Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a comforting dish that brings together juicy, tender chicken breasts with a rich, cheesy garlic sauce. The combination of crispy chicken and creamy Parmesan makes every bite full of flavor and texture. You’ll love how simple ingredients like garlic, Parmesan cheese, and butter come together to create something really special.
I often make this for a quick weeknight dinner because it feels special but doesn’t take forever to prepare. I like to cook the chicken until it has a nice golden crust, then smother it with the garlicky Parmesan topping while it bakes. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy even when you keep it casual at home.
My favorite way to serve this is with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness. Sometimes I even use the sauce to spoon over some pasta or rice, making sure none of those tasty flavors go to waste. It always turns me into an instant fan of garlic and cheese all over again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: I prefer boneless, skinless ones for even cooking and easy slicing. If you like, use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you can’t find this, Pecorino Romano or Asiago work well too.
Breadcrumbs: Panko crumbs are my choice for a nice crispy crust. Regular breadcrumbs work but won’t be as crunchy.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds bold flavor. Garlic powder is a handy substitute if you’re short on time.
Heavy cream and chicken broth: These make the sauce silky and rich. For a lighter sauce, try half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be thinner.
How Do You Get the Crispy, Golden Crust on Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
Getting that perfect crust is all about preparation and heat control:
- Pat the chicken dry before coating — dry chicken browns better.
- Press the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture firmly to help it stick well.
- Use medium-high heat when searing chicken in butter and oil; too low, and it won’t brown nicely.
- Don’t move the chicken too soon — let it develop a golden crust before flipping.
- Finish cooking in the oven to ensure it cooks through without burning the crust.
These steps help create a crispy outside while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven-safe skillet – I recommend this to sear the chicken first and then finish baking, saving you dishes.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keep everything precise for perfect flavor balance.
- Shallow bowl – handy for mixing the Parmesan breadcrumb coating evenly.
- Whisk or spoon – for stirring the sauce smoothly.
- Kitchen tongs – easy to turn the chicken without breaking the crust.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for pork chops or turkey cutlets for different protein options.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to spice up the coating.
- Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms into the sauce for extra flavor.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or zest to brighten the dish.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or a mix of dried basil and oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- Optional: cooked green beans and mashed potatoes for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of cooking time, including searing and baking the chicken. You can have a delicious, comforting meal ready in under 40 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Coating:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a shallow bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. This will be the flavorful crust for your chicken.
2. Coat the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Lightly coat each breast with olive oil or melted butter, then press them into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture until fully covered.
3. Brown the Chicken:
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook about 3-4 minutes on one side until golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes. Then remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until you smell the garlic but be careful not to let it burn. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently. Let the sauce simmer 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
5. Bake and Serve:
Put the chicken back into the skillet with the sauce spooned on top. Transfer the skillet to your oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Once done, sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot with extra sauce, alongside your favorite veggies like green beans and mashed potatoes.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts before cooking. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method by sealing them in a bag and submerging in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream in the Sauce?
Absolutely! For a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. To maintain thickness, you can add a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch dissolved in cold water.
How Should I Store Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of regular breadcrumbs. Also, double-check your chicken broth to ensure it’s gluten-free.
