or mashed potatoes! Recipe
This Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Rich Garlic Sauce delivers juicy chicken breasts with a golden, cheesy crust, all smothered in a decadent creamy garlic sauce. With minimal prep and just 25 minutes from start to finish, it’s your go-to easy dinner that feels both luxurious and simple. Serve it with pasta, vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a crowd-pleasing meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 small to medium chicken breasts (or 2 large halved)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy 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
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and help develop a crispy crust during cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until they are golden-brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Lower the skillet heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the cream, stirring and scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in Italian seasoning (or oregano) and grated parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken. If desired, add in the chopped spinach and simmer for 2–3 minutes until wilted and well combined.
- Combine Chicken & Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Simmer together for 1 additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. This dish is delicious alongside cooked pasta, roasted vegetables, or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, coat chicken in a mix of parmesan and panko breadcrumbs before pan-frying.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
- Freshly grated parmesan yields the best flavor and melting texture in both the crust and the sauce.
- To lighten the dish, use light cream instead of heavy cream.
- If you’d like a thicker sauce, simmer for a few additional minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency.
