This creamy garlic butter Parmesan chicken is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and flavorful sauce. The gluten-free breading gives the chicken a delightful crunch, while the creamy garlic butter Parmesan sauce adds a decadent touch. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
Chicken Breasts:
- 4 Chicken Breasts, boneless and skinless
Breading:
- 1 cup Gluten-Free Bake Mix or Almond Flour
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic, crushed
- 1 cup Chicken Stock
- 1 cup Whipping Cream
- 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Dried Cilantro or Dried Parsley
- 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro or Parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Breading Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the gluten-free bake mix (or almond flour), Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the breading mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat Butter: In a large ovenproof skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
- Sear Chicken: Add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce
- Add Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the crushed garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add Chicken Stock: Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add Whipping Cream: Stir in the whipping cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cheeses: Gradually add the grated Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and well combined.
- Season Sauce: Add the dried cilantro (or parsley) and season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
- Return Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and thickened.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley) for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the creamy garlic butter Parmesan chicken hot, with your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken:
- Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider slicing them in half horizontally to ensure even cooking.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of chicken stock or milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Fresh Herbs: While dried cilantro or parsley works well in the sauce, using fresh herbs for garnish adds a bright and fresh flavor to the dish.
Variations:
- Mushroom Addition: Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy flavor and additional texture.
- Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach leaves into the sauce before baking for a nutritious boost.
- Bacon: Sprinkle cooked bacon bits over the chicken before serving for a smoky and savory twist.
This creamy garlic butter Parmesan chicken is a comforting and indulgent dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. The combination of crispy breaded chicken breasts and the rich, creamy sauce is sure to impress everyone at the table. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Enjoy the delightful flavors and creamy texture of this delicious chicken dish!
