Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

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This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 25 minutes. The chicken is perfectly seasoned and cooked until golden and crispy, while the homemade garlic cream sauce adds rich, savory flavor. The optional addition of spinach brings color and nutrition to this indulgent dish. What makes this recipe special is its versatility - it's elegant enough for date night yet simple enough for weekday dinners. The creamy sauce can be customized with different herbs or heat levels, and the dish pairs beautifully with various sides like pasta, vegetables, or potatoes.
Home Delicious Recipes
Updated on Sun, 23 Feb 2025 01:19:17 GMT
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Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece with this Parmesan Crusted Chicken bathed in a velvety garlic cream sauce. The combination of crispy, cheesy coating and rich, smooth sauce creates an elegant dish that's surprisingly simple to prepare. This recipe proves that a few quality ingredients, handled with care, can create something truly extraordinary.

The first time I served this at a dinner party, guests couldn't believe it wasn't from a high-end restaurant. The moment the garlic hits the pan, filling the kitchen with its aroma, you know you're creating something special.

Essential Components

  • Chicken Selection: Choose uniformly-sized chicken breasts for even cooking
  • Parmesan Quality: Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano creates the best crust
  • Cream Choice: Heavy cream produces the silkiest sauce texture
  • Garlic Freshness: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves without green sprouts
  • Herb Selection: Fresh Italian herbs enhance both chicken and sauce
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Easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Creating Your Masterpiece

Perfect The Chicken:
Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Press grated Parmesan firmly onto both sides.
Master The Crust:
Heat pan until properly hot. Add chicken carefully, allowing it to develop a golden crust before turning. Listen for the sizzle that indicates proper temperature.
Build The Sauce Base:
Remove chicken once crusted. In the same pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant but not browned, capturing all the flavors from cooking the chicken.
Create The Sauce:
Add cream slowly, stirring constantly. Let it reduce slightly before adding Parmesan. Watch as it transforms into a silky, cohesive sauce.
Unite The Elements:
Return chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Let the flavors meld together while the sauce thickens to perfection.

I've found through years of making this dish that allowing the chicken to come to room temperature before cooking results in the most even browning and juiciest interior. My family particularly loves when the sauce gets into all the nooks of the crispy crust.

Perfect Pairings

Transform this dish into a complete meal with thoughtfully chosen sides. Angel hair pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs provides an elegant base. Roasted asparagus spears add color and nutrition. For a lighter option, serve over zucchini noodles. A bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.

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Creative Adaptations

Customize this versatile dish to suit various preferences. Try using chicken thighs for richer flavor. Create a Mediterranean version by adding sun-dried tomatoes and spinach to the sauce. Make it gluten-free by using almond flour in the crust. For extra decadence, add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.

Storage Success

Keep leftovers fresh by storing chicken and sauce separately. Reheat chicken in a 350°F oven to maintain crispiness. Warm sauce gently on stovetop, whisking to restore smoothness. Combine just before serving.

After perfecting this recipe through countless iterations, I've discovered that success lies in the details. The right heat, proper timing, and careful attention to technique transform simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal. This dish proves that home cooking can rival any restaurant experience when done with care and attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well, just adjust cooking time as they may take slightly longer.
→ How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use room temperature cream and add it gradually while stirring constantly. Keep the heat at medium-low when making the sauce.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare it up to 2 days ahead. Reheat gently to prevent the sauce from separating.
→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or light cream work well, though the sauce won't be as thick. Avoid milk as it's too thin.
→ How do I know when the chicken is done?
Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or until meat is white throughout with no pink.

Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Sauce

Golden, crispy parmesan-crusted chicken served with a rich, creamy garlic sauce that's perfect for an impressive yet easy dinner.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ For the Chicken

01 4 small-medium chicken breasts (or 2 large, halved)
02 Salt and pepper to taste
03 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

04 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 cup light cream or heavy cream
06 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or oregano
07 ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
08 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 02

Lower heat and add minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in cream, stirring continuously. Add Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth. Stir in chopped spinach (if using) and simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 03

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Serve hot with pasta, roasted veggies, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

  1. For extra crispiness, coat chicken in a mix of parmesan and panko breadcrumbs.
  2. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  3. Use fresh parmesan for the best flavor and texture.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cream, parmesan cheese)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 480
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 4 g
  • Protein: 42 g