Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Rich Garlic Sauce

Short Description
Tender chicken breasts are coated in a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a luxurious garlic-infused butter sauce for an elegant yet easy dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly crisp: A crunchy Parmesan-breadcrumb coating delivers satisfying texture.

  • Rich garlic flavor: Butter sautéed with garlic creates a luxurious sauce that elevates simple chicken.

  • Effortless prep: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps—no complicated techniques needed.

  • Impressively elegant: The combination of Parmesan, garlic, and fresh parsley makes for a restaurant-style dish at home.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ cup butter

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C).

  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, stirring until thoroughly blended.

  3. Season each chicken breast generously with salt and pepper.

  4. Dip each seasoned breast into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to adhere an even coating.

  5. Arrange the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.

  6. While the chicken bakes, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat to prevent burning.

  7. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and immediately drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the top.

  8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving.

Servings and timing

  • Servings: 4

  • Active prep time: 10 minutes

  • Cooking time: 25–30 minutes

  • Total time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

  • Herb addition: Mix dried Italian seasoning—or fresh thyme or rosemary—into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.

  • Heat option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for mild heat.

  • Cheese twist: Substitute half the Parmesan with Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.

  • Pan-sear first: Brown the coated chicken in a skillet for 2 minutes per side before baking for extra crispness.

storage/reheating

  • To store: Place leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

  • To reheat: Bake at 350 °F (175 °C) for 10–12 minutes or until warmed through. For extra crunch, briefly broil or pan-sear the chicken before reheating. Avoid microwave heating, as it may soften the crisp crust.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes—you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Adjust baking time to 20–25 minutes depending on thickness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook it over medium heat and remove the pan from heat as soon as the garlic becomes fragrant—within 1–2 minutes.

What is the best way to grate Parmesan?

Freshly grated Parmesan (not pre-packaged) yields the best flavor and texture for the crust.

Can I assemble this ahead of time?

Yes—coat the chicken and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake and add sauce just before serving.

How do I tell when chicken is done?

It’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C) or when juices run clear and meat is no longer pink in the center.

Can I add other seasonings to the sauce?

Yes—try stirring in a squeeze of lemon juice, chopped capers, or a dash of white wine for extra flavor layers.

What side dishes pair well?

Serve alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes—substitute the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture with seasoned gluten-free breadcrumbs and replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter.

Will the crust stay crispy if reheated?

Yes—reheating in the oven or toaster oven helps maintain crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating, which makes the crust soggy.

Conclusion

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Rich Garlic Sauce combines a golden, flavorful crust with a luscious butter-garlic drizzle for an elegant yet easy dish. Ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining, its effortless preparation and bold flavor profile make it a true crowd-pleaser. Enjoy a homemade touch with restaurant-style flair!

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Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Rich Garlic Sauce

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Rich Garlic Sauce

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  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4-servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Craving crispy, golden chicken with bold flavor? This Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Rich Garlic Sauce is a weeknight dinner winner! Juicy chicken breasts coated in a Parmesan-breadcrumb crust and topped with a luscious garlic butter sauce—simple, savory, and satisfying. A crowd-pleaser for any night of the week.


Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1/2 cup butter

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)


Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  • Mix Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs in a bowl.

  • Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

  • Dredge each chicken breast in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.

  • Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

  • While the chicken bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

  • Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the baked chicken.

  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.


Notes

  • For extra crispiness, lightly spray chicken with cooking spray before baking.

  • Add a splash of lemon juice to the garlic sauce for a bright twist.

  • Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

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