Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce: Golden, Tender, and Oh-So-Indulgent!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 small–medium chicken breasts (or 2 large, halved)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Crispy Coating:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup light cream or heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or oregano
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)
I lay it all out and feel like I’m about to whip up something spectacular. This serves 4—perfect for a family dinner or seconds if I’m extra hungry. It’s my roadmap for a cozy, cheesy meal. I always check my supplies first—my trick to avoid mid-cook scrambles. Nothing’s worse than missing garlic halfway through, right? Keeps me calm and ready to roll.
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Let’s dive in with love!—season 4 small–medium chicken breasts (or 2 large, halved) generously with salt and pepper (I’m buzzing with excitement!). Rub it in—flavor’s starting (my kitchen’s smiling!).
Step 2: Mix the Coating
In a shallow dish, combine ½ cup grated Parmesan and ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (my heart’s racing for that crunch!). Stir well—crisp vibes ready (my counter’s set!). It’s the golden armor—pure texture joy!
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Press each chicken breast into the Parmesan-panko mix—both sides, nice and even (trust me, you’ll grin like I did first time!). Cover thoroughly—crust’s forming (my excitement’s climbing!). It’s the crispy prep—pure magic building!
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high (my kitchen’s sizzling!). Add the coated chicken—sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp (my nose is in love!). Brown and beautiful—flavor’s locking in (my stove’s alive!). It’s the crunchy start—pure skillet charm!
Step 5: Start the Sauce
Drop the heat to medium-low—add 3–4 minced garlic cloves and sauté 1 minute until fragrant (my kitchen smells like heaven!). Watch close—no burning (my heart’s happy!). It’s the garlicky base—pure aroma bliss!
Step 6: Build the Sauce
Pour in 1 cup cream—light or heavy—and sprinkle 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or oregano (my hands are dancing!). Stir smooth—creamy dreams unfolding (my anticipation’s soaring!). Add 1 cup chopped spinach if using—let it wilt softly (my counter’s green!). Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan—thickens just right (my heart’s content!). It’s the saucy heart—pure indulgence rising!
Step 7: Finish Cooking
Cover the skillet—let the chicken simmer 8–10 minutes until it hits 165°F inside (my kitchen’s a cozy spa!). Taste sauce—tweak salt or pepper if needed (my table’s waiting!). Tender and saucy—pure ready-to-eat glory (my oven’s resting!).
Step 8: Plate and Serve
Lift the lid—plate the chicken and spoon that creamy garlic sauce over top (my kitchen’s a masterpiece!). Serve hot—maybe with a side of bread or veggies (my heart’s singing!). Dig in—pure cheesy love (my table’s a feast!). It’s the grand finale—total flavor hug!