Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce – Easy Dinner Idea
Looking for a satisfying, flavor-packed dinner that’s both quick and comforting? This Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce is the perfect easy dinner idea! Tender chicken breasts are coated in a crunchy Parmesan crust, then topped with a creamy, garlicky sauce that’s downright irresistible. It’s a restaurant-style dish you can make in under 30 minutes—family-approved and weeknight-ready! 🤍🍴
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-style)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
🔄 Substitutions
- Chicken: Use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Breadcrumbs: Go gluten-free with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
- Cream: Sub with half-and-half or coconut cream for lighter or dairy-free versions.
- Butter: Olive oil or vegan butter works great for dairy-free diets.
🍳 How to Make
Step 1: Prep Chicken
Pound chicken to even thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 2: Coat & Crisp
Set up a dredging station: one bowl with beaten eggs, one with Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and garlic powder. Dip chicken in egg, then coat with breadcrumb-Parmesan mix.
Step 3: Pan Fry
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Make Garlic Sauce
In the same pan, melt butter. Sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes).
Step 5: Combine & Serve
Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over the top. Garnish with parsley and serve warm!
🍝 Mix-ins (Optional)
- Sautéed mushrooms or spinach in the sauce
- Red pepper flakes for a kick 🌶️
- Fresh basil or thyme
- A splash of white wine for depth of flavor
✅ Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches for the crispiest crust.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor.
- Let the sauce simmer gently to avoid curdling the cream.
📦 Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven at 375°F (190°C) until crispy.
🌀 Recipe Variations
- Lemon Garlic Sauce: Add lemon zest and juice for a citrusy twist 🍋
- Spicy Parmesan Chicken: Add cayenne or crushed chili flakes to the crust mix
- Garlic Chicken Pasta: Slice and serve over pasta with extra sauce
❓ FAQs
Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Is the garlic sauce heavy?
It’s rich, but you can lighten it with half-and-half or use Greek yogurt for a creamy-but-healthier version.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce separately. Reheat sauce gently and pan-crisp the chicken before serving.
