Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Featured in main-dishes.

Hey there! You absolutely need to try this Parmesan Crusted Chicken in your kitchen this week. Just look at that golden, crispy crust with all that melted cheese on top! The chicken stays so juicy inside while the outside gets this amazing crunch from the parmesan. I topped mine with fresh herbs which adds such a nice pop of color and freshness. Trust me, when you slice into this and see that perfectly cooked chicken with the garlic sauce, everyone at your table will think you ordered takeout from a fancy restaurant. It's actually super easy to make but looks totally impressive!

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Updated on Sat, 15 Mar 2025 01:30:27 GMT
Crispy parmesan crusted chicken breast with melted cheese and fresh herbs pin it
Crispy parmesan crusted chicken breast with melted cheese and fresh herbs | lonerecipes.com

I first encountered this Parmesan Crusted Chicken at a small Italian-American restaurant during a weekend getaway. The combination of crispy, cheesy exterior and juicy chicken interior was simply irresistible. When I got home, I spent weeks perfecting my own version, adjusting the amount of cheese, experimenting with different herbs, and fine-tuning the garlic sauce until it was just right. What makes this recipe special is the balance of textures—crispy outside, tender inside—and the way the savory Parmesan crust complements the creamy garlic sauce. It looks impressive on the plate but doesn't require advanced cooking skills. I've served this at everything from casual family dinners to special celebrations, and it never fails to impress.

Why I love this recipe

I love this Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. There's something magical about the way the Parmesan creates a golden, crispy crust that seals in all the chicken's moisture and flavor. The garlic sauce adds a luxurious element that makes every bite feel indulgent. What I appreciate most is how versatile this dish is—it works for both everyday dinners and special occasions. It's also relatively quick to prepare, which means I can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen. My family always gives it rave reviews, and seeing their satisfied faces around the dinner table makes all the cooking worthwhile. Even though I've made it countless times, I still look forward to that first bite of crispy, cheesy goodness every time it appears on our menu.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

  • Chicken breasts: The main protein, which gets coated in the parmesan mixture
  • Parmesan cheese: Creates the crispy, flavorful crust
  • Italian seasoning: Adds herbaceous flavor to the coating
  • Heavy cream: Forms the base of the rich garlic sauce
  • Chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce
  • Fresh garlic: Provides aromatic flavor to the sauce
  • Fresh parsley: Adds color and a fresh flavor accent

Let's Make These Together

Prepare the chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and, if needed, pounding them to even thickness. This ensures they'll cook evenly and the parmesan coating will adhere properly.
Create the perfect crust
Mix your freshly grated Parmesan with seasonings and press firmly onto both sides of the chicken. The natural moisture of the chicken helps it stick, but make sure you get an even coating for that beautiful golden crust.
Master the sear
Getting the skillet hot enough before adding the chicken is crucial for that perfect golden crust. You want a quick sear that locks in juices without burning the cheese. Listen for the sizzle when the chicken hits the pan!
Bake to perfection
Finishing the chicken in the oven ensures it cooks through evenly while maintaining that crispy exterior. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness - 165°F is your target.
Create silky sauce
The garlic sauce starts with the flavorful fond (browned bits) in the same pan, which gives it incredible depth. When adding cream, keep the heat moderate to prevent curdling, and simmer gently until it reaches your desired thickness.
Recipe picture pin it
Close-up of juicy parmesan crusted chicken with herbs and melted cheese | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

When I first made this recipe, I was looking for a way to use up some Parmesan cheese that was about to expire. I didn't expect it to become a regular in our dinner rotation! Sometimes I add a bit of lemon zest to the crust for brightness, or mix in some breadcrumbs for extra crunch. On busy nights, I've prepared the chicken earlier in the day and kept it in the refrigerator until cooking time. The garlic sauce can also be customized with herbs like thyme or rosemary for variation, or lightened up with half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Perfect Pairings

For a complete meal, serve this Parmesan Crusted Chicken alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes or buttered pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy flavors. If you're entertaining, consider starting with an antipasto platter and ending with a light dessert like panna cotta or lemon sorbet. For wine lovers, a crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay complements the dish beautifully, cutting through the richness while enhancing the garlic and herb notes.

Golden brown chicken cutlets with parmesan crust and creamy garlic sauce pin it
Golden brown chicken cutlets with parmesan crust and creamy garlic sauce | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and coat it with the Parmesan mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. For best results, cook the chicken fresh and make the sauce just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, whole milk with a tablespoon of cornstarch (mixed before adding), or coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Each will yield a slightly different texture and flavor, but still delicious.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They're more forgiving when it comes to cooking time and tend to stay juicier. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to reach 165°F.

→ How do I prevent the Parmesan crust from burning?

Keep a close eye on the chicken while searing, and don't let the skillet get too hot. If you notice the crust browning too quickly, lower the heat or transfer to the oven sooner. Placing the chicken on a higher rack in the oven can also help.

→ What sides pair best with this dish?

This chicken pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, or a simple green salad. The garlic sauce is excellent drizzled over vegetables or used as a pasta sauce alongside the chicken.

→ Can this recipe be frozen?

While you can freeze the cooked chicken, the texture of the crispy crust will change upon thawing and reheating. The cream sauce doesn't freeze well as it may separate when reheated. For best results, enjoy this dish fresh.

Conclusion

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a fantastic option when you want to elevate your dinner game without spending hours in the kitchen. The crispy, cheesy exterior gives way to perfectly tender chicken, while the creamy garlic sauce adds a luxurious finish. It's impressive enough for company but simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy parmesan crust, served with a rich garlic cream sauce for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: chris

Category: main-dishes

Difficulty: intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 balls)

Dietary: High Protein, Gluten-Free Option

Ingredients

014 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
021 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
032 teaspoons Italian seasoning
041/2 teaspoon garlic powder
051/2 teaspoon paprika
061/4 teaspoon black pepper
072 tablespoons olive oil
082 tablespoons butter
094 cloves garlic, minced
101 cup heavy cream
111/2 cup chicken broth
121/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
13Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they're very thick, slice them horizontally or pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch for more even cooking.

Step 02

In a shallow dish, combine the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Mix well to create your coating mixture.

Step 03

Season the chicken breasts with salt, then press each side firmly into the Parmesan mixture, making sure to coat all surfaces evenly. The moisture from the chicken will help the coating stick.

Step 04

Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.

Step 05

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the Parmesan crust is crispy and golden. Remove from the oven and transfer the chicken to a plate.

Step 06

Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 07

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 08

Return the chicken to the skillet to coat with sauce, or plate the chicken and pour the sauce over top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  1. For the crispiest crust, make sure your Parmesan is freshly grated rather than pre-packaged.
  2. If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish before putting it in the oven.
  3. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream in the sauce.
  4. This recipe can be made gluten-free as written, just double-check your Italian seasoning blend for hidden gluten.
  5. Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent the sauce from separating.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven-safe skillet
  • Meat thermometer
  • Shallow dish for coating
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Cheese grater
  • Paper towels

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (Parmesan cheese, butter, heavy cream)
  • Garlic
  • Chicken

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Total Fat: 24 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 9 g
  • Protein: 42 g

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