Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce – Easy Dinner Idea

This Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce is my go-to dinner when I’m craving a comforting yet refined meal. The chicken comes out perfectly crispy with a golden, cheesy crust while the garlic sauce adds a creamy, zesty finish. It’s an easy dinner idea that impresses without spending all evening in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish combines simple ingredients to create a meal that feels both indulgent and homey. The crispy Parmesan coating gives the chicken a delightful crunch and savory flavor, while the rich garlic sauce elevates every bite with a robust, creamy kick. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when I want to treat myself to a restaurant-quality dinner at home.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs (beaten)
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Garlic cloves (minced)
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

1. I begin by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper. Then, I dredge each piece in flour, dip them in beaten eggs, and coat them thoroughly with a mix of grated Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs.

2. In a large skillet, I heat a bit of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. I add the chicken and cook it for about 4–5 minutes per side until the coating is golden and the chicken is cooked through.

3. Once the chicken is set aside, I use the same skillet to make the garlic sauce. I add more butter if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

4. I then pour in a mix of heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. I let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly, adjusting salt and pepper to taste.

5. Finally, I return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the rich garlic sauce over it to coat the pieces well. I let everything meld together for a couple of minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: about 35 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a bit of brightness.

• For extra heat, I sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce.

• If I want a crispier texture, I finish the chicken under a broiler for 1–2 minutes.

• I can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier bite.

• To boost the flavor, I mix some Italian seasoning into the breadcrumb mixture before coating the chicken.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer warming the chicken in an oven or a skillet over low heat to maintain the crispiness of the coating. I reheat the garlic sauce separately over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, and then combine it with the chicken just before serving.

FAQs

How do I ensure the coating stays crispy after cooking?

I make sure to avoid overcrowding the pan, which helps maintain heat and prevents the coating from becoming soggy. I also serve the chicken immediately after cooking if possible.

Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it?

Yes, I sometimes bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, then drizzle the garlic sauce on before serving.

What type of Parmesan cheese works best?

I prefer using freshly grated Parmesan because it has a richer flavor and melts better into the coating compared to pre-grated varieties.

Can I prepare the garlic sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. I can make the sauce a day in advance and gently reheat it before serving to ensure it stays smooth and creamy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by substituting regular flour with a gluten-free option and using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Conclusion

This Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce is one of my favorite easy dinner ideas. It’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion when I need a quick yet impressive meal. The combination of a crispy, cheesy crust and a decadent garlic sauce makes every bite irresistible, and I love how simple the recipe is to prepare. Enjoy making it for a cozy family dinner or a special weeknight treat.

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce – Easy Dinner Idea

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• Author: Mary
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner, Main Course
• Method: Pan-Fried
• Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Sauce is a delicious, easy dinner idea featuring tender chicken with a cheesy crust and a creamy, flavorful garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something indulgent yet simple, this one-pan meal comes together in just 35 minutes and feels like a restaurant-quality dish at home.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Salt and black pepper
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs (beaten)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Olive oil or butter (for frying)

For the Garlic Sauce:

• Minced garlic cloves
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

 

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Instructions

1. Prep the chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat in a Parmesan–panko breadcrumb mixture.
2. Cook: In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil or butter. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until crispy and cooked through. Set aside.
3. Make garlic sauce: In the same skillet, add butter if needed and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and simmer until thickened. Season to taste.
4. Combine: Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top and simmer for 1–2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

 

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Notes

• Add lemon juice to the sauce for a bright, zesty touch.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes for heat.
• Finish chicken under the broiler for extra crispiness.
• Use chicken thighs for a juicier bite.
• Mix Italian seasoning into the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.