Nora
Golden, crispy chicken cutlets smothered in a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce – what more could you ask for in a comfort food dinner? This Effortless Chicken Garlic Parmesan recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table without requiring fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen.
What makes this dish a winner is its simplicity. You start with juicy chicken breasts coated in a light breading, pan-fried to crispy perfection. Then comes the luscious sauce: rich with cream, deeply garlicky, and loaded with Parmesan cheese. It’s perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, pasta, or even on its own with a side of bread to soak up every drop.
Why You’ll Love This Effortless Chicken Garlic Parmesan
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 45 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
- Crispy meets creamy: A balance of textures that makes every bite irresistible.
- Crowd-pleasing: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Great with pasta, rice, or vegetables.
- Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and freeze for busy nights.
What Kind of Parmesan Should I Use?
Freshly grated Parmesan is always best here. The pre-shredded stuff from the store may contain anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce. If you want a velvety finish, go with a block of real Parmigiano-Reggiano and grate it right before adding it in. For a shortcut, shaved Parmesan from the deli section can work, but nothing beats the flavor and melt of freshly grated cheese.
Ingredients for the Effortless Chicken Garlic Parmesan
Each ingredient in this dish plays a special role, combining to deliver a crispy, creamy chicken experience.
- Chicken breasts – Boneless and skinless, sliced horizontally for quick, even cooking.
- Salt & pepper – Seasoning the chicken ensures flavor in every bite.
- All-purpose flour – A base for the breading that helps form a golden crust.
- Eggs – Help the breadcrumb coating stick to the chicken.
- Panko breadcrumbs – Provide that signature crunch you see in the photo.
- Grated Parmesan cheese – Mixed into the breadcrumbs for extra cheesy flavor.
- Olive oil and butter – Used together for frying to balance flavor and even browning.
- Garlic – The heart of the sauce, it brings bold, savory depth.
- Heavy cream – Forms the rich base of the Parmesan sauce.
- Chicken broth – Adds flavor and helps thin out the sauce slightly.
- More grated Parmesan – Melted into the sauce to intensify the cheesy goodness.
- Fresh parsley – For garnish and a burst of color and freshness.
How To Make the Effortless Chicken Garlic Parmesan
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create cutlets. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Dredge and Coat
Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with the Panko-Parmesan mixture. Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip in egg, then press into breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Pan Fry to Perfection
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to low. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Let it simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Return the chicken to the pan or pour the sauce over the chicken on a serving platter. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This dish brings elegance to any table while being simple enough for casual dinners. The crispy chicken paired with creamy sauce makes it comforting yet special.
Serving and Storing This Recipe
This Effortless Chicken Garlic Parmesan feeds approximately 4 people, making it ideal for a family dinner or a small gathering.
- Serving: Plate the chicken over pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes and spoon extra sauce on top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a touch more grated Parmesan.
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
What to Serve With Effortless Chicken Garlic Parmesan?
H3: Garlic Butter Green Beans
Light, buttery green beans balance out the richness of the sauce.
H3: Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Perfect for soaking up all that garlicky Parmesan goodness.
H3: Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Adds a crisp, earthy flavor to the plate.
H3: Caesar Salad
The crunch and tang from Caesar salad contrast beautifully with the creamy sauce.
H3: Buttery Dinner Rolls
For scooping up every drop of that luscious sauce.
H3: Lemon Herb Orzo
A bright, zesty side that adds freshness.
H3: Steamed Broccoli
Keeps things simple and nutrient-packed.
H3: Balsamic Roasted Carrots
Adds color and subtle sweetness.
Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?
If you love this Effortless Chicken Garlic Parmesan, try these other flavor-packed favorites from NoraNosh:
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna – A seafood twist with buttery garlic delight.
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole – Creamy, cheesy, and irresistible.
- Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs – Cheesy bites exploding with flavor.
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta – A dish so good, it’s proposal-worthy.
- Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup – Perfect for pairing with crusty bread and a side salad.
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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up or keep it classic? Did you use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
I love hearing your twists and takes on these recipes. Don’t hesitate to ask questions either—we’re all here to help each other cook with joy!
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Effortless Chicken Garlic Parmesan
Equipment
- Skillet
- Shallow bowls
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create cutlets. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set up a dredging station with flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of Panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. Coat each cutlet in flour, dip in egg, and press into breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower heat and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, simmering until slightly thickened. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted.
- Return chicken to the skillet or serve with sauce poured on top. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.