Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a deliciously crispy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The golden crust pairs beautifully with a creamy garlic sauce, making every bite a treat. It’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests or family.

Ingredients

• 4 small–medium chicken breasts (or 2 large, halved)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for coating)
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup light cream or heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or oregano
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for sauce)
• 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese with ½ cup panko breadcrumbs. Press each chicken breast into the mixture, coating evenly on all sides.
3. Step 3: Heat the olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. Step 4: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
5. Step 5: While the chicken is baking, prepare the creamy garlic sauce. In a saucepan, sauté the minced garlic in a little oil or butter until fragrant, about 1 minute.
6. Step 6: Add the cream to the garlic, stirring in Italian seasoning and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
7. Step 7: Stir in chopped spinach if using, and cook until wilted.
8. Step 8: Serve the golden Parmesan crusted chicken topped with the creamy garlic sauce. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, toast the panko breadcrumbs lightly before mixing with Parmesan.
• Substitute spinach with kale or omit greens for a simpler sauce.
• Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor and texture in the crust and sauce.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken and curdling the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Adjust baking time as thighs may need slightly longer to cook through.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

You can substitute the chicken with thick slices of eggplant or cauliflower steaks and follow the same coating and sauce steps for a tasty vegetarian option.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 124 reviews

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe offers a deliciously crispy and flavorful chicken breast crusted with Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs, served with a rich and creamy garlic sauce infused with Italian seasoning and spinach for a touch of freshness. It’s a perfect quick stovetop dish that combines crunchy texture and creamy sauce for a satisfying meal.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor before crusting.
2. Make the Crispy Coating Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs thoroughly to ensure an even crust on the chicken.
3. Coat the Chicken: Press both sides of each chicken breast into the Parmesan-panko mixture, making sure each piece is well coated for maximum crispiness.
4. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add minced garlic. Sauté gently until fragrant, about 1 minute, avoiding burning. Stir in the cream and Italian seasoning, then bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Add Cheese and Spinach: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. If using spinach, add the chopped leaves and cook just until wilted, adding a nice color and freshness to the sauce.
7. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy garlic sauce over them, and heat together for 1-2 minutes to marry flavors. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Notes

• You can substitute Italian seasoning with dried oregano if preferred.
• Light cream can be used instead of heavy cream for a lower-fat option, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
• Adding spinach is optional but adds a lovely nutritional boost and color contrast.
• For extra crispiness, broil the coated chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in the crust and sauce.
• Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Keywords: Parmesan crusted chicken, creamy garlic sauce, crispy chicken breasts, Italian chicken recipe, quick dinner, skillet chicken