When it comes to dinner, nothing quite hits the spot like a juicy piece of chicken with an irresistible crust. Meet Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce—a dish that’s not only mouthwateringly delicious but also incredibly simple to whip up. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender chicken, enveloped in a savory Parmesan crust, drizzled with a luxuriously creamy garlic sauce. Yum! Did you know that creamy garlic sauces date back centuries and were often used to elevate simple dishes? It’s true! This dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser and makes for a perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. If you enjoy recipes like our Classic Chicken Alfredo, you’re in for a treat! Now, grab your apron and let’s dive into this fabulous dish!
What is Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce?
So, what’s in a name? In this case, everything! Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a mouthful of pure deliciousness. Why “parmesan crusted”? Well, because who doesn’t love a crispy, cheesy exterior enveloping tender chicken? It’s like a hug from your favorite cheese! And the sauce? Oh, it’s creamy, garlicky goodness that transforms this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. You know the saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? This dish is all about that! So why not give this a try and whisk your loved ones off their feet?
Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Crusted Chicken
What’s not to love about a dish that brings together tender chicken, savory cheese, and a rich, creamy sauce? Here are three irresistible reasons to make Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce your next family dinner:
- Main Highlight: The star of the show is undeniably the crispy, golden cheese crust! With every bite, you’ll experience a delightful crunch that complements the juicy chicken.
- Cost-Saving Benefits: Why spend a fortune at a restaurant when you can easily make this delectable dish at home for a fraction of the cost? Plus, you can control your ingredients for a healthier version if you like!
- Flavorful Ingredients: The garlic-infused creamy sauce is the cherry on top! It adds an incredible richness that takes this dish to another level of delicious.
If you’re a fan of our Lemon Herb Chicken recipe, you’ll surely want to keep this one on your radar as well. Give it a go, and your taste buds will thank you!
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Quick Overview
Ready for a dinner that’s both inspired and straightforward? This recipe promises a balance of simplicity and satisfaction. With easy-to-follow steps and a prep time of just 30 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen. Plus, the creamy garlic sauce and crispy Parmesan crust will have your family begging for seconds!
Ingredients Needed
To make Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by flattening the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1 inch) using a meat mallet. This helps ensure they cook evenly.
- Set Up your Breading Station: In one bowl, place the flour. In another bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off the excess. Then dip it into the Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the breading.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt half the butter. Once melted and bubbling, add the chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Let it simmer for a minute for the flavors to meld.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chicken with extra sauce drizzled on top.
What to Serve Parmesan Crusted Chicken With
This fabulous dish pairs beautifully with several sides! Consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad for a crunch, creamy mashed potatoes for comfort, or steamed broccoli for a nutritious touch. A glass of white wine also complements the meal nicely, adding a touch of elegance.
Top Tips for Perfecting Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re out of Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
- Timing Adjustments: Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Always check that they are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Avoid overcrowding the pan while cooking; this can prevent the chicken from browning perfectly.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store your Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken, but it’s best to do so without the sauce. When reheating, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for around 10-15 minutes to maintain its crispiness.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and bread it earlier in the day, refrigerate, and then cook when ready.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour alternative.
Conclusion
In the world of weekday meals, Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce shines bright as a star! With its simple preparation, rich flavors, and crispy texture, it’s bound to become a family favorite. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a dish that’s nothing short of spectacular. Your dining table is about to elevate to new heights of deliciousness!
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Meat Mallet
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Breading
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup butter, divided
Sauce
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for sauce)
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (for sauce)
Instructions
- Flatten chicken: Use a mallet to pound chicken breasts to an even 1-inch thickness for even cooking.
- Prepare breading: Set out two bowls—one with flour, and one with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the chicken: Dredge chicken in flour, then press into Parmesan mixture to coat well.
- Cook chicken: Melt 1/4 cup butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make garlic sauce: In same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Simmer briefly.
- Combine: Return chicken to pan and spoon sauce over top. Simmer 1 minute to meld flavors.
- Serve: Plate with additional sauce drizzled over the top. Enjoy!