Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a simple, delicious dish that brings together tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy, cheesy garlic crust. With the rich flavor of Parmesan cheese paired perfectly with the bold taste of garlic, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any dinner table.
I love making this recipe because it’s surprisingly easy to pull off, yet feels special enough for guests or a cozy family meal. One of my favorite tricks is to add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top just before serving—it adds a fresh burst of color and flavor that makes the dish even more inviting.
Serving this chicken alongside some roasted veggies or a light salad makes the meal complete. I especially enjoy pairing it with a bowl of buttery mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious garlic and cheese flavors. Every time I make it, it feels like a comforting, home-cooked favorite that everyone asks for again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts keeps the dish lean and quick to cook. If preferred, chicken thighs work too; they’re juicier but take a bit longer to cook evenly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan offers the best flavor and melts smoothly in the sauce. You can swap it with Pecorino Romano or Asiago if you want a sharper twist.
Flour & Eggs: These create a light, crispy coating. For gluten-free, try almond or coconut flour. Just note the texture will be different but still tasty!
Heavy Cream: This is key to a rich sauce. Half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter sauce but won’t be as thick and creamy.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives that punch of flavor. Minced garlic from a jar works in a pinch, but fresh is always best.
Lemon: Adds brightness and balances the richness. Fresh lemon juice is preferred but bottled lemon juice works too.
How Do I Get a Crispy, Golden Coating Without Overcooking the Chicken?
Getting the right crust on the chicken while keeping it juicy inside can be tricky. Here’s the simple way I do it:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before coating—this helps the flour stick well.
- Make sure the oil and butter are hot but not smoking before adding the chicken.
- Cook the chicken over medium heat, around 4-5 minutes per side, without moving it early to let a crust form.
- Use a light touch when pressing the coating onto the chicken so it sticks without being too thick.
- If your chicken is thick, pound it to an even thickness to ensure it cooks fully and evenly.
Following these tips gives you that golden, flavorful crust and tender, juicy chicken every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I prefer a good non-stick or cast-iron skillet because it heats evenly and helps achieve that crispy coating.
- Sharp meat tenderizer or rolling pin – optional, but useful for pounding the chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Mixing bowls – one for the beaten eggs and another for the flour mixture; they keep ingredients organized.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy, especially when measuring seasonings and liquids.
- Tongs or a spatula – for turning the chicken gently without breaking the coating.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Switch up the cheese: Use Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different sharpness or nuttiness.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness and flavor; they stay tender longer.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes or black olives into the sauce for a Mediterranean twist.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning (or mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced (plus extra juice)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. So in total, it should take around 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect quick and tasty dinner option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Coat the Chicken:
First, trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. You can lightly pound them to an even thickness to help them cook evenly. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, half of the Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each chicken breast into the eggs, then dredge in the flour and Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to coat well. Set the coated chicken aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan’s bottom. Let the cream simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Finish the Sauce and Serve:
Stir in the remaining Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, lemon juice (about one tablespoon), and add salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce thicken a little. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Cook an additional 2 minutes to warm everything through and let the flavors blend. Garnish with lemon slices and more parsley if you like. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better.
Can I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the coated chicken and sauce separately, then refrigerate them for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet and warm the sauce before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
What Side Dishes Pair Well with Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Pasta or rice also work great to soak up the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.