What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? For me, it’s a quick and easy recipe like this parmesan crusted chicken with a rich creamy garlic sauce made from scratch. The combination of crispy parmesan and tender chicken is a family favorite. Save this idea for your next homemade dinner inspiration and try it soon.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce

Introduction

This recipe for Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce is a culinary masterpiece that combines the simplicity of everyday ingredients with the elegance of fine dining. The dish is remarkably easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort for a flavor profile that is both rich and sophisticated. The combination of crunchy Parmesan crust and creamy garlic sauce creates a delightful contrast of textures that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its creativity and depth of flavor.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The recipe strikes a perfect balance between the savory flavor of Parmesan cheese, the pungency of garlic, and the juiciness of chicken, all of which are readily available in most supermarkets.
Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive presentation, the dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, with a simple breading process for the chicken and a quick sauce made from garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
Impressive results with minimal effort: The combination of the crunchy Parmesan crust and the creamy garlic sauce creates a dish that looks and tastes like it was prepared in a high-end restaurant, all with minimal effort and time.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include boneless, skinless chicken breasts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, heavy cream, and breadcrumbs. For the chicken, you can use either fresh or frozen breasts, thawed. Parmesan cheese can be substituted with other hard cheeses like Pecorino or Romano, but keep in mind that the flavor profile may vary slightly. Garlic is a crucial ingredient for the sauce, but you can adjust the amount according to your taste. Heavy cream provides the richness and creaminess to the sauce, but you can also use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter as a substitute. Breadcrumbs can be plain or seasoned, depending on your preference. Fresh parsley or basil can be used as a garnish for added freshness and color.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preparing the ingredients. Chop the garlic finely and grate the Parmesan cheese. Measure out the breadcrumbs and season with salt and any other desired herbs or spices.
Step 2: Prepare the chicken by pounding the breasts to an even thickness. This helps the chicken cook more evenly and prevents it from becoming too thick in the center. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 3: Dip each chicken breast in the beaten eggs, coating completely, then roll in the seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese to coat. Place the coated chicken on a plate or tray.
Step 4: Heat about half an inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let cook for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly, then remove from heat and stir in additional grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: To serve, place a cooked chicken breast on each plate and spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately.

Handy Tips

For an extra crispy crust, you can chill the breaded chicken breasts in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying. This helps the breadcrumbs adhere better to the chicken.
Do not overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary, to ensure that each breast has enough room to cook evenly.
For a lighter version of the sauce, you can use less heavy cream or substitute some of it with chicken broth.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially when cooking the chicken and making the sauce. For the chicken, the ideal temperature for frying is between 350°F and 375°F. If the oil is too hot, the breadcrumbs can burn before the chicken is cooked through. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken may absorb too much oil and become greasy. For the sauce, medium heat is recommended to prevent the cream from boiling too vigorously and to allow the garlic to cook slowly and evenly.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the Parmesan crust on the chicken, which provides a satisfying texture contrast to the juicy chicken and creamy sauce. To achieve a good crunch, it’s essential to not overcook the chicken and to fry the breaded breasts at the right temperature. Additionally, using Panko breadcrumbs can help create a lighter and crisper crust compared to regular breadcrumbs.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Using a thermometer to check the oil temperature can ensure that the chicken is fried at the optimal temperature for a crispy crust and cooked interior.
Not pressing down on the chicken with your spatula while it’s frying can help prevent the crust from becoming dense and the chicken from becoming tough.
Making the sauce ahead of time and reheating it gently can help the flavors meld together and the sauce to thicken further.

Storage Tips

Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store it in an airtight container and reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
The creamy garlic sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently over low heat, whisking constantly, until warmed through.
It’s not recommended to freeze the cooked chicken with the sauce, as the sauce can separate and the chicken become watery upon thawing. However, you can freeze the breaded and fried chicken breasts without the sauce for up to 2 months and thaw and reheat as needed.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This dish is perfect for gifting to friends and family, especially during the holidays. Consider packaging the cooked chicken breasts in a decorative tin or container, along with a jar of the creamy garlic sauce and some crusty bread or roasted vegetables on the side. You can also include a bottle of wine or some gourmet cheese for a complete gift basket. For a more casual gift, you can wrap individual chicken breasts in parchment paper or aluminum foil and include a small container of sauce for a quick and easy meal.

Flavor Variations

Different spices: Adding some dried or fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the breadcrumbs can give the chicken a unique flavor profile. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Creative toppings: Consider topping the chicken with some sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition. You can also sprinkle some grated cheese like mozzarella or feta for extra creaminess.
Ingredient swaps: Swapping the chicken with pork or veal cutlets can provide a different texture and flavor. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of the dish.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the chicken becomes too dense or tough, it may be due to overcooking or pressing down on the chicken with your spatula while it’s frying. Try cooking the chicken to the right internal temperature and avoiding pressure on the spatula.
Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter. However, keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.
Over/undercooking signs: If the chicken is undercooked, it will feel soft and squishy to the touch. If it’s overcooked, it will feel hard and dry. Make sure to cook the chicken to the right internal temperature and check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the breast.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the breaded and fried chicken breasts without the sauce for up to 2 months. However, it’s not recommended to freeze the cooked chicken with the sauce.
Is it gluten-free? The recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. However, make sure to check the ingredients of the breadcrumbs and the Parmesan cheese to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to serve a larger crowd. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is heated evenly.

Conclusion

This recipe for Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce is a game-changer for anyone looking to impress their family and friends with a delicious and elegant dish. With its rich flavor profile, crunchy texture, and creamy sauce, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor variations to make the dish your own. And remember, the key to a successful dish is to have fun and enjoy the process of cooking and sharing meals with others.

Crispy Chicken Garlic Sauce