Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce – Easy Family Dinner Recipe

Golden parmesan-crusted chicken served with creamy garlic sauce, garnished with fresh herbs on a rustic plate.
Crispy, creamy, and comforting—parmesan crusted chicken with garlic sauce is the ultimate family dinner idea.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re dining at a fine restaurant—yet it’s simple enough to prepare at home. The appeal lies in the perfect combination of textures and flavors: a crispy, golden Parmesan crust encasing juicy chicken cutlets, paired with a velvety garlic cream sauce that’s rich and aromatic.

This recipe is versatile, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables, and you’ll have a complete meal that feels indulgent yet approachable. The balance of nutty Parmesan, tender chicken, and silky garlic sauce creates a dish that’s comforting, elegant, and sure to impress.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

What sets this recipe apart is its ability to combine crunchy coating with indulgent sauce in under 30 minutes. The Parmesan-breadcrumb crust delivers a nutty, salty crispness that contrasts beautifully with the juicy chicken inside.

The creamy garlic sauce elevates the dish, adding richness and depth without being overpowering. It’s a restaurant-style touch that transforms simple chicken into something extraordinary.

Another highlight is the use of thin chicken cutlets, which cook quickly and evenly, ensuring tenderness without risk of dryness. This makes the recipe not only delicious but also practical for busy evenings.

Tip: Thin cutlets are the secret to achieving perfect texture—juicy inside, crisp outside.

Flavor Profile Breakdown

The flavor profile of Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is indulgent yet balanced:

  • Parmesan Crust: Nutty, salty, and golden crisp, it provides texture and flavor depth.
  • Chicken: Juicy, tender, and mild, serving as the protein base that absorbs surrounding flavors.
  • Garlic Cream Sauce: Rich, silky, and aromatic, with butter, cream, and Parmesan creating a luxurious finish.
  • Herbs: Fresh parsley or thyme add brightness and freshness to balance richness.

Together, these elements create a dish that’s savory, creamy, and satisfying.

Pro Tip: Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to cut through the richness and enhance flavor balance.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Season thin chicken cutlets with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Dredge in Coating Mix breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan. Dredge chicken in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat with Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture.

Step 3: Pan-Fry Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pan-fry chicken until golden and crisp on both sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and let rest briefly.

Step 4: Make Garlic Cream Sauce In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Simmer until thickened and silky. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Combine & Garnish Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme.

Tip: Rest chicken briefly before saucing to keep the crust crisp.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking Chicken: Leads to dry texture. Cook cutlets quickly over medium heat.
  • Using Too Much Oil: Results in greasy crust. Use just enough to coat the pan.
  • Adding Sauce Too Early: Makes crust soggy. Rest chicken before adding sauce.
  • Skipping Seasoning: Results in flat flavor. Season both chicken and sauce carefully.
  • Neglecting Taste Test: Always taste the sauce before serving to adjust seasoning.

Tip: Taste and adjust the sauce—it’s the finishing touch that elevates the dish.

Golden parmesan-crusted chicken served with creamy garlic sauce, garnished with fresh herbs on a rustic plate.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce – Easy Family Dinner Recipe

Parmesan crusted chicken with creamy garlic sauce is the perfect blend of crispy and creamy! Juicy chicken breasts coated in a golden parmesan crust, paired with a rich garlic cream sauce, make this recipe a comforting and flavorful family dinner that’s simple yet elegant enough for entertaining.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Comfort Food, Italian-American Inspired
Servings 4
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board & knife

Ingredients
  

  • 4 thin chicken cutlets
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for sauce)
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Chicken: Season cutlets with salt and pepper.
  • Coat Cutlets: Dredge in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.
  • Pan-Fry: Heat olive oil in skillet. Cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Transfer to plate.
  • Make Sauce: In same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in broth, cream, and Parmesan. Simmer until thickened. Season to taste.
  • Combine: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and garnish with parsley.
  • Serve: Pair with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • Add spinach or mushrooms to sauce for extra flavor.
  •  Swap Parmesan for Asiago or Pecorino.
  •  Sprinkle chili flakes for a spicy kick.
  •  Gluten-free option: use almond flour crust.
  •  Vegan version: tofu cutlets + cashew cream sauce.
  •  Rest chicken before saucing to keep crust crisp.
Keyword creamy garlic sauce, crispy chicken recipe, parmesan crusted chicken, restaurant-style chicken, weeknight dinner