Mediterranean Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
📝 Introduction
This dish combines Mediterranean-inspired flavors with a crispy Parmesan crusted chicken breast, served with a creamy garlic sauce that balances richness with fresh herbs. It’s a comforting yet elegant meal that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, pasta, or a simple salad.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian style)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
3 tbsp olive oil (for frying or baking)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp lemon juice
½ tsp dried thyme (or fresh)
Salt & black pepper to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) if finishing in the oven.
Set up a dredging station:
Plate 1: flour.
Plate 2: beaten eggs.
Plate 3: breadcrumbs, Parmesan, oregano, basil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper (mixed well).
Coat each chicken breast in flour, dip in egg, then press into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture until well coated.
Step 2 – Cook the Chicken
Pan-Fry Method: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to oven for 8–10 minutes until fully cooked (internal temp 75°C / 165°F).
Baked Method: Place coated chicken on a greased baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake for 20–22 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
Step 3 – Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, add oil.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and simmer 2 minutes.
Stir in cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened (5–6 minutes).
Step 4 – Assemble & Serve
Place chicken on serving plates, spoon creamy garlic sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve with roasted Mediterranean veggies, pasta, or couscous.
Tips & Variations
Add sun-dried tomatoes or capers to the sauce for extra Mediterranean flair.
Use Greek yogurt instead of cream for a lighter version.
Can be made ahead and reheated in oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.
Pair with a crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette for balance.
Serving Suggestions
With Pasta: Toss spaghetti or linguine in olive oil, lemon zest, and herbs.
With Veggies: Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes complement beautifully.
With Grains: Serve over couscous, quinoa, or rice pilaf.
Q&A
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
👉 Yes! Boneless thighs work well but may take a few more minutes to cook.
Q2: How do I prevent the crust from falling off?
👉 Press the coating firmly and let chicken rest 5 minutes before cooking. Avoid flipping too often.
Q3: Can I make it dairy-free?
👉 Use dairy-free Parmesan and coconut milk (unsweetened) for the sauce.
Q4: What sides go best with this dish?
👉 Roasted vegetables, couscous, lemony pasta, or a fresh cucumber-tomato salad.
Q5: Can the sauce be frozen?
👉 Cream sauces don’t freeze well; best enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition (per serving – 1 chicken breast + sauce)
(approximate, varies by ingredients used)
Calories: ~465 kcal
Protein: 39 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fat: 27 g
Fiber: 1 g
Calcium: ~280 mg
Iron: ~2 mg
✅ Final Note:
This Mediterranean Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is crispy, rich, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for family dinners or a special occasion.