Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Introduction

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a delicious, indulgent dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a crispy, cheesy coating and a rich, velvety garlic sauce. The crispy Parmesan crust gives the chicken a savory bite, while the creamy garlic sauce adds a rich, smooth flavor that perfectly complements the meat. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a special meal for guests, this dish is sure to impress.

The History of Ingredients

Parmesan: Parmesan, also known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard, dry cheese originating from Italy. It has been made for over 800 years in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Known for its nutty and savory flavor, it has become a staple in both Italian cuisine and global dishes.
Chicken: Chicken has been a common protein in various cultures for centuries. Its versatility and ability to adapt to numerous flavors make it an ideal choice for dishes around the world. Parmesan-crusted chicken is a modern twist on the classic chicken cutlet, offering a savory, crispy texture.
Garlic: Garlic has been used in cooking for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia. Known for its bold, pungent flavor, garlic is used in countless dishes worldwide, especially in sauces where its depth of flavor can shine.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream, or whipping cream, is a dairy product that has been used in cooking for centuries. It helps create a smooth, creamy consistency in sauces, soups, and desserts. It is the secret ingredient behind the richness of the creamy garlic sauce in this dish.

Breakdown of Ingredients

Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are often used for this recipe for their tender texture and easy preparation.
Parmesan Cheese – Grated Parmesan cheese coats the chicken for a crispy, flavorful crust.
Breadcrumbs – Often combined with Parmesan to create the perfect texture for the crust.
Eggs – Help the coating adhere to the chicken.
Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves are used to create a fragrant, savory sauce.
Heavy Cream – Gives the garlic sauce a smooth, rich texture.
Butter – Adds flavor to the garlic sauce and helps with cooking the chicken.
Seasonings – Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning or herbs are often used to elevate the flavor of both the chicken and the sauce.

Step-by-Step Recipe:

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
2 eggs, beaten
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow dish, combine grated Parmesan and breadcrumbs. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
Crust the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then coat it in the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is cooked through.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- While the chicken is baking, melt the remaining butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, if desired.
Serve:
- Once the chicken is done, remove from the oven. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan can lack the flavor and texture needed for a crispy crust. Grate fresh Parmesan for the best result.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, make sure there’s enough space in the pan for each piece to crisp up properly.
Keep an Eye on the Oven: Baking the chicken at 400°F ensures it cooks through without drying out. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for accuracy.
Customize the Sauce: Add a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce for a fresh or spicy twist.

Variations and Customizations

Herbed Chicken: Add fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
Chicken Tenders or Thighs: Swap the breasts for boneless chicken thighs or chicken tenders for a different texture and flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your Parmesan cheese is gluten-free for a gluten-free meal.
Add Vegetables: Consider serving the chicken alongside sautéed spinach, roasted asparagus, or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
Spicy Version: Incorporate a small amount of cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the breadcrumbs for a bit of heat.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While delicious, Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is an indulgent dish and should be enjoyed in moderation. It provides a good amount of protein from the chicken and calcium from the Parmesan. However, it can be high in fat and calories due to the creamy sauce and butter. If you’re looking for a healthier version, you can:

Use olive oil instead of butter for a healthier fat.
Opt for a lighter cream or milk to reduce the calorie count.
Serve with a side of vegetables to balance out the meal.

Approximate Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 600-700 kcal
Protein: 45-50g
Fat: 40g
Carbohydrates: 10-15g (depending on the type of breadcrumbs used)

FAQ

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can bread the chicken and prepare the garlic sauce in advance. Simply store the chicken in the fridge until you’re ready to cook it, and refrigerate the sauce in an airtight container. Reheat the sauce on the stove before serving.

2. Can I freeze the Parmesan Crusted Chicken? You can freeze the breaded chicken (before cooking) for up to 2-3 months. When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 30 minutes.

3. Can I use other types of cheese? While Parmesan is traditional, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a slightly different flavor. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well.

4. What can I substitute for heavy cream? For a lighter alternative, use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may not be as rich and creamy. You can also use a plant-based cream substitute for a dairy-free version.

5. Can I make this without breadcrumbs? Yes, you can skip the breadcrumbs and coat the chicken solely with Parmesan cheese for a low-carb version.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a delicious, indulgent dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a crispy, cheesy coating and a rich, velvety garlic sauce. The crispy Parmesan crust gives the chicken a savory bite, while the creamy garlic sauce adds a rich, smooth flavor that perfectly complements the meat. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a special meal for guests, this dish is sure to impress.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings 4

Ingredients

→ For the Chicken
4 small-medium chicken breasts or 2 large, halved
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
→ 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

Sprinkle salt and pepper over both sides of your chicken breasts – don’t be shy with the seasoning!
Heat up that olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add your chicken breasts and let them sizzle away for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they’re golden and crispy on the outside.
Once your chicken is cooked through, take it out of the pan and set it aside on a plate. We’ll come back to it in a bit.
Turn down the heat a little and toss that minced garlic into the same pan. Let it cook for about 30 seconds – just enough to get fragrant without burning.
Pour in your cream, stirring as you go. Then add the Italian seasoning and grated parmesan, mixing everything together until it’s smooth and starting to thicken up.
If you’re using spinach, throw it in now and let it wilt into the sauce for 2-3 minutes. The sauce will take on a beautiful color and you’ll get some veggies in too!
Add your chicken back to the pan and spoon that creamy, garlicky sauce all over it. Let everything simmer together for another minute so the chicken can soak up some of that amazing flavor.
Dish up your chicken with plenty of sauce spooned over the top. This goes great with pasta, some roasted veggies, or a pile of creamy mashed potatoes.

Notes

For extra crispiness, try coating the chicken in a mixture of parmesan and panko breadcrumbs before cooking.
Add some red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a bit of heat.
Freshly grated parmesan will give you the best flavor and texture in the sauce.

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