Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.

• Flavorful: The savory Parmesan crust pairs beautifully with the creamy garlic sauce.

• Versatile: Complements a variety of side dishes, from pasta to roasted vegetables.

• Family-Friendly: A dish that appeals to both adults and children alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

• 4 small–medium chicken breasts (or 2 large, halved)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Crispy Coating:

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup light cream or heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or oregano

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

2. Make the Coating:

   • In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs.

   • Press the mixture onto both sides of each chicken breast to ensure an even coating.

3. Sear the Chicken:

   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until a golden, crispy crust forms.

4. Prepare the Sauce:

   • Reduce the heat to medium-low.

   • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.

   • Pour in the cream and add the Italian seasoning (or oregano). Stir to combine.

   • If using spinach, add it to the sauce and allow it to wilt.

   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting the sauce thicken slightly.

5. Combine and Serve:

   • Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over them.

   • Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 2–3 minutes, ensuring it's cooked through.

   • Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or parsley into the sauce for added freshness.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat.

• Cheese Blend: Mix different cheeses such as mozzarella or Asiago with Parmesan for a unique flavor profile.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to cater to dietary restrictions.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Add a splash of cream or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

How do I ensure the Parmesan crust stays crispy?

To maintain a crispy crust, avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can cause steaming. Also, ensure the oil is adequately heated before adding the chicken.

Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?

Yes, you can bake the coated chicken breasts in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

What can I serve alongside this dish?

This chicken pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Is it possible to make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the creamy garlic sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used; adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through.

How can I thicken the sauce if it's too runny?

Allow the sauce to simmer longer to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce.

Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?

Yes, by omitting the panko breadcrumbs or using a low-carb alternative, this dish can fit into a low-carb eating plan.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken?

It's best to enjoy this dish fresh, as freezing may affect the texture of the crispy coating and creamy sauce.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Sauté the minced garlic over medium-low heat and stir continuously, making sure it doesn’t burn.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to ensure the coating sticks properly.

Conclusion

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its crispy exterior and creamy, garlicky sauce make it a comforting and satisfying meal the whole family will love. Whether served with pasta, vegetables, or a side salad, it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

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Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a quick and delicious recipe that combines crispy, golden-brown chicken breasts with a rich and creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this flavorful dish offers the ideal balance of textures and savory ingredients, including Parmesan, garlic, and cream. It’s a family-friendly recipe that pairs wonderfully with various side dishes like pasta, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan-frying and simmering
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

4 small to medium chicken breasts (or 2 large, halved)

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ cup panko breadcrumbs

3–4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup light cream or heavy cream

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or oregano

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

• Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

• Make the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Press mixture onto both sides of the chicken breasts to ensure an even coating.

• Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.

• Prepare the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the cream, add Italian seasoning (or oregano), and stir. Add spinach if using, and let it wilt. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to thicken the sauce.

• Combine and Serve: Return the seared chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy garlic sauce over it. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, ensuring chicken is cooked through. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

• Substitute mozzarella or Asiago cheese for a different flavor profile.

• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

• You can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, if you prefer not to pan-fry.