Description: This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a weeknight dinner dream come true. Crispy, flavorful chicken breasts coated in a parmesan crust are baked to perfection and then drizzled with a luscious, creamy garlic sauce that will have your taste buds singing. It’s simple, satisfying, and surprisingly elegant, making it perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions. Get ready for a symphony of flavors and textures that will make this recipe a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
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For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each), pounded to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure even cooking. Thicker breasts will require a longer cooking time, potentially drying out the crust.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, this acts as the base for the crust, helping the Parmesan and spices adhere to the chicken. You can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, the star of the crust, adding a salty, nutty flavor and that signature crispy texture. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting qualities. Pre-grated Parmesan often contains cellulose which can hinder melting.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, providing a robust garlic flavor throughout the crust. Adjust the amount to your preference.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the crust, complementing the garlic powder and Parmesan.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients and seasons the chicken itself.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, provides a subtle spicy kick, balancing the richness of the Parmesan and the sweetness of the onion powder.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, forms the base of the sauce, providing richness and a luxurious mouthfeel. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content of the sauce.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream, adds richness and body to the sauce, creating a velvety texture. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less creamy.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, infuses the sauce with a potent garlic flavor that complements the Parmesan and chicken perfectly. Mince the garlic finely to ensure even distribution of flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, enhances the flavors of the sauce and balances the richness of the butter and cream.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, provides a subtle spicy kick, adding complexity to the creamy garlic flavor.
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Proper preheating is crucial for achieving a crispy Parmesan crust. Ensure your oven reaches the desired temperature before placing the chicken inside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the chicken from sticking to the baking sheet and makes for easy cleanup. Foil can be used in a pinch, but parchment paper is preferred for its non-stick properties.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken: In a shallow dish (a pie plate or a wide bowl works well), combine the all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together thoroughly to ensure they are evenly distributed. This creates a uniform and flavorful crust.
Step 3: Dip each chicken breast into the Parmesan mixture, turning to coat evenly on both sides. Press the chicken firmly into the mixture to ensure that the Parmesan adheres well. Shake off any excess flour to prevent the crust from becoming too thick. The goal is to have a thin, even coating of the Parmesan mixture on each chicken breast.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly to allow for proper air circulation. This will help the crust to crisp up evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Overcooking will result in dry chicken, so check the temperature regularly. The Parmesan crust should be golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: While the chicken is baking, prepare the creamy garlic sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Be careful not to burn the butter. Once melted, whisk in the heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Do not allow the sauce to boil, as this can cause it to separate. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 6: Serve: Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is ready, arrange the baked Parmesan crusted chicken breasts on plates. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for an added touch of elegance (optional). Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a recipe that ticks all the boxes: it’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. The crispy Parmesan crust provides a delightful textural contrast to the tender, juicy chicken. The creamy garlic sauce elevates the dish to restaurant-quality, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The flavors are perfectly balanced, with the savory Parmesan, aromatic garlic, and subtle spices complementing each other beautifully. This is a recipe that the whole family will love, and it’s sure to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation. Plus, the simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
COOKING Rating:
Easy. Suitable for beginner cooks and busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pasta: Serve over your favorite pasta, such as linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti, to soak up the creamy garlic sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing! The creamy mashed potatoes complement the crispy chicken and rich sauce perfectly.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots for a healthy and flavorful side dish.
- Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and sauce.
- Rice: Fluffy rice, such as jasmine or basmati, is a great accompaniment to the Parmesan Crusted Chicken, soaking up the delicious creamy sauce.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for mopping up every last drop of the creamy garlic sauce.
Tips:
- Pounding the Chicken: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures that they cook evenly and quickly. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting qualities. Pre-grated Parmesan often contains cellulose, which can hinder melting.
- Garlic: Mince the garlic finely to ensure even distribution of flavor in the creamy garlic sauce. You can also use a garlic press for this purpose.
- Don’t Overcook: Avoid overcooking the chicken, as this will result in dry, tough meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust the Sauce: Adjust the amount of garlic and seasonings in the creamy garlic sauce to your preference. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make Ahead: The creamy garlic sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Per Serving, approximate)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 40g
- Sodium: 600mg (depending on the salt content of the Parmesan cheese)
Conclusion:
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a winning recipe that delivers on flavor, convenience, and satisfaction. It’s a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, when combined with care and a little culinary know-how, can create a dish that’s truly extraordinary. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience a culinary delight that will leave you wanting more.
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook than breasts. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 175°F (79°C) for optimal tenderness.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
- Can I add other herbs to the Parmesan crust?
- Certainly! Feel free to experiment with other herbs such as dried oregano, basil, thyme, or rosemary. About 1/2 teaspoon of dried herbs would be a good starting point.
- Can I use milk instead of heavy cream in the sauce?
- While you can use milk, the sauce will be much thinner and less creamy. If you do use milk, consider adding a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
- You can prepare the chicken up to the point of baking and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be sure to cover it tightly to prevent the chicken from drying out. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
