Crispy parmesan garlic chicken is a quick skillet dinner with golden seared chicken breasts and a creamy garlic sauce loaded with Parmesan cheese.
The whole meal takes about 30 minutes and uses a single pan. The chicken gets a golden crust first, then the same skillet turns into a smooth sauce with garlic, cream, Italian seasoning, and a handful of fresh spinach.
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Why This Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Recipe Works
A hot pan and very dry chicken give you a deep golden crust, which is where the crisp edge and much of the flavor come from.
The sauce uses the browned bits left in the skillet, so nothing is wasted. Garlic goes in after the chicken comes out, which keeps it sweet and fragrant instead of bitter.
Stirring in the Parmesan off the heat keeps the sauce smooth rather than grainy, and a quick simmer with spinach adds color and a little freshness.
Ingredients for Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken
- 4 small to medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 6 ounces each
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
Chicken breasts: Pound the thick ends so every piece is an even 3/4 inch. Even pieces brown and cook at the same pace.
Heavy cream: It gives a rich sauce that holds together. Light cream works too, but the sauce will be thinner.
Parmesan: Grate it fresh from a wedge for a smoother melt. It is salty, so the sauce needs no added salt.
Spinach: It is optional, but it adds color and wilts in about a minute.
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken
1. Season the chicken. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with the salt and pepper.
2. Sear until golden. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and 165 degrees F in the center.
3. Rest the chicken. Move the chicken to a plate. It keeps resting while you make the sauce.
4. Cook the garlic. Lower the heat to medium low, add the garlic, and stir for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the cream. Pour in the cream and Italian seasoning, stirring and scraping up the browned bits. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add Parmesan and spinach. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan until smooth. Add the spinach and stir for 1 minute until wilted.
7. Combine and serve. Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Serve right away.
How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken
Spoon the sauce over everything on the plate. Air fryer asparagus and broccoli with Parmesan make quick green sides. Garlic bread slices and dinner rolls are ready for any extra sauce, and pasta or rice works too.
How to Store and Reheat Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken
Refrigerate in a covered container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk until the chicken reaches 165 degrees F. Cream sauces separate when frozen, so freezing is not recommended.
Tips and Variations for Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken
Dry the chicken well. Moisture on the surface prevents browning, so blot it with paper towels.
Use a heavy skillet. Cast iron or stainless steel holds heat and browns the chicken evenly.
Add a light dredge. For a crisper crust, dust the chicken with 2 tablespoons of flour before searing.
Watch the heat. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer so the cream does not break.
Boost the garlic. Add a fourth clove if you like a stronger garlic flavor.
Add lemon. A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the sauce.
Swap proteins. Thin pork chops or boneless thighs work in place of breasts.
Check the temperature. Poultry is safe at 165 degrees F, according to the FDA temperature chart.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken
Can I Make Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Ahead of Time?
Sear the chicken and refrigerate it, then make the sauce fresh and warm the chicken in it for a few minutes before serving.
What Goes Well with Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken?
Pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, and crusty bread all work well because they soak up the sauce.
How Do I Keep Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken from Drying Out?
Pound the chicken to an even thickness and pull it at 165 degrees F. Resting it in the sauce keeps it juicy.
Can I Use Half and Half?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Simmer a minute or two longer and add the cheese off the heat.
Is the Spinach Required?
No. Leave it out, or replace it with chopped sun dried tomatoes for a different flavor.
Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Instant read thermometer
- Microplane or box grater
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 small to medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 6 oz each
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
Instructions
Cooking
- Season. Blot the chicken dry and sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
- Brown the chicken. Heat the oil over medium high heat and cook the chicken 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and 165 degrees F inside. Move to a plate.
- Soften the garlic. Turn the heat to medium low and stir the garlic for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Simmer the cream. Add the cream and Italian seasoning, scrape the pan, and simmer gently 2 to 3 minutes.
- Melt the cheese. Off the heat, stir in the Parmesan until smooth, then stir in the spinach for 1 minute.
- Serve. Return the chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over each piece, and serve hot.
