Crispy, golden, and unbelievably flavorful, this parmesan crusted chicken is pure comfort food elevated. The crunchy parmesan crust gives way to tender, juicy chicken, and it’s all finished with a luscious, creamy garlic sauce that ties everything together. The secret? A simple breadcrumb and parmesan mixture that creates the perfect textural contrast, and a quick pan sauce using heavy cream that is rich and satisfying.
This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you need something quick, easy, and guaranteed to please. It’s also elegant enough to serve for a casual get-together. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
Why you’ll love this Creamy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Perfection
- Ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The crispy parmesan crust adds a delightful crunch to tender chicken.
- The creamy garlic sauce is rich, flavorful, and complements the parmesan beautifully.
- Uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- It’s a family-friendly meal that everyone will enjoy.
- This parmesan crusted chicken recipe is easily customizable with different seasonings or herbs to suit your taste.
Ingredients & Substitutions

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Parmesan crusted chicken makes every moment feel uplifting. Substitution Tip: For a lighter sauce, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, although the sauce may not thicken as much. If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or even finely ground almond flour can work in a pinch.
How to make Creamy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Perfection
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Parmesan Mixture
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast in the beaten eggs, then dredge in the Parmesan mixture, pressing to coat evenly. Make sure the entire surface of the chicken is covered for maximum flavor and crispiness.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
Chef’s Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce
While the chicken is baking, prepare the creamy garlic sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce
Stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve
Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the baked Parmesan crusted chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish; this can steam the chicken instead of allowing it to crisp.
- For an extra golden crust, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Let the sauce simmer gently – don’t boil it vigorously, or it could separate.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Perfection pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Serve it with pasta (like a simple spaghetti or fettuccine) to soak up the creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts, also make a great accompaniment. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a side of hash brown casserole. A crisp green salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave it, but the crust may not be as crispy. Reheating the sauce separately on the stovetop is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this chicken?
While you can freeze the baked chicken, the crust may lose some of its crispness upon thawing and reheating. For best results, freeze the chicken without the sauce and add the freshly made sauce when serving.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses in the crust, such as Asiago or Romano. Keep in mind that different cheeses have varying levels of saltiness and flavor, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this recipe as written is not gluten-free because it contains breadcrumbs. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Conclusion
This Creamy parmesan crusted chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers on flavor and texture. The perfectly crispy parmesan crust combined with the rich and creamy garlic sauce creates a truly unforgettable dish. You can easily pair this with your choice of side and have a meal on the table in under 40 minutes! Looking for another recipe? Check out this Reuben pasta salad recipe for another exciting dish. Let us know in the comments how yours turns out!

Creamy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Perfection
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Each tender chicken breast is coated in a flavorful parmesan crust and baked to golden perfection, then smothered in a creamy garlic sauce. This recipe is quick, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite! The crispy parmesan crust and rich, creamy sauce create a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast in the beaten eggs, then dredge in the Parmesan mixture, pressing to coat evenly.
- Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the creamy garlic sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the baked Parmesan crusted chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra crispy chicken, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the sauce may not be as thick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
