Description: This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a simple yet elegant dish featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful Parmesan crust and drizzled with a luscious, creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress with its delicious taste and easy preparation.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts Begin by prepping the chicken breasts. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking and tenderizes the chicken. Remove the plastic wrap and pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken is crucial for achieving a crispy crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Parmesan Crust In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. This mixture forms the flavorful crust for the chicken.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Dredge each chicken breast in the Parmesan crust mixture, ensuring that both sides are evenly coated. Press the mixture gently onto the chicken to help it adhere. Shake off any excess flour mixture.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce While the chicken is cooking, prepare the creamy garlic sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce Pour in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 7: Serve Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a winner for several reasons:
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of the savory Parmesan crust and the rich, creamy garlic sauce creates a flavor explosion that is both satisfying and delicious.
- Easy to Make: Despite its elegant taste, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make. It requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, making it a versatile option for any meal.
- Impressive: The dish looks and tastes impressive, making it suitable for special occasions or dinner parties.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the crispy chicken and creamy sauce.
COOKING Rating:
Easy to Medium (Easy preparation, but requires attention to detail when cooking the chicken and sauce)
Serving Suggestions:
- Pasta: Serve over a bed of your favorite pasta, such as linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the richness of the chicken and sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts provide a healthy and flavorful side.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the dish.
- Rice: Serve with white or brown rice.
- Crusty Bread: Great with crusty bread to mop up the garlic sauce
Tips:
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese has a much better flavor and texture than pre-grated cheese.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Don’t Burn the Garlic: Be careful not to burn the garlic when making the sauce, as it will turn bitter. Cook it over medium heat for just a minute or two until fragrant.
- Adjust the Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a little milk or chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce it.
- Add a Touch of Heat: For a little extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice will brighten the flavour
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per serving)
- Calories: 550-650
- Protein: 45-55g
- Sodium: 600-800mg
Conclusion:
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a delightful dish that combines the comfort of crispy chicken with the indulgence of a creamy, garlicky sauce. Its simple preparation and impressive flavor make it a go-to recipe for both everyday meals and special occasions. Experiment with different side dishes and garnishes to create a meal that suits your taste preferences. Enjoy the delectable flavors and the ease of making this culinary masterpiece.
Questions and Answers:
- Question: Can I use different types of cheese for the crust? Answer: Absolutely! While Parmesan provides a classic flavor, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago. A blend of cheeses can also work well. Just make sure the cheese is finely grated for the best texture and adherence to the chicken.
- Question: What if I don’t have heavy cream? Can I substitute it with something else? Answer: Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce. The sauce won’t be as rich, but it will still be delicious. Another option is to use whole milk, but you may need to add a small amount of cornstarch (about 1 teaspoon mixed with a tablespoon of cold water) to help thicken the sauce.
- Question: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Answer: You can prepare the chicken breasts ahead of time by pounding and coating them with the Parmesan crust. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to cook the chicken and make the sauce fresh just before serving. You can also prepare the creamy garlic sauce in advance and reheat it gently before drizzling over the chicken.
- Question: What’s the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked evenly? Answer: The key to even cooking is to pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness. This helps them cook at the same rate. Also, make sure your skillet is evenly heated before adding the chicken. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Question: Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it? Answer: Yes, you can bake the chicken. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with a little olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown. Baking will result in a less crispy crust compared to pan-frying, but it’s a healthier option with less added oil.
