Go Back
Crispy Parmesan chicken with garlic sauce in a skillet with golden seared chicken and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Sauce

Tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden crispy perfection and topped with a velvety creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes in one pan.
Print Recipe Save to My Pins
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 small to medium chicken breasts or 2 large breasts halved for even thickness
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced, up to 4 cloves depending on preference
  • 1 cup heavy cream or light cream for a slightly lighter sauce
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated, never pre-shredded
  • 1 cup spinach chopped, optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Tongs
  • Spatula
  • Meat thermometer
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels on both sides. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side without moving it until deeply golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Do not crowd the pan. Remove and set aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Watch carefully as garlic burns quickly and will turn bitter.
  4. Pour in the cream while stirring continuously. Add the Italian seasoning and freshly grated Parmesan, mixing until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. If using spinach, stir it in now. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add a small splash of cream if the sauce becomes too thick.
  5. Return the crispy chicken to the skillet and spoon the garlic Parmesan sauce generously over the top. Simmer for 1 minute to reheat the chicken and blend the flavors. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce. Make sure the skillet is fully hot before adding the chicken to achieve a proper sear. For extra crispiness, coat chicken in a Parmesan and panko breadcrumb mixture before cooking. The garlic sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and reheated gently before serving. Chicken thighs can be substituted for juicier results. Freeze chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.