Nora
Golden-crusted chicken coated in crispy breadcrumbs, smothered in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce—this dish tastes like it came straight from a cozy Italian restaurant, yet it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. The savory aroma of garlic butter sizzling in the pan will fill your kitchen, making it impossible to wait for dinner to be served.
The tender, juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the rich parmesan sauce, creating a comforting meal that works for both a weeknight dinner and a special occasion. Serve it with a simple salad or buttery pasta, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Effortless Chicken Garlic Parmesan
This recipe gives you everything you love about a creamy garlic parmesan dish but with minimal effort. The chicken stays moist inside while the outside crisps up beautifully in the pan. The sauce is made with pantry-friendly ingredients, so you won’t need anything fancy, yet it feels like a dish you’d order at your favorite Italian spot. It’s family-friendly, comforting, and incredibly versatile—serve it with pasta, rice, or even roasted veggies.
What Kind of Parmesan Should I Use?
Freshly grated parmesan is always the best choice for this recipe. It melts more smoothly into the sauce, giving it that velvety texture we all love. Pre-shredded parmesan works in a pinch, but avoid the powdered kind—it won’t melt properly and can leave a grainy texture. If you want to elevate the flavor, try using Parmigiano-Reggiano for a sharper, nutty taste.
Ingredients for the Effortless Chicken Garlic Parmesan
The magic of this dish comes from simple, quality ingredients working together to create rich flavor and irresistible texture.
- Chicken Breasts – Tender and juicy, they soak up the garlic butter flavor beautifully.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – For that golden, crispy coating that stays light and crunchy.
- Fresh Parmesan Cheese – Adds a nutty, savory depth to both the crust and sauce.
- Garlic Cloves – The star of the sauce, giving it rich, aromatic flavor.
- Butter – Creates the base of the creamy sauce while adding richness to the chicken.
- Heavy Cream – Gives the sauce its smooth, luxurious texture.
- Olive Oil – Helps achieve that perfect crispy sear without burning the butter.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Simple seasoning to enhance every layer of flavor.
- Fresh Parsley – For a pop of freshness and color at the end.
How To Make the Effortless Chicken Garlic Parmesan
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken for Crispy Perfection
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Coat each piece in flour, dip in beaten egg, and press into a panko-parmesan mixture for the ultimate crispy crust.
Step 2: Pan-Fry Until Golden Brown
Heat olive oil and a bit of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and stir in fresh parmesan, letting it melt into a smooth, velvety sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce generously over the top. Simmer for a minute or two so the chicken absorbs all that garlicky parmesan flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving and Storing the Effortless Chicken Garlic Parmesan
This recipe serves 4 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in with friends. The crispy coating holds up beautifully when freshly cooked, so it’s best enjoyed right after preparing. If you need to store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep the crust from getting soggy—avoid microwaving if possible.
What to Serve With Effortless Chicken Garlic Parmesan?
1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
The silky potatoes soak up every drop of that garlicky parmesan sauce.
2. Buttery Egg Noodles
Tossed with a little olive oil and fresh parsley, they make a simple, comforting side.
3. Roasted Broccoli
Adds a healthy, crispy bite that balances the richness of the chicken.
4. Garlic Butter Green Beans
A light, garlicky side that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
5. Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine, parmesan shavings, and tangy dressing cut through the richness.
6. Herbed Rice Pilaf
Fluffy rice with fresh herbs soaks up the sauce perfectly.
7. Crusty Artisan Bread
Ideal for dipping straight into the creamy parmesan sauce.
Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?
If you love this Effortless Chicken Garlic Parmesan, you’ll definitely enjoy these flavorful recipes too:
- Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken for a restaurant-inspired favorite with a crunchy, cheesy topping.
- Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs for a fun, snackable twist.
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta when you crave a creamy, romantic chicken pasta dish.
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for a baked, cheesy comfort meal.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna if you want to switch things up with seafood and garlic butter.
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I’d love to hear how your version turned out! Did you add extra herbs? Maybe a squeeze of lemon for brightness? Share your tips and tweaks in the comments—we can all inspire each other in the kitchen.
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Effortless Chicken Garlic Parmesan
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
- Coat the chicken in flour, dip in beaten egg, then press into a panko-parmesan mixture.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in parmesan cheese. Cook until smooth and velvety.
- Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.