Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce – Easy Family Dinner Recipe
Nothing quite warms the heart like the aroma of golden, crispy chicken sizzling away on a chilly evening. This recipe for Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where laughter mixed seamlessly with the sound of clattering pots. As a little girl, I would watch her carefully prepare hearty meals, and her love for cooking taught me that good food can comfort the soul and bring family together.
This dish is the epitome of cozy, bringing all the nostalgia with each creamy bite slathered over perfectly pan-fried chicken. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner when you want something that feels indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: This easy family dinner can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love the crunchy, cheesy coating and rich, creamy sauce.
- One-pan wonder: Cooking everything in the same skillet means less cleanup!
- Comforting flavors: The combination of crispy chicken and velvety garlic sauce creates a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug.
- Versatile side options: Pair this with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that suits any taste.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients:
- 4 thin chicken cutlets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for sauce)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce – Easy Family Dinner Recipe
Prepare Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken cutlets generously with salt and pepper, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Coat Cutlets: Take each cutlet and dredge it in flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, followed by a hearty coating of the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. This is where the magic begins!
Pan-Fry: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the coated chicken in the pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden and crisp. Transfer to a plate, letting the chicken rest.
Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and the added ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese. Allow it to simmer until thickened, then season to taste with salt and pepper.
Combine: Return the crispy chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy garlic sauce over each piece. Let it bubble for a moment just to meld the flavors together.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme. This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy mashed potatoes, your favorite pasta, or a medley of roasted vegetables.
Variations & Creative Twists
- Crispy Herb Chicken: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into your breadcrumb mixture for a fragrant twist.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in some crushed red pepper flakes with the breadcrumbs for a zesty kick that will warm you from the inside out.
- Lemon Zest: Incorporate a touch of lemon zest in the sauce to brighten the flavors beautifully.
- Mushroom Medley: Sauté some mushrooms in with the garlic for an earthy complement to the creamy sauce.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: You can prepare the chicken cutlets in advance and freeze them before pan-frying. Just remember to thaw before cooking!
- Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
- Slicing Tricks: For evenly-cooked cutlets, slice your chicken against the grain, which helps maintain moisture and tenderness.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to keep the chicken juicy.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet with sauce
- Calories: 520
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugars: 2g
- Fat: 34g
- Protein: 34g
- Sodium: 700mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can bread the chicken and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to fry it up.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes, feel free to swap the Parmesan with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano for a different flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How long does it last?
Enjoy your delicious leftovers within three days for the best quality!
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings warmth and connection to the dinner table. The combination of crunchy, cheesy chicken with the indulgent, velvety sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Save this Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce – Easy Family Dinner Recipe to your cozy dinner board so it’s ready when you need a comforting treat! Happy cooking!
Print
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free breadcrumbs)
Description
A cozy and indulgent dish of crispy chicken cutlets topped with a rich creamy garlic sauce, perfect for easy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 thin chicken cutlets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for sauce)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken cutlets generously with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and pan-fry the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden and crisp. Transfer to a plate to rest.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, simmer until thickened, and season with salt and pepper.
- Return the crispy chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy garlic sauce over each piece.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme and serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
For variations, consider adding fresh herbs to breadcrumbs or a spicy kick with red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
Keywords: Chicken, Parmesan, Garlic Sauce, Family Dinner, Comfort Food