Some meals just feel like a warm hug, and Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is one of them. The crispy, golden crust on the chicken pairs beautifully with the rich, garlicky sauce, making every bite absolutely irresistible.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a dish that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make, this recipe checks all the boxes. With simple ingredients and just one skillet, you can create a dish that’s both impressive and delicious.
Get ready to cook up a meal that will wow your taste buds and become a regular in your recipe rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Rich & Creamy – The garlic-Parmesan sauce is velvety smooth and full of flavor.
One-Pan Meal – Fewer dishes to wash means more time to enjoy your meal.
Customizable – Add veggies, adjust the spice, or tweak the ingredients to your liking.
Perfect Pairing – Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Here’s what you need to bring this savory dish to life:
For the Chicken
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Small-medium chicken breasts (or 2 large, halved) | 4 |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Garlic (minced) | 3-4 cloves |
| Light cream or heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Italian seasoning (or oregano) | 1 tbsp |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | ½ cup |
| Spinach (chopped, optional) | 1 cup |
Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 20 min | Total Time: 30 min
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Preparing the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
- If using large chicken breasts, slice them in half to ensure even cooking.
2. Cooking the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the chicken in the skillet and let it cook for 5-6 minutes per side.
- Avoid flipping too early—this helps form a delicious, golden-brown crust.
- Once the chicken is crispy and cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic to the same skillet.
- Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
- Pour in 1 cup of light or heavy cream and stir continuously.
- Add 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning (or oregano) and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Adding Spinach (Optional)
- If using spinach, stir in 1 cup of chopped spinach at this stage.
- Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and blends into the sauce.
5. Returning the Chicken to the Pan
- Place the seared chicken back into the skillet.
- Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over each piece.
- Let it simmer for 1 more minute, then turn off the heat.
6. Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot over your favorite side dish.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for an extra pop of flavor.
What to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
This dish is deliciously versatile and pairs well with:
Pasta – Toss the sauce with fettuccine or penne for a creamy chicken pasta dish.
Mashed Potatoes – Perfect for soaking up every drop of the sauce.
Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add freshness.
Garlic Bread – A crunchy side that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 42g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Fat | 32g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
This dish is low in carbs and high in protein, making it a great choice for a balanced meal.
Ways to Customize Your Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Change Up the Protein
- Try using boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Swap out chicken for salmon or shrimp for a seafood twist.
Adjust the Flavor
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Mix in Dijon mustard for a tangy depth.
Make it Even Creamier
- Use cream cheese for an ultra-rich texture.
- Blend in a bit of butter for extra silkiness.
Tips for the Best Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Use Fresh Garlic – Freshly minced garlic makes all the difference in flavor.
Pat the Chicken Dry – This helps create a better crust when searing.
Let the Sauce Simmer – This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
Scrape the Pan – Those browned bits from the chicken add so much flavor to the sauce.
Taste Before Serving – Adjust the seasoning to your liking before plating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce separately, then reheat them together before serving.
2. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
4. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. For a similar texture, mix milk with a little cornstarch.
5. What’s the best way to check if my chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C).
6. Can I make this dish low-carb?
Absolutely! Serve it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash instead of pasta.
Final Thoughts – Try This Recipe Tonight!
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is easy, delicious, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that turns a regular dinner into something special.
So, grab your skillet, whip up this restaurant-quality meal, and enjoy a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments!