Nora
Golden-crusted chicken smothered in a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce—this dish isn’t just a meal; it’s comfort food at its most crave-worthy. Whether you’re cooking for weeknight ease or weekend indulgence, Effortless Chicken Garlic Parmesan lives up to its name without skimping on flavor.
It comes together in one pan and leans into pantry staples like garlic, butter, cream, and cheese. But don’t be fooled by the simplicity—that crackly crust paired with the rich, herby sauce tastes like it came from a favorite restaurant.
What Is the Effortless Chicken Garlic Parmesan?
Effortless Chicken Garlic Parmesan is a crispy pan-fried chicken breast topped with a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce. The chicken gets a golden coating from a seasoned breadcrumb crust, while the sauce brings a luscious, cheesy richness that clings to every bite.
Perfect for cozy nights or impressive dinners, this recipe is a lighter spin on classic Italian-American comfort food. It’s quick to prepare, deeply flavorful, and entirely satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and satisfying: Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Pantry-friendly: Uses everyday ingredients like garlic, butter, and cream.
- Craveable texture: Crunchy outside, juicy inside, blanketed in a dreamy sauce.
- Versatile: Great with pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies.
- Crowd-pleasing: Family-approved and dinner party-worthy.
Ingredients for Effortless Chicken Garlic Parmesan
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
How To Make the Effortless Chicken Garlic Parmesan
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Pat dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Dredge each piece in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. Press firmly to ensure the coating sticks.
Step 3: Pan-Fry the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 1 minute. Slowly add cream, stirring constantly. Simmer until slightly thickened, then stir in Parmesan and Dijon mustard if using. Season to taste.
Step 5: Bring It Together
Return the chicken to the pan, spoon sauce generously over the top. Let simmer for 2 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
What to Serve with Effortless Chicken Garlic Parmesan
This creamy chicken pairs beautifully with a range of sides. For a cozy dinner, spoon it over buttery mashed potatoes or herbed pasta. Want something lighter? Roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette keep things fresh.
Crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for swiping up extra sauce. Or take it up a notch with cheesy garlic bread if you’re feeling indulgent.
Top Tips for Perfecting Effortless Chicken Garlic Parmesan
- Pound the chicken evenly for consistent cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet to keep the crust crispy.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce gets too thick.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain juices.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers keep well! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of cream or milk to rehydrate the sauce.
Freezing isn’t ideal due to the cream sauce, but you can freeze the cooked, breaded chicken separately. Thaw and reheat in the oven, then top with fresh-made sauce.
FAQs
To get crispy chicken, coat it evenly in flour, egg, and a Parmesan-breadcrumb mix. Fry in hot oil without overcrowding the pan to maintain crunch.
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes. Place it on a wire rack over a baking sheet to help crisp the coating.
Pre-shredded Parmesan can be used but may not melt as smoothly. Freshly grated cheese gives better flavor and texture in the sauce.
To prevent the sauce from thickening too much, stir in a bit of warm pasta water or milk to thin it to your desired consistency.
You can make the sauce ahead, but it’s best served fresh. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream to restore smoothness.
It pairs well with mashed potatoes, pasta, garlic bread, or green veggies like asparagus or steamed broccoli.
Want More Dinner Ideas?
You might also like the Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken, a restaurant-style favorite with a crunchy cheese crust. Or try the Chicken Mushroom Alfredo—creamy and comforting with minimal prep.
For more flavor-packed poultry, the Garlic Butter Meatballs with Velvety Parmesan Penne is an easy win. Or check out the Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a one-pan approach with a similar vibe.
If you’re into layered bakes, the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole delivers gooey richness and crispy topping in every forkful.
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Effortless Chicken Garlic Parmesan
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts halved horizontally
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil for frying
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Pat dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Dredge each piece in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. Press firmly to ensure the coating sticks.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 1 minute. Slowly add cream, stirring constantly. Simmer until slightly thickened, then stir in Parmesan and Dijon mustard if using. Season to taste.
- Return the chicken to the pan, spoon sauce generously over the top. Let simmer for 2 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.