🧀🍗 Crispy Parmesan Chicken Breasts with Rich Garlic Cream Sauce
(Mediterranean Style)
📝 Description
This dish features golden, Parmesan-crusted chicken breasts pan-seared in olive oil, then finished with a luxurious garlic cream sauce made lighter using Mediterranean principles—olive oil, garlic, herbs, and a restrained touch of cream. It’s elegant enough for guests yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
Parmesan Chicken
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2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or whole-wheat)
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1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
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½ tsp paprika
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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1 egg, beaten
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3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Garlic Cream Sauce
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1 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp butter
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5 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup chicken broth
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¾ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
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½ tsp dried thyme
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¼ cup grated Parmesan
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
Garnish
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Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken
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Season chicken with salt and pepper.
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Mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, oregano, and paprika.
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Dip chicken in beaten egg, then coat in Parmesan mixture.
2️⃣ Cook the Chicken
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
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Remove and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
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In the same skillet, add olive oil and butter.
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Sauté garlic until fragrant (30 seconds).
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Pour in chicken broth; simmer 2–3 minutes.
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Add cream, thyme, and Parmesan. Simmer until thickened.
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Season to taste.
4️⃣ Finish
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Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over the top.
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Simmer gently 2 minutes.
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Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
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With roasted Mediterranean vegetables
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Over whole-wheat pasta or mashed potatoes
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Alongside a Greek salad
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With crusty bread for sauce
🧠 Nutrition Highlights
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High-protein, satisfying meal
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Calcium from Parmesan
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Healthy fats from olive oil
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Balanced indulgence Mediterranean-style
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make this lighter?
Yes. Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes. Bake at 200°C / 400°F for 20–25 minutes, then add sauce.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Q: Is this kid-friendly?
Yes—crispy chicken with creamy sauce is a favorite.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3 days.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Absolutely—spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes work well.
