Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 500g chicken breast or thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk (warm)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut chicken into pieces or leave whole.
Season with:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
Lightly sear in a pan with olive oil (optional but recommended):
- 2–3 minutes per side
This adds flavor and locks juices.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a pan:
- Melt butter
- Add garlic and cook briefly
Add flour:
- Stir for 1–2 minutes
Slowly add warm milk while stirring.
Add:
- Cream
- Parmesan
- Salt and pepper
Cook until smooth and thick.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease a baking dish.
Place chicken in the dish.
Pour creamy sauce over the chicken.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
In a bowl:
- Mix breadcrumbs
- Parmesan
- Melted butter
- Garlic powder
- Parsley
Mix until crumbly.
Step 5: Add Topping
Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over the chicken.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 30–40 minutes until:
- Top is golden and crispy
- Sauce is bubbling
- Chicken is fully cooked
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let rest for 5–10 minutes.
Serve warm.
Texture and Flavor
This dish delivers:
- Juicy, tender chicken
- Creamy, rich sauce
- Crispy, buttery topping
- Garlic and parmesan flavor
Tips for Best Results
1. Don’t Skip Searing
Adds extra flavor.
2. Use Fresh Garlic
Enhances taste significantly.
3. Keep Sauce Smooth
Add milk slowly to avoid lumps.
4. Don’t Overbake
Keeps chicken juicy.
Variations
1. Mushroom Version
Add sautéed mushrooms.
2. Spinach Version
Add spinach to sauce.
3. Cheesy Version
Add mozzarella for extra melt.
4. Spicy Version
Add chili flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Rice 🍚
- Pasta 🍝
- Mashed potatoes 🥔
- Vegetables 🥦
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 4 days
Reheating
- Oven: best option
- Microwave: quick but softer topping
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Too thick sauce → heavy dish
- ❌ Too much topping → dry top
- ❌ Overcooking chicken → dry
- ❌ Not seasoning enough → bland
Why This Recipe Works
- Cream sauce keeps chicken moist
- Breadcrumbs create crispy contrast
- Garlic and parmesan enhance flavor
- Baking blends everything together
Final Thoughts
This creamy baked chicken with garlic parmesan topping is the ultimate comfort meal. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to make with simple ingredients.
The contrast between creamy sauce and crispy topping makes every bite satisfying and delicious.