Description
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Get ready to savor this crispy Parmesan chicken topped with a rich and creamy garlic sauce that takes your taste buds on a delightful journey!
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp butter
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Coat chicken in eggs and Parmesan mixture.
Pan-fry until crispy.
In the same pan, sauté garlic, add cream, and simmer for sauce.
Serve chicken with creamy sauce and garnish.
#CrispyAndCreamyChicken
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep the Chicken: Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness for uniform cooking. Pat them completely dry with paper towels.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station: In one shallow dish, place the beaten eggs. In a second dish, thoroughly combine the grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Bread the Chicken: Working with one piece at a time, dip the chicken into the egg, letting excess drip off. Then press firmly into the Parmesan mixture, coating both sides completely. Place on a plate.
4. Pan-Fry to Crisp: Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until the crust is a deep golden brown.
5. Finish in the Oven: Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated 400°F oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Make the Sauce: Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Serve: Plate the chicken, spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and crispy chicken pairs beautifully with sides that can soak up the delicious sauce. Serve it over a bed of fettuccine or angel hair pasta, or alongside creamy mashed potatoes or garlic parmesan risotto. For a lighter option, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans and asparagus provide a perfect fresh contrast.
How-to Summary
Pound chicken to even thickness, bread using a standard egg and Parmesan-breadcrumb dredge, pan-fry to create a crispy crust, finish baking in the oven, and prepare a simple pan sauce with garlic and cream in the same skillet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work very well. Adjust cooking time slightly as they may cook faster than breasts.
How can I make this dish gluten-free? Substitute the breadcrumbs with an equal amount of gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers for the same crispy texture.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time? You can bread the chicken up to 4 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator on a parchment-lined tray until ready to cook.
What can I use instead of heavy cream? For a lighter sauce, half-and-half can be used, but simmer it a bit longer to thicken. Full-fat coconut milk is a good dairy-free alternative.
Why finish the chicken in the oven? This ensures the chicken cooks through evenly without burning the delicate Parmesan crust, which can happen if you try to cook it solely on the stovetop.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using pre-grated, shelf-stable Parmesan cheese, as it contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting and crisping. Always grate your own from a block. Do not overcrowd the pan when frying, as this steams the chicken and leads to a soggy crust. Finally, ensure your oil is properly heated before adding the chicken—a breadcrumb dropped in should sizzle immediately.
Conclusion
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a restaurant-quality meal that is deceptively simple to make at home. The combination of the savory, crispy crust and the luxurious, garlicky cream sauce creates an unforgettable dish perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Mastering the technique of pan-frying and finishing in the oven guarantees juicy chicken with a perfect crunch every time.