Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a simple yet elegant dish that delivers crispy, flavorful chicken paired with a rich, garlicky sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe combines easy-to-find ingredients with straightforward steps.
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: Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom.
- Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. If the breasts are thick, gently pound them with a meat mallet to achieve an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken breast in this mixture, pressing lightly to coat well.
- Step 4: Place the coated chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side, or 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 Italian seasoning, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Serve the crispy Parmesan crusted chicken breasts topped with the creamy garlic sauce.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce for a subtle heat.
- Substitute fresh oregano if you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand.
- Use heavy cream for a richer sauce or light cream for a lighter option.
- Try adding freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a fresh finish.
Storage
Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to prevent the crust from becoming soggy. The sauce can be reheated in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
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 can be used. Cook times may vary slightly, so ensure the chicken is cooked through before serving.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko and double-check that your Italian seasoning doesn’t contain any gluten-based fillers.
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a savory and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust, pan-fried to golden perfection and topped with a rich, creamy garlic sauce infused with Italian seasoning. Perfect for a comforting dinner that’s both crispy and creamy.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 small–medium chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
Crust
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup light or heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or oregano
Instructions
- Preheat skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom for frying the chicken.
- Prepare chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper evenly on both sides. If breasts are uneven in thickness or large, gently pound them with a meat mallet to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Make crust mixture: In a bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs thoroughly to create the crispy coating mixture.
- Coat chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well to the surface of the chicken.
- Cook chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, turning carefully, until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Prepare garlic sauce: In a separate pan, sauté the minced garlic over medium heat for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add the cream and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning or oregano. Stir continuously and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- 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
- Use chicken breasts of even size for consistent cooking results.
- Light cream will make the sauce less rich, heavy cream will yield a fuller flavor and creamier texture.
- To keep the crust crispy, serve the chicken immediately after frying.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Parmesan crusted chicken, creamy garlic sauce, panko crusted chicken, pan-fried chicken, easy chicken dinner
