Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
