Baked Chicken Breasts with Rich Parmesan Cream

Indulge in this Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Sauce, a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts coated in a golden, crunchy crust with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 large eggs
• Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling ️

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions/Directions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a bowl, place the chicken breasts and cover them with buttermilk. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the refrigerator) to enhance tenderness.
2. Prepare the Breading:
   In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until fully combined. In a third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Coat the Chicken:
   Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure adherence.
4. Bake the Chicken:
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the coated chicken on the baking sheet and lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C) and the coating is golden brown.
5. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
   In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, cooking until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve:
   Plate the crispy chicken and drizzle with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes (including marinating)
Servings: 4

FAQ:

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
  Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result; just adjust the cooking time as needed.
• How can I make this dish lighter?
  You can use skinless chicken breasts and bake without the cream sauce or use a lighter milk option for the sauce.
• Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
  Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and reheated when ready to serve.

Conclusion:
Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Sauce is a deliciously satisfying meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With its crunchy coating and rich, creamy sauce, it’s a delightful combination of flavors that you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

Hashtags: #CrispyChicken #ParmesanChicken #CreamySauce #ComfortFood #EasyDinner