Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
This dish combines savory Parmesan and panko crumbs with a luscious creamy garlic sauce, perfect for a family dinner or a romantic evening.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces small–medium chicken breasts (or 2 large, halved)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Crust
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese For the crust
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
For the Sauce
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup light cream or heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or oregano
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated To mix in the sauce
- 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional) For added nutrition and flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Make the Crust
- In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs. Mix well.
Coat the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Dip each chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down to ensure an even coating.
- Place the coated chicken in the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
Bake the Chicken
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F (75°C).
Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- While the chicken is baking, wipe the skillet clean and return it to the stovetop over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the cream, stirring continuously, and add the Italian seasoning or oregano. Allow sauce to simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
Add Spinach
- If using, add the chopped spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Serve
- Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the cooked chicken and serve immediately.
Notes
Serve with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish with extra Parmesan or herbs. For extra flavor, marinate chicken before cooking, add red pepper flakes for spice, and pound chicken for even cooking.