Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a quick and delicious meal featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy Parmesan and panko crust, seared to golden perfection and served with a rich, garlicky cream sauce enhanced by Italian seasoning and spinach. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that balances crunchy textures with creamy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 small–medium chicken breasts (or 2 large, halved)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Coating
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper evenly on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Make the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Coat each chicken breast thoroughly with this mixture to create a crispy crust when cooked.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the coated chicken breasts in the skillet and cook until they are golden and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, then add the cream, Italian seasoning, chopped spinach if using, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir and let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly.
- Finish Cooking: Cover the skillet with a lid and continue cooking the chicken in the sauce until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Plate the chicken breasts and generously spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the top, serving immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Using panko breadcrumbs ensures a crispier crust than regular breadcrumbs.
- Light cream can be used to reduce fat content, but heavy cream yields a richer sauce.
- Spinach is optional but adds color and nutrition.
- Let the chicken reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Serving with a side of steamed vegetables or pasta pairs well with the creamy sauce.
