Introduction
Hey there! Today I want to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser and always manages to impress. The crispy parmesan crust combined with the rich and creamy garlic sauce creates a flavor explosion that will leave you craving for more. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this one!
Why You’ll Love This
I make this dish whenever I want to treat myself or when I have guests over for dinner. It’s incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides, making it perfect for any occasion. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! You don’t need to be a master chef to whip up this deliciousness in your own kitchen. My family goes crazy for this because it’s a guaranteed winner every time. Plus, the aroma that fills the house while it’s cooking is simply irresistible!
Ingredients
For the Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Olive oil for frying
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Note: Feel free to experiment with different variations of cheese or breadcrumbs. I sometimes use mozzarella instead of parmesan for a melty twist. And if you’re in a hurry, you can even substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or panko.
Directions
1. In a shallow bowl, combine the grated parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
3. Press the chicken into the parmesan mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated on both sides.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Add the grated parmesan cheese and continue to stir until it melts and incorporates into the sauce.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them with the creamy garlic sauce.
10. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
11. Serve the Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce hot and fresh, garnished with some freshly chopped parsley for an extra pop of color.
Notes
Don’t worry if the sauce looks a bit thin at first. It will thicken as it simmers and coats the chicken. And trust me, it tastes even better than it looks! The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day!
Variations
I love experimenting with different variations of this recipe. One of my favorites is adding a handful of crispy bacon bits to the creamy garlic sauce for an extra burst of flavor. However, I must admit that I once tried incorporating chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and it didn’t turn out as well as I had hoped. Lesson learned!
Equipment
If you don’t have a large skillet, you can use a frying pan or even a griddle. The key is to ensure that the chicken breasts have enough space to cook evenly and develop that beautiful golden crust.
Serving Suggestions
I personally love serving this dish with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus. The combination of flavors is simply heavenly! However, feel free to pair it with your favorite sides or even a fresh green salad for a lighter option.
Pro Tips
One tip I’ve learned from experience is not to rush the browning process of the chicken. It’s essential to cook it on medium heat to achieve that perfect golden crust without burning the coating. Trust me, patience pays off in this case!
Another valuable lesson I’ve learned is to resist the temptation to skip the step of dipping the chicken breasts in beaten eggs. This simple step helps the parmesan mixture adhere to the chicken, resulting in a crispy and flavorful crust.
FAQ
Q: Can I use skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! The skin will add an extra layer of flavor and crispiness to the dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Of course! Chicken thighs will work just as well in this recipe. They are incredibly juicy and flavorful, making for a delicious alternative.
So there you have it, my friend! A foolproof recipe for Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. Give it a try, and I guarantee it will become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
A crowd-pleasing dish featuring crispy parmesan-crusted chicken breasts smothered in a rich and creamy garlic sauce. This flavorful combination is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Olive oil for frying
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
Directions
-
In a shallow bowl, combine grated parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
-
Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's fully coated.
-
Press the chicken into the parmesan mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated on both sides.
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
-
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
-
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
-
Add the grated parmesan cheese and continue to stir until it melts and incorporates into the sauce.
-
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them with the creamy garlic sauce.
-
Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
-
Serve the Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce hot and fresh, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.