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.