Name: Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts or thighs; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

This Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce is one of my favorite comfort meals. The chicken gets perfectly golden and crunchy thanks to the parmesan coating, while the garlic sauce adds a luscious, flavorful punch that keeps me coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines simple ingredients to create something that feels both indulgent and homey. The crispy crust on the chicken offers just the right amount of crunch, and the rich garlic sauce complements it perfectly without overpowering the dish. It’s a fantastic recipe for weeknight dinners or when I want to impress guests with something that’s easy yet elegant.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts or thighs
Grated Parmesan cheese
Panko breadcrumbs
Garlic cloves
Butter
Olive oil
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Fresh parsley (optional)
Salt and pepper

directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs. Season with salt and pepper.
Dip each chicken piece in olive oil or melted butter, then dredge it in the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
Meanwhile, prepare the garlic sauce by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the heavy cream and simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pour the rich garlic sauce over the baked chicken or serve it on the side. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 25 minutes, so I usually have this ready in under 45 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap panko for crushed cornflakes for an even crispier texture. For a lighter version, I use Greek yogurt mixed with Parmesan as a dip instead of the creamy garlic sauce. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce gives it a subtle kick. Also, switching to chicken thighs keeps the meat juicy and tender.

storage/reheating

I store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I like to use the oven or an air fryer to bring back the crispiness—about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) does the trick. The garlic sauce reheats well on the stovetop over low heat; just stir gently to prevent it from separating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs work great and tend to stay juicier. Just adjust the baking time slightly if they’re thicker.

What can I substitute if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work fine, but panko gives the crispiest coating.

Is there a way to make the garlic sauce dairy-free?

Yes, I swap butter for olive oil and use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can coat the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. The sauce is best made fresh.

How do I prevent the garlic sauce from burning?

Cook the garlic gently over medium-low heat and watch it closely—garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter.

Conclusion

This Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce has become a go-to recipe in my kitchen for its crispy texture and flavorful sauce. It’s satisfying, straightforward to prepare, and versatile enough to tweak based on what I have on hand. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special dinner, this dish always hits the spot.

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce