Description
Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make dinner featuring tender chicken breasts pan-fried to a golden crisp and served with a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, enriched with Italian herbs and optional spinach. This comforting dish can be paired perfectly with pasta, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 small to medium chicken breasts (or 2 large halved)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic Cream 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
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt and pepper to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Heat the Oil: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm up for a minute to ensure proper searing.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until the exterior turns golden and crispy while the inside reaches a safe temperature.
- Remove Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside to rest while preparing the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to low and add the minced garlic to the pan, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Add Cream: Slowly pour in the cream while stirring continuously to combine with the garlic, forming the base of the sauce.
- Incorporate Seasoning and Cheese: Stir in the Italian seasoning and grated parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Spinach: If using, add the chopped spinach to the sauce and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until wilted and well integrated.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them to coat thoroughly.
- Final Simmer: Let the chicken and sauce simmer together for 1 minute to meld flavors and heat through before removing the skillet from the heat.
- Serve: Plate the chicken hot alongside your choice of pasta, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can lightly coat the chicken breasts with grated parmesan before cooking.
- Substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green addition.
- Use heavy cream for a richer sauce or light cream for a lighter option.
- Make sure not to overcook the garlic to prevent it from tasting bitter.
- Chicken breasts can be butterflied to cook more evenly and quickly if preferred.
