Description
Parmesan crusted chicken dazzles dinner tables with golden-brown perfection and irresistible Italian-inspired flavors. Creamy garlic sauce complements crisp chicken, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this simple yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts (small/medium or 2 large, halved)
Cheese and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup light cream or heavy cream
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides to maximize flavor profile.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature until surface shimmers and appears slightly rippled.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken into hot skillet, cooking approximately 5-6 minutes per side until exterior develops a golden-brown crust and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Reduce heat and introduce minced garlic to the same pan, sautéing briefly until aromatic and just turning golden, approximately 30 seconds.
- Pour cream into pan, gently incorporating with garlic remnants to develop a rich, smooth base for the sauce.
- Incorporate Italian seasoning and grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely and sauce achieves a silky consistency.
- Optional: Add chopped spinach to sauce, allowing leaves to wilt and integrate for 2-3 minutes, introducing additional color and nutritional depth.
- Carefully return cooked chicken to sauce, gently coating each piece and allowing flavors to meld for an additional minute.
- Remove pan from heat, ensuring chicken remains moist and sauce maintains its creamy texture.
- Plate immediately, accompanying with complementary side dishes like roasted vegetables, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Perfectly season chicken by generously coating both sides with salt and pepper to maximize flavor absorption.
- Use high-quality parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic taste that elevates the entire dish’s profile.
- Choose between light or heavy cream based on desired richness, knowing light cream creates a lighter sauce while heavy cream produces a more indulgent texture.
- For gluten-free adaptation, replace Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg