Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce (Easy!)

Do you crave that satisfying crunch of perfectly cooked chicken, coated in a savory crust and drenched in a luscious sauce? Achieving that restaurant-quality crispiness at home often seems to involve messy deep-frying. But what if you could bake your way to incredibly crispy Parmesan chicken, complete with a rich, creamy garlic sauce, all with minimal effort?

This recipe for Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce delivers exactly that! We create a simple yet flavorful Parmesan and garlic coating that bakes up beautifully golden and crisp in the oven – no frying required! Paired with a quick, decadent garlic butter cream sauce, this dish is elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Get ready for a truly satisfying chicken experience!

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a flavorful crust and a rich, creamy sauce.

For the Crispy Parmesan Chicken:

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity	Notes
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts	2 large	Approx. 6-8 oz each
All-Purpose Flour	½ cup
Grated Parmesan Cheese	¼ cup	Use finely grated for best coating
Garlic Powder	1 tsp
Onion Powder	½ tsp
Salt	¼ tsp	Adjust to taste
Ground Black Pepper	⅛ tsp	Adjust to taste

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity	Notes
Unsalted Butter	½ cup (1 stick)
Heavy Cream	¼ cup
Garlic Cloves, finely minced	2	Use fresh for best flavor
Salt	¼ tsp	Adjust to taste
Ground Black Pepper	⅛ tsp	Adjust to taste

this now & bake later ❤️

Timing

This delicious baked chicken dish comes together quickly, making it a fantastic option for a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create perfectly crispy baked chicken smothered in a dreamy garlic cream sauce.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Tray

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray or sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Parmesan Coating

In a shallow bowl or dish wide enough to fit a chicken breast, combine the all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This helps the coating adhere better. Take one chicken breast and dredge it in the flour-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently on both sides to ensure it’s evenly and thoroughly coated. Shake off any excess coating. Repeat with the second chicken breast.

• Actionable Tip: For an extra thick and crispy crust, you can dip the chicken in a beaten egg before dredging it in the flour mixture.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Place the coated chicken breasts onto the prepared parchment-lined baking tray, leaving some space between them. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes. The chicken is done when it’s golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.

• Actionable Tip: Flipping the chicken halfway through baking can help ensure both sides get equally crispy, although it’s not strictly necessary with the parchment paper.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant. Be very careful not to let the garlic brown or burn.

• Actionable Tip: Cooking the garlic gently in the butter infuses the sauce with flavor without any bitterness. Keep the heat moderate and stir continuously.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

Pour the heavy cream into the saucepan with the garlic butter. Add the salt and pepper. Whisk the mixture continuously while it heats gently until the sauce is smooth, slightly thickened, and well combined. Do not let it come to a rolling boil. Remove from heat once it’s warmed through and slightly thickened.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the crispy Parmesan chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven. Place the chicken breasts on serving plates. Drizzle the warm, creamy garlic sauce generously over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional information is an estimate per serving (one chicken breast with sauce) and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

• Calories: Approx. 500-600 kcal
• Protein: 40-50 g
• Carbohydrates: 15-20 g
• Fat: 30-40 g
• Saturated Fat: 18-25 g

Healthier Alternatives

While delicious as is, you can make adjustments for a lighter meal:

• Chicken: Use thinner chicken cutlets, which will cook faster and require less coating per piece.
• Coating: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose blend or almond flour combined with the Parmesan.
• Sauce: Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter sauce (it will be less rich). You could also reduce the amount of butter used.
• Cooking Method: For even less fat, try air frying the coated chicken breasts at around 380°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile Crispy Parmesan Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.

• Pasta: Serve over angel hair pasta, linguine, or fettuccine, allowing the creamy garlic sauce to coat the noodles. A simple aglio e olio (garlic and oil) pasta also works well.
• Vegetables: Pair with steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, green beans, or a simple side salad with a vinaigrette.
• Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes are excellent for soaking up the extra garlic sauce.
• Low-Carb: Serve alongside zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower mash for a delicious low-carb meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For the best results, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Soggy Coating: This can happen if the chicken isn’t patted dry or if the oven temperature is too low. Solution: Dry the chicken thoroughly and ensure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F. Baking on parchment paper also helps crisp the bottom.
• Burnt Garlic in Sauce: Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter. Solution: Cook the minced garlic over medium or medium-low heat and stir constantly for only about a minute until fragrant.
• Overcooked Chicken: Chicken breast can dry out easily. Solution: Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness (165°F). Start checking at the lower end of the baking time, especially if your chicken breasts are thin.
• Clumpy Coating: Ensure the flour and Parmesan mixture is well-whisked before coating the chicken. Solution: Press the coating firmly onto the chicken to help it adhere evenly.

Storing Tips

Leftovers are delicious, though the chicken won’t be quite as crispy upon reheating.

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: The best way to reheat the chicken and retain some crispness is in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Reheat the sauce gently in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if it has thickened too much.

Conclusion

This Baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a simple yet elegant dish that delivers incredible flavor without the fuss of frying. The savory Parmesan crust provides a wonderful crunch, while the rich garlic cream sauce adds a touch of luxury. It’s a quick, satisfying meal perfect for weeknights but special enough for company. Enjoy this easy taste of restaurant-quality comfort food at home!

Ready to try this simple, delicious chicken dinner? Let us know how it turned out in the comments below! We love hearing your feedback. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more easy and flavorful meal ideas!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also be delicious! They may require a slightly longer baking time (around 20-25 minutes) to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F, as they are generally fattier and cook a bit slower.

Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Replace the all-purpose flour in the coating with a gluten-free all-purpose blend or almond flour. The sauce ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels if needed.

Q3: Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

You can mix the dry coating ingredients and store them in an airtight container. You can also prepare the sauce ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and gently reheat it while the chicken bakes. However, it’s best to coat and bake the chicken just before serving for maximum crispiness.

Q4: My sauce seems thin. How can I thicken it?

If the sauce is thinner than you’d like after simmering, you can create a small slurry by whisking 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Whisk this slurry into the gently simmering sauce and cook for another minute or two until it thickens slightly. Remember, it will thicken more as it cools.

Print