Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce – Easy Family Dinner Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting about a golden, crispy chicken cutlet, especially when it’s draped in a luscious, creamy garlic sauce. As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, I find myself longing for those warm, cozy dinners shared with loved ones. This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce reminds me of family gatherings around the table, where laughter mingles with rich aromas wafting from the kitchen. It’s the kind of easy weeknight dinner that brings everyone together, no matter how busy the day has been. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and simple: Perfect for busy evenings when you need an easy weeknight dinner.
- Family-friendly: Picky eaters and food adventurers alike will delight in the crispy chicken and creamy sauce.
- Comforting and cozy: A dish that warms the soul and fills your home with delicious aromas.
- Versatile: Pair it with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that satisfies.
- Deliciously rich: The creamy garlic sauce elevates the chicken to new heights of flavor.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients:
- 4 thin chicken cutlets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for sauce)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce – Easy Family Dinner Recipe
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Prepare Chicken: Season cutlets with salt and pepper. The seasoning is key to amplifying the chicken’s flavor.
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Coat Cutlets: Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip it in the beaten egg, and then coat it with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, ensuring an even layer for that perfect crunch.
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Pan-Fry: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until it turns golden brown and crisp. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest.
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Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and additional Parmesan. Allow the sauce to simmer until it thickens. Don’t forget to season it to taste with salt and pepper.
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Combine: Return the crispy chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over each cutlet, letting the flavors meld beautifully. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and taste.
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Serve: Pair this dish with fluffy mashed potatoes, al dente pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete family dinner that delights.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Add a Zesty Twist: Incorporate lemon zest into your creamy garlic sauce for a refreshing citrusy kick that brightens the dish.
- Herbed Delight: Mix in fresh herbs such as basil or oregano into the breadcrumb mixture for an aromatic, herbaceous flavor.
- Mushroom Magic: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic to infuse an earthy flavor into the creamy sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce for a delightful heat that dances on the palate.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Wonders: You can prepare the chicken cutlets ahead of time and refrigerate them before cooking. Just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to use whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier twist or swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Slicing Tricks: For even cooking, ensure your chicken cutlets are of even thickness. If they’re too thick, you can gently pound them with a meat mallet.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth for the best results.
Calories & Nutrition Details
- Serving size: 1 chicken cutlet with sauce
- Calories: 480
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 700mg
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make this ahead? Yes! You can coat the chicken cutlets in advance and cook them when you’re ready to serve.
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Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Swap in turkey cutlets or even eggplant for a delicious vegetarian version.
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How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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How long does it last? Leftovers maintain their best quality for about 3 days in the refrigerator.
A Cozy Closing Note
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is not just a meal—it’s an experience of warmth, flavor, and togetherness. It’s a recipe that brings a smile to your face and comfort to your heart, perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something nourishing. Save this to your dinner inspiration board, so it’s ready whenever you need a cozy treat!
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
Chicken Cutlets
- 4 pieces thin chicken cutlets Preferably of even thickness for cooking.
For the Coating
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese For coating
For Cooking and Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil For frying chicken
- 2 tbsp butter For making the sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan For sauce
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Season cutlets with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip it in the beaten egg, and then coat it with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.
Cooking Chicken
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, and additional Parmesan; allow the sauce to simmer until thickened.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Assembly
- Return crispy chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over each cutlet.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving
- Serve the dish with fluffy mashed potatoes, al dente pasta, or roasted vegetables.
