Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce is a deliciously satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with a flavorful, creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is easy to prepare and packed with comforting flavors.

Ingredients

• 4 small to medium chicken breasts (or 2 large halved)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup light cream or heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or oregano
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and crispy on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
4. Step 4: Pour in the cream and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Step 5: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and combined into the sauce.
6. Step 6: If using spinach, add it to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Step 7: Return the crispy chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and infuse flavors.
8. Step 8: Serve the chicken hot, spooning extra garlic sauce on top. Pair with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, lightly coat chicken breasts in flour or breadcrumbs before cooking.
• Use fresh parmesan for a richer flavor, and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed.
• Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for additional texture and taste.
• To make it lighter, substitute cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce may be less thick.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and remain juicy. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is there a dairy-free way to make this sauce?

You can substitute dairy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to create a similar creamy, cheesy flavor without dairy.

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 116 reviews

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce is a deliciously tender chicken dish featuring golden, crispy chicken breasts coated in parmesan and cooked to perfection. The chicken is smothered in a luscious creamy garlic sauce infused with Italian herbs and optionally complemented with fresh spinach, making it a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 small to medium chicken breasts (or 2 large halved)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garlic Sauce

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup light cream or heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or oregano
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts liberally with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Make the Sauce: Pour the light or heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic. Stir in the Italian seasoning or oregano and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Add Parmesan and Spinach: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese slowly, allowing it to melt completely into the sauce. If using, add the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and allow everything to heat together for 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan if desired.

Notes

• You can substitute spinach with kale or omit it for a simpler dish.
• For a lighter version, use light cream instead of heavy cream.
• Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can enhance the flavor.

Keywords: Crispy Parmesan Chicken, Garlic Cream Sauce, Italian Chicken Recipe, Chicken Dinner, Easy Chicken Recipe