Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring crispy, golden chicken breasts coated with a parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust. The chicken is seared to perfection and then simmered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce enhanced with Italian seasoning and spinach for added flavor and nutrients. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 4 small–medium chicken breasts (or 2 large, halved)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
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
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Make the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Press each chicken breast into the mixture to coat thoroughly, creating a flavorful crust.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook until the crust turns golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the cream and stir in Italian seasoning, chopped spinach if using, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens and becomes creamy.
- Finish Cooking: Return the chicken to the skillet and cover it. Cook on low heat until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
- Serve: Plate the chicken breasts and generously spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through to 165°F for safety and juiciness.
- Substitute light cream for heavy cream for a lighter sauce with less fat.
- Adding spinach is optional but adds both color and nutrition to the dish.
- Panko breadcrumbs contribute a crispier crust compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated and reheated gently for up to 2 days.
