Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 4 small to medium chicken breasts (or 2 large halved)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup light cream or heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or oregano
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Step 5: Lower the heat and add minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Pour in the cream, stirring continuously to combine.
7. Step 7: Add Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth.
8. Step 8: Stir in chopped spinach, if using, and simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
9. Step 9: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over each piece.
10. Step 10: Simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
11. Step 11: Serve hot, pairing with pasta, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, lightly dust the chicken with flour or breadcrumbs before frying.
• Substitute Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a brighter flavor.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms to the sauce for added depth.
• Use heavy cream for a richer sauce, or light cream for a lighter version.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave to prevent the sauce from curdling. Avoid freezing the dish as the creamy sauce may separate.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to be juicier, though cooking times may vary slightly.

How do I prevent the garlic sauce from breaking?

Cook the sauce on low heat and stir continuously. Avoid boiling the cream, which can cause separation.

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 141 reviews

This Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce is a flavorful and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken breasts pan-fried to golden perfection and smothered in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Enhanced with Italian seasoning and optional fresh spinach, this recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion meal.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 small to medium chicken breasts (or 2 large breasts halved)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup light cream or heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or oregano
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Heat the Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through inside.
4. Set Aside Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place them on a plate to rest while you prepare the sauce.
5. Sauté Garlic: Reduce heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
6. Add Cream: Pour in 1 cup of light or heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine with the garlic and pan juices.
7. Season and Cheese: Stir in 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning or oregano and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
8. Add Spinach (Optional): If using, add 1 cup of chopped spinach to the sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
9. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over the top to coat them well.
10. Finish Cooking: Let everything simmer together for 1 minute so the chicken absorbs some of the sauce flavors.
11. Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

• Use light cream for a lighter sauce or heavy cream for richer texture.
• For extra crispiness, you can lightly dredge the chicken in flour before frying.
• Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition but can be omitted.
• Make sure not to burn the garlic as it will turn bitter and affect the sauce flavor.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper after adding the cream, as cheese adds saltiness.

Keywords: crispy chicken, parmesan chicken, garlic sauce, creamy chicken recipe, Italian chicken dish, skillet chicken