Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce – Easy Dinner Idea
If you’re on the hunt for a delightful dinner that brings comfort to the table while being incredibly easy to prepare, look no further than this Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce. This dish is not only bursting with flavor but also boasts a crispy golden crust on the chicken that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, garlicky sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests over dinner, it’s a meal that feels like a special occasion without the fuss.
What makes this dish truly special is the balance of textures and flavors; the crunch of the chicken pairs perfectly with the luscious sauce, making each bite a delightful experience. It’s a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite, leaving everyone asking for seconds!
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
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)
Gather your ingredients for this deliciously creamy chicken dish.
Directions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside.
-
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the cream, stirring continuously to combine.
- Add the Italian seasoning and grated parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- If using, stir in the chopped spinach and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
-
Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, spooning the rich garlic sauce over the top of each piece.
- Allow to simmer for 1 minute before removing from heat.
- Serve hot, paired with pasta, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- Ingredient Substitutions: For a lighter option, consider substituting half-and-half for the cream. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier meat alternative.
- Optional Variations: Add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the dish and add color.
- Storage or Reheating Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream to retain creaminess.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty level: Easy
Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 pieces 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)
Method
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the cream, stirring continuously to combine.
- Add the Italian seasoning and grated parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- If using, stir in the chopped spinach and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, spooning the rich garlic sauce over the top of each piece.
- Allow to simmer for 1 minute before removing from heat.
- Serve hot, paired with pasta, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.