When it comes to building a crave-worthy yet practical meal plan, few dishes strike the perfect balance of flavor, protein, and comfort quite like Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner, elegant enough for entertaining, and satisfying enough to keep your taste buds happy all week long.
If you're searching for a standout dish to level up your meal prep, this recipe is your go-to.
Why Parmesan Crusted Chicken Belongs in Your Meal Plan
Meal planning is all about making life easier while still enjoying food you look forward to. This chicken dish checks all the boxes:
✅ High-Protein & Satisfying
Lean chicken breasts provide the protein you need to stay full, while the Parmesan crust adds a delicious crunch and depth of flavor.
✅ Meal Prep-Friendly
Make a batch ahead of time and pair with veggies, pasta, rice, or even zoodles for different meals throughout the week.
✅ Crowd-Pleasing
The creamy garlic sauce takes it over the top — rich, flavorful, and family-approved. Even picky eaters will be asking for seconds.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally for 4 thin cutlets)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 eggs, beaten
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2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Sauce:
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3 tablespoons butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped parsley
Directions:
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Prepare the coating: Mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
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Dredge the chicken: Dip each cutlet in beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix.
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Pan-fry: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.
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Make the sauce: In the same pan, melt butter. Sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
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Finish the sauce: Stir in Parmesan and cook until thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Season to taste.
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Combine and serve: Spoon sauce over the chicken or return cutlets to the pan to coat. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Smart Pairings for Your Meal Plan
Here’s how to work this dish into a well-balanced meal plan:
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With roasted veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or carrots pair perfectly.
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Over pasta: Pour extra sauce over fettuccine or penne for a full meal.
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With mashed cauliflower: For a low-carb version, go creamy and clean.
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In a sandwich: Use leftovers in a crusty baguette with arugula and extra sauce.
Meal Plan Pro Tip: Double the Sauce
This creamy garlic sauce is so versatile, you’ll want extra. Use it later in the week for:
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Dipping roasted potatoes or bread
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Topping grilled shrimp or salmon
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Tossing with steamed vegetables
Why This Dish Wins for Meal Planning
Meal planning isn’t just about eating healthy — it’s about loving what you eat, reducing stress, and saving time. Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce offers all the richness of a restaurant-quality meal with the convenience of make-ahead prep.
It’s:
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Freezer-friendly ✅
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Reheats beautifully ✅
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Totally comforting ✅
Final Thoughts
If you're building a meal plan that keeps you excited about dinner, this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again. With its crispy Parmesan crust and luscious garlic cream sauce, it turns ordinary chicken into something truly extraordinary.
Ready to make your meal plan more delicious? Add this recipe to the top of the list — your future self will thank you.
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