Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a tasty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It features juicy chicken breasts cooked up with plenty of garlic and topped with a golden crust of parmesan cheese that’s crispy and full of flavor. The garlicky and cheesy combo makes it a real crowd-pleaser and super comforting.
I love how simple this recipe is to make, and it always comes out great whether I’m cooking for myself or a bunch of friends. A little tip I have is to let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking so it stays nice and juicy. The garlic and parmesan flavor in every bite just makes me want to go back for more!
My favorite way to serve this chicken is alongside roasted veggies or a fresh green salad. It’s great for a weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying without a ton of fuss. This dish always brings a smile to everyone’s face and even gets me excited to cook more with garlic and cheese!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts cook quickly and stay tender. You can swap for thighs if you want a juicier, more flavorful meat.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a crispy, salty crust and creamy flavor. Pecorino Romano or Asiago are good alternatives if you need a swap.
Heavy Cream: It makes the sauce rich and smooth. For a lighter option, try half-and-half or coconut milk (for dairy-free).
All-Purpose Flour: It helps the cheese stick and thickens the sauce. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour mix or cornstarch with a bit of water.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best for punchy flavor. Garlic powder in the coating adds extra depth, but skip if you prefer milder garlic taste.
How Do I Get a Crispy, Flavorful Crust on the Chicken?
Getting the chicken crust right makes this recipe shine. Here’s my go-to method:
- Pat the chicken dry so the coating sticks well and prevents sogginess.
- Mix grated Parmesan with flour and seasonings for that cheesy, crispy bite.
- Press the chicken firmly in the coating to create a nice layer.
- Cook in a mix of olive oil and butter over medium heat. Butter adds flavor and helps browning.
- Don’t crowd the pan; give each piece space to brown evenly.
- Flip only once to keep that crust intact.
Following these steps gets you golden, crispy chicken every time without burning.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I like a non-stick or cast-iron skillet because it heats evenly and gives a nice crust on the chicken.
- Meat thermometer – helps ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe 165°F without overdoing it.
- Mixing bowls – one for the coating mixture and one for prepping the chicken.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – to stir the sauce and scrape up any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Tongs – handy for flipping the chicken without breaking the coating.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter sauce—great for dairy-sensitive diets.
- Add sliced mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra veggies and earthy flavor.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or paprika for added spice and smoky notes.
- Use different cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano to change the flavor profile slightly.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or dried oregano and basil mix)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Cooking & Sauce:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This meal takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying your delicious garlic parmesan chicken in about 30 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Rinse the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper together. Coat each chicken breast evenly with this mixture, pressing gently so it sticks well.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the coated chicken breasts to the skillet, cooking each side for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until you smell the garlic but it doesn’t burn. Then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor. Stir everything together.
5. Finish the Dish:
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and red pepper flakes if you like a little spice. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, and cook for another 2 minutes to warm through.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley on top and serve your creamy, garlicky, and cheesy chicken hot. It’s perfect with steamed veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts in the fridge overnight before cooking. This helps ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream?
Absolutely! You can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce or coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind the flavor and texture may change slightly.
What’s the Best Way to Get a Crispy Parmesan Crust?
Pat the chicken dry before coating and press the Parmesan-flour mixture firmly onto the chicken. Cooking over medium heat with a mix of oil and butter helps create a golden, crispy crust without burning.