Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Crispy, cheesy chicken breasts are paired with a rich, garlicky cream sauce that adds a luscious finish. It’s sure to impress with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- 4 small–medium chicken breasts
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup light or heavy cream
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning or oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom.
- Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. For thick pieces, gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet to ensure even cooking.
- Step 3: In a bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Press each chicken breast into the mixture, coating both sides evenly.
- Step 4: Place the coated chicken in the hot skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
- Step 5: In a separate pan, sauté the minced garlic in a little olive oil over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the cream and sprinkle in Italian seasoning or oregano. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Serve the crispy Parmesan crusted chicken topped generously with the creamy garlic sauce.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce for some heat.
- Use heavy cream for a richer sauce, or light cream for a lighter version.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil sprinkled on top add a bright finish.
- Swap oregano for fresh thyme or rosemary for a different herbal note.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
How can I make the crust extra crispy?
Press the Parmesan and panko mixture firmly onto the chicken and don’t overcrowd the pan. Cooking over medium heat and using enough oil will help achieve a golden, crispy crust.
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a delightful and savory dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a crunchy Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust, cooked to golden perfection, and topped with a rich, creamy garlic sauce infused with Italian seasoning. Perfect for a comforting and elegant dinner that comes together quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 small–medium chicken breasts
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup light or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or oregano
Instructions
- Preheat the Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan. This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and gets a crispy crust.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. If any breasts are particularly thick, gently pound them with a meat mallet to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Make the Coating: In a bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs until well mixed. This mixture will give the chicken a flavorful, crunchy crust.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating evenly on all sides.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts in the heated skillet. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a separate pan, sauté the minced garlic in a little olive oil over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Then add the cream and Italian seasoning, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve: Plate the crispy Parmesan crusted chicken breasts and generously spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and a tender texture.
- Use heavy cream for a richer sauce or light cream for a lighter option.
- Italian seasoning adds a nice herbaceous flavor, but oregano or basil can also be used.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the coated chicken for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Creamy Garlic Sauce, Chicken Dinner, Easy Chicken Recipe, Stovetop Chicken, Parmesan Chicken
