When my family first asked me for my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe, I didn’t realize how quickly it would become a meal night favorite. It all started on a hectic Thursday evening, when dinner plans fell through and I needed something quick but comforting. I decided to pull together a simple garlic and parmesan chicken dinner I’d been tinkering with. When my family tasted it, their smiles and “this is perfect!” made me realize I had something special.
What You’ll Need
For the best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe, simplicity is key. Here’s what I gather from my local grocery store to keep everything easy but full of flavor:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds) – I prefer fresh, not frozen, for juicier results
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – freshly grated will give you the best flavor for this Italian chicken recipe
- 3/4 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs – they help create that golden parmesan crusted chicken texture
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder – for that signature garlic punch in this creamy garlic chicken
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (like oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter for pan-searing
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced – the star of our garlic parmesan chicken recipe sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half – adds that creamy garlic chicken sauce that everyone raves about
If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream without losing much richness. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe also works well if you swap Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for plain panko breadcrumbs—just add some dried herbs for that parmesan crusted chicken flavor.
You will find all these ingredients easily at your regular grocery store. Tell the butcher you want chicken breasts perfect for pan-seared chicken breast recipes, and pick up fresh garlic near the produce section.
For easier prep, I like to flatten the chicken breasts a bit so they cook evenly. A quick tip for faster garlic parmesan chicken: do your breadcrumb mix and egg dip all in one bowl each to keep things neat at the counter.
My family prefers using olive oil for searing; it gives a lovely flavor and crisp crust. Butter works too if you want a richer finish. Whichever you choose, it’s part of what makes this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe taste like homemade magic.
How to Make It
Making this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe feels like an easy kitchen win—here are the steps that help you get there:
- Start by flattening your chicken breasts to about 1/2-inch thickness with a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking and tender pan-seared chicken breast every time.
- In one shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In another, mix together the grated Parmesan, Italian breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast first into the eggs, letting the excess drip off, then coat fully in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the crumbs lightly so they stick well—this is the parmesan crusted chicken part!
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the chicken breasts carefully. Cook about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Your kitchen will smell amazing with that garlic parmesan crust.
- In the same pan, lower the heat and add minced garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds to a minute, until fragrant but not burnt.
- Pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer gently until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes. This creamy garlic chicken sauce is where the flavor really shines.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Let everything warm together for a minute so flavors meld perfectly.
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe typically takes me about 30 minutes from start to finish. Don’t worry if your breadcrumbs look a little browned at first—they crisp up better in the pan. I used to overcook and dry out the chicken before learning to flatten the breasts and pay attention to cooking times. Now I get perfectly juicy results every time.
While this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe cooks, you have time to whip up a quick side or set the table for a cozy family meal. It’s that simple.
Serving Ideas
Everyone reaches for seconds when this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe comes out with a side of buttery mashed potatoes or a simple pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs. My family loves it paired with sautéed garlic green beans or roasted broccoli—something fresh to balance the creamy garlic chicken sauce.
For a fun Italian chicken recipe twist, serve it over creamy risotto or next to a crisp Caesar salad. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying without lots of fuss. It also makes a lovely dish for weekend gatherings when you want to share a meal that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Leftovers? They reheat beautifully the next day—just warm gently in a skillet or microwave. Sometimes I slice the leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe for sandwiches or toss it into a pasta salad for lunch. It’s a dish that keeps giving.
If you want ideas like a one-pan meal, check out this simple Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta that combines the parmesan crusted chicken with a creamy pasta sauce. Or try pairing your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe with garlic butter broccoli—here’s a great Facebook post with ideas that might inspire you.
My family’s feedback is always full of thumbs-up and requests to add this recipe to our regular meal rotation. It’s just right for making dinner special without stress.
Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can prep the chicken breasts coated in eggs and breadcrumbs and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before cooking. Just let them come to room temperature before pan-searing. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can warm it gently when ready to serve.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have Italian breadcrumbs?
A: Plain breadcrumbs or panko work well, too. Add some dried Italian herbs and garlic powder to mimic that parmesan crusted chicken flavor. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is flexible and forgiving.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Chicken thighs stay juicy and flavor-packed. Just adjust cooking time—thighs usually need a bit longer over medium heat to cook through.
Q: How do I store leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe?
A: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to avoid drying out the creamy garlic chicken.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: You can make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. Many stores carry Italian seasoned gluten-free options.
Q: What if I want a lighter sauce?
A: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. It still gives you that creamy garlic sauce but with fewer calories.
Q: Can I bake instead of pan-sear?
A: Yes, you can. Bake the breaded chicken breasts at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden. Then make the creamy garlic sauce in a pan to top them.
For more creamy chicken recipe ideas with comforting broth, try Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe. The cozy flavors work great alongside this garlic parmesan chicken recipe family favorite.
The Final Word
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe has earned a permanent place in my kitchen for good reasons. It’s easy enough for weekday dinners but comes with enough flavor and flair to feel special. My family loves how crispy the parmesan crust gets on the pan-seared chicken breast while the creamy garlic sauce adds a comforting touch each time.
My Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe Tips:
- Flatten your chicken breasts to cook them evenly and keep them juicy
- Don’t rush the breadcrumb coating step—it’s what gives you that perfect parmesan crusted chicken texture
- Use fresh grated Parmesan cheese whenever possible for the best flavor punch
I’ve also tried variations like swapping heavy cream for a lighter half-and-half sauce, using chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness, and adding sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for a colorful twist on this Italian chicken recipe. My husband loves the traditional creamy garlic chicken, while my kids are big fans of when I serve it with pasta or mashed potatoes.
I hope you find as much joy in making this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe as I do sharing it. It’s a way to bring family together with good food and happy memories. Whether you serve it for a busy weeknight or a little celebration, I’m cheering you on in your kitchen with this favorite that feels like home.
For more cozy, creamy chicken dishes, you might enjoy these recipe favorites: Chicken Parmesan Soup, Chicken Alfredo Soup, or a warmly spiced Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe. All are great companions to your next Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe dinner.
Try this recipe and make it your own—you’re about to turn regular dinners into moments everyone looks forward to.
For another great creamy option with a garlic twist, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken • Salt & Lavender for inspiration.
PrintGarlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a savory garlic and parmesan crust, perfect for a comforting dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip each chicken breast first into the eggs, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken breasts 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For extra flavor, drizzle with a bit of lemon juice before serving.