Description
This Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce is a quick and flavorful dinner idea that combines golden, crispy chicken breasts with a creamy, garlicky parmesan sauce, accented by Italian herbs and optional fresh spinach. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, it pairs wonderfully with pasta, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 small to medium chicken breasts (or 2 large chicken breasts halved)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic 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 both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm up until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken achieves a golden, crispy crust and is cooked through.
- Set Aside Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside temporarily to rest.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add Cream: Pour in the light or heavy cream while stirring continuously to combine the flavors.
- Incorporate Seasonings and Cheese: Stir in the Italian seasoning or oregano and parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add Spinach (Optional): If using spinach, stir it into the sauce and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes until wilted and incorporated.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the rich garlic sauce evenly over the top.
- Simmer: Let the chicken and sauce simmer together for about 1 minute to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the crispy parmesan chicken hot, paired with your choice of pasta, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using heavy cream will create a richer sauce, but light cream works well for a lighter option.
- Chicken breasts can be butterflied or halved for faster, more even cooking.
- Freshly grated parmesan is recommended for better texture and flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Spinach is optional but adds a fresh, nutritious touch to the dish.
- Ensure not to overcook the garlic as it may turn bitter.
