitutions

Heavy cream substitute: Use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
Parmesan alternative: Romano cheese gives a slightly sharper flavor.
Chicken option: Swap in boneless thighs for juicier meat.
Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for dredging.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for 2–3 days.
Reheat: Warm chicken in the oven at 175°C (350°F); gently reheat the sauce on the stove, whisking in a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
Freeze: Cool completely before freezing in separate bags for up to 2 months.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Parmesan Crust

Always pat chicken dry before dredging for the crispiest finish.
Rest the baked chicken for 5 minutes before slicing — this keeps it juicy.
Taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasoning to your liking.
For extra depth, add a pinch of Italian herbs to the crust.

A Little Culinary Context

This dish traces its roots to Italian-American comfort cooking, where Parmesan was a staple in family kitchens. The creamy garlic sauce adds that classic trattoria touch — indulgent yet approachable. In my family, this recipe shows up for birthdays, Sunday dinners, and those “just because” nights when everyone gathers around the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best Parmesan to use?
Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best crisp texture and rich flavor.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully — just bake a few minutes longer.

Can I make the sauce ahead?
Absolutely! Store in the fridge and reheat gently, whisking until smooth.

What sides go best with this?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even steamed greens pair perfectly.

Can it be made gluten-free?
Yes — substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Conclusion

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce isn’t just dinner — it’s comfort, nostalgia, and a little bit of indulgence all in one bite. The golden crust, the velvety sauce, and that aroma of garlic and butter filling your kitchen — it’s the kind of meal that gathers everyone around the table.