Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Alfredo is a delicious and elegant dish featuring crispy, golden chicken breasts coated in a flavorful Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, baked to perfection and topped with a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Season the Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper to taste for added flavor.
- Set Up Dredging Stations: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the crust adheres well.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the coated chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is crispy.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: While the chicken bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the heavy cream to the saucepan and let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken slightly. Then stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the Sauce: Season the Alfredo sauce with salt and pepper to taste and keep it warm on low heat until ready to serve.
- Serve: Plate the baked Parmesan crusted chicken breasts, spoon warm Alfredo sauce over them, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a colorful, fresh finish.
Notes
- Use fresh grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture in the crust and sauce.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be thinner.
- Breadcrumbs can be plain or seasoned based on preference.
- To keep the crust extra crispy, avoid covering the chicken after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Parmesan crusted chicken, Alfredo sauce, baked chicken, creamy chicken recipe, Italian chicken dish
