Hey there! Who else gets really excited about a delicious chicken dinner that feels like you just ordered takeout, but all made in the comfort of your own kitchen? I certainly do! Today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite recipe for Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce. Trust me, this one will leave your taste buds dancing!
Nutritional Benefits
First things first, let’s talk about why this dish is wonderful beyond just its taste. Chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein, which helps build and repair tissues. Plus, it’s great for keeping you full! The garlic in our creamy sauce has been linked to a multitude of health benefits, including boosting your immune system. And if you’re a fan of Parmesan cheese – who isn’t? – it provides calcium and phosphorus, both of which are great for your bones.
Fun Variations to Make
- For Healthier Crunch: Swap regular breadcrumbs with whole wheat or almond flour for a healthier twist.
- Swap the Sauce: If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut milk mixed with nutritional yeast for a creamy sauce that’s still packed with flavor!
- Add Some Veggies: Throw in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms to your sauce for an extra veggie boost, making it even more satisfying.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works great!)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and lightly grease it with some cooking spray or a little olive oil.
- In a bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This is going to be your crunchy coating!
- In another bowl, beat the eggs until they’re nice and smooth. This will help the coating stick to the chicken.
- Take each chicken breast, dip it into the egg, and then cover both sides with the cheesy breadcrumb mix. Place them on the baking sheet like an excited parade!
- Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the breaded chicken, then pop them in the oven for about 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
- While that’s baking, let’s whip up our garlic cream sauce! In a saucepan over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it until it’s fragrant but not burnt—about 1 minute.
- Pour the heavy cream in and bring it to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper, and let it thicken for a few minutes.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and drizzle that mouthwatering garlic cream sauce all over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if you want to impress!
- Serve hot with your favorite sides, and behold the happiness you’ve just created!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- Looking to save on dishes? You can make both the coating and the sauce in one bowl! Just do the coating, and then use the same bowl to mix your ingredients for the sauce.
- If you want extra crunch, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking—just keep an eye to make sure it doesn’t burn.
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a little splash of heavy cream to keep that sauce luscious.
Equipment Needed
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:
- Two mixing bowls for coating and sauce
- A baking sheet for the chicken
- A saucepan for the garlic cream sauce
- A whisk for blending eggs and sauce
- A chef’s knife for chopping
- A cutting board for prepping
- Spatula for flipping chicken and serving
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add extra juiciness and flavor!
- How can I make this dish gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones, and make sure your Italian seasoning is gluten-free as well.
- What can I serve with this chicken? Creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad all pair beautifully!
- Can the sauce be made ahead of time? Yes! You can store the sauce in the fridge and reheat it when ready to serve.
- How do I avoid dry chicken? Make sure not to over-bake your chicken! Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
So, how did you enjoy this Parmesan Crusted Chicken experience? I’d love to know how it turned out for you! Make sure to follow me on Pinterest for more mouthwatering recipes and food inspiration. Happy cooking!
