Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe Guide

Introduction

The History of Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

The concept of coating chicken in breadcrumbs and cheese has its roots in European cuisine, particularly in Italy, where breadcrumbs and parmesan are often used in dishes like “parmigiana” or “cotoletta.” Parmesan, a hard cheese from Italy, has long been a favorite for its sharp, nutty flavor and its ability to add richness to a variety of dishes. The addition of a creamy garlic sauce is an evolution of the classic “chicken with cream sauce” seen in various culinary traditions, particularly in French and Italian cooking.

This particular dish has gained popularity in the United States, especially in casual dining and chain restaurants, thanks to its satisfying flavors and textures. The combination of crispy chicken and velvety garlic sauce offers a balanced meal that feels indulgent yet accessible.

Ingredients Breakdown

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to option for a lean and easy-to-cook protein that pairs beautifully with the crust and sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan gives the crust a sharp, nutty flavor and helps create a crispy, golden coating.
Breadcrumbs: A mixture of panko and regular breadcrumbs adds both crunch and texture. Panko gives an extra crispiness to the crust.
Eggs: Eggs are used to bind the breadcrumbs and parmesan to the chicken, creating a cohesive coating.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the star of the creamy sauce, providing a fragrant and savory base.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient makes the garlic sauce smooth, rich, and velvety. You can substitute with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps sauté the garlic.
Chicken Broth: Provides depth of flavor and helps to thin out the sauce.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh, bright contrast to the creamy dish and enhances the presentation.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and drizzling the chicken for a crispy finish.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder for seasoning the chicken and the sauce.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In another shallow dish, combine the grated parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Then dredge the chicken in the parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the crust sticks well.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and finish cooking in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

While the chicken is baking, start the sauce. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping up any bits left in the pan from the chicken.
Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add the heavy cream. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for another 3-4 minutes until thickened.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If you like, add a pinch of dried thyme or basil for extra flavor.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Place the crispy parmesan crusted chicken on serving plates.
Pour the creamy garlic sauce generously over the top of each chicken breast.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or rice.

Tips for the Perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Coat the Chicken Generously: Ensure the chicken is well-coated in both the egg wash and the parmesan-breadcrumb mixture for a crisp and flavorful crust.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures the chicken gets crispy rather than steaming. Cook in batches if needed.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: For the best flavor and texture, freshly grate your parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheese can result in a less crispy crust.
Keep an Eye on the Garlic: When making the creamy garlic sauce, watch the garlic closely to prevent it from burning. Burnt garlic can turn bitter, so cook it gently.
Serve Immediately: The crispy crust is at its best when served immediately. If you need to prepare it in advance, store the components separately and reheat the chicken in a hot oven to maintain the crispiness.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat that balances out the creaminess.
Lighter Version: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a non-dairy milk (like almond milk or coconut milk) for a lighter sauce.
Add Vegetables: Serve the chicken and sauce with a side of sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or grilled asparagus for added nutrition and color.
Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, you can substitute chicken thighs for the breasts. Just be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly.
Parmesan Variations: While parmesan is traditional, other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago can provide different flavors.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving, with chicken breast and creamy garlic sauce):

Calories: Approximately 600-700 calories per serving, depending on the size of the chicken breast and the amount of cream used.
Fat: 35-40 grams of fat, mostly from the butter, cream, and cheese.
Protein: 45-50 grams of protein, thanks to the chicken.
Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams of carbs, primarily from the breadcrumbs.

Healthier Alternatives:

Use Light Cream: To reduce the calorie content, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based milk alternative like oat milk.
Lower-Carb Option: Swap the breadcrumbs with almond flour or a keto-friendly breadcrumb alternative to make the dish lower in carbs.
Grilled Chicken: Skip the frying and opt for grilling the chicken instead to reduce the fat content while still maintaining great flavor.

FAQ

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes! Chicken thighs will give you a juicier result, though the cooking time will vary. Thighs will take a bit longer to cook through, so make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I prepare this dish in advance? While the chicken is best served immediately after cooking for maximum crispiness, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat the sauce gently before serving. The chicken can be reheated in a hot oven to preserve the crispy crust.
Can I make the garlic sauce without cream? Yes, you can use chicken broth or a combination of chicken broth and a little butter or olive oil for a lighter version of the sauce.
What can I serve with Parmesan Crusted Chicken? This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, rice, or a simple salad. For a low-carb option, try roasted cauliflower or a green vegetable like broccoli.
Can I freeze leftovers? You can freeze the chicken (without the sauce) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake the chicken in a hot oven until warmed through, then top with fresh garlic sauce.

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a perfect dish for a special dinner or a comforting meal at home. The crispy chicken and rich sauce combine to create a mouthwatering experience that everyone will enjoy!

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a decadent and delicious dish that combines crispy, golden parmesan-crusted chicken with a rich and creamy garlic sauce. The chicken is coated in a mixture of parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, then cooked to perfection, offering a satisfying crunch with each bite. The creamy garlic sauce adds a luscious finish, making this dish a perfect comfort meal. Ideal for dinner parties, weeknight meals, or any occasion when you want to indulge in a flavorful, restaurant-quality dish at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings 4

Ingredients

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.

Pin1

1 Shares