Parmesan Crusted Chicken Garlic (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken Preparation

01 - 4 small to medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or 2 large breasts sliced in half
02 - Salt, to taste
03 - Black pepper, to taste
04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Crispy Coating

05 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

→ Creamy Garlic Sauce

07 - 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 cup light cream or heavy cream
09 - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
10 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
02 - Combine 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Press the mixture firmly onto both sides of each chicken breast to ensure even coverage.
03 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and sear about 3 to 4 minutes per side until a golden, crisp crust forms.
04 - Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté gently for about 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring it does not brown.
05 - Pour in the cream and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning or oregano. Stir well to combine. Add chopped spinach if desired and allow to wilt. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and simmer until the sauce slightly thickens.
06 - Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Cover and cook over low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Arrange the chicken on plates and generously spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the top before serving.

# Notes:

01 - For a crispier crust, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-packaged. Avoid crowding the skillet; cook in batches if necessary to maintain a golden sear. Enhancing the sauce with lemon zest introduces a tangy brightness.
02 - To adapt for gluten-free diets, verify that both the Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs are free from additives containing gluten, or substitute with a certified gluten-free breadcrumb. For a dairy-free alternative, replace cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.