Monday nights are usually the hardest part of the week for most of us. You are tired from work and the kids have plenty of homework to finish up.
Finding great monday night dinner recipes can feel like a real chore when you just want to sit down and relax on the couch after a long day.
Honestly, I used to struggle with this all the time too. I would stare at the fridge and hope that a meal would just appear out of thin air.
But then I realized that having a few reliable Simple Family Recipes in my back pocket changed everything for my mood and my budget as well.
If you are looking for Something Yummy For Dinner that does not require hours of standing over a hot stove, you have come to the right place today.
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is the answer to your prayers. It feels like a fancy treat but it is actually quite simple.
You do not need any fancy equipment or professional skills to get this right. It is perfect for beginners who want to eat well without the stress.
Let us dive into why this dish is going to become a staple in your house. It is fast, cheap, and everyone will love the flavor.
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to keep this on your list of monday night dinner recipes. First of all, the crunch on the chicken is absolutely amazing.
You get that nutty and salty flavor from the Parmesan cheese in every single bite. It creates a golden crust that stays crispy even under the sauce.
Speaking of the sauce, it is silky and rich without being too heavy. The garlic adds a wonderful aroma that will make your whole kitchen smell like heaven.
Another reason this is a winner is the speed. You can have this entire meal on the table in under thirty minutes from start to finish.
That is faster than ordering pizza and waiting for the delivery driver to show up at your door. Plus, it is much better for your wallet.
It is also one of those Simple Cheap Dinner Recipes that uses basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or fridge right now.
Whether you are making an Easy Dinner Recipe For Two or feeding a full house, this recipe scales up or down very easily without any trouble.
It is a Manly Dinner that satisfies big appetites but it is also light enough for those seeking Dinner Ideas Simple Healthy when paired with greens.
You know what? Even the pickiest eaters in my family love this one. There is just something so comforting about breaded chicken and cream sauce together.
It is truly a versatile dish. You can serve it with almost anything and it will still be the star of the show every single time.
Ingredients
Before we start cooking, let us gather everything we need. Most of these items are Simple Cheap Dinner Recipes staples that you might already have handy.
Using fresh garlic really makes a difference here. It provides a punchy flavor that the powdered stuff just cannot match in a sauce like this one.
For the chicken, I recommend using thin cutlets. They cook much faster and stay juicier than thick breasts that take forever to heat through the middle.
Here is your shopping list for one of the best Meals To Cook With Chicken you will ever try at home on a budget.
- 4 thin chicken cutlets
- 0.5 cup all purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan for sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
These ingredients are easy to find at any local grocery store. This makes it a great choice for Simple Dinners With Chicken any day.
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps to create a meal that will impress everyone at the table. It is easier than you think.
Step 1 Prepare Chicken
First, take your thin chicken cutlets and season them well with salt and pepper on both sides. Do not be afraid to use a good amount of seasoning.
If your chicken breasts are too thick, you can place them between pieces of plastic wrap and pound them out until they are about half an inch thick.
This ensures that they cook quickly and evenly. This is a key trick for all your monday night dinner recipes to save time and energy.
Step 2 Dredge In Coating
Set up three shallow bowls for your dredging station. Put the flour in the first bowl and the beaten eggs in the second bowl for the chicken.
In the third bowl, mix your breadcrumbs with the half cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture is what gives the chicken that amazing salty crunch.
Coat each piece of chicken in flour first and then dip it into the egg. Finally, press it firmly into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture until fully covered.
Step 3 Pan Fry
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil to be shimmering but not smoking before you add the chicken cutlets.
Place the chicken in the pan and cook for about three to four minutes per side. You are looking for a beautiful golden brown color on the crust.
Once the chicken is cooked through and crispy, transfer it to a plate. Let it rest for a few minutes while you work on the delicious sauce.
Step 4 Make Garlic Cream Sauce
In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and saute it for about one minute until it smells fragrant.
Stir in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
Add the heavy cream and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens up and looks silky and smooth.
Step 5 Combine And Garnish
Return the crispy chicken to the skillet. You can either place it directly in the sauce or spoon the sauce over the top of the chicken cutlets.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme to add a bit of color and freshness. This balances out the richness of the cream and the salty cheese perfectly.
Now you are ready to serve one of the most popular Simple Family Recipes in your collection. It looks and tastes like a million bucks.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It stays quite tasty.
When you are ready to eat it again, I recommend reheating it in the oven or a toaster oven rather than the microwave to keep the crust.
The microwave can make the breading a bit soggy, which is not ideal. A few minutes at three hundred fifty degrees will crisp it right back up.
You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to the sauce when reheating it. Cream sauces tend to thicken up a lot when cold.
This recipe is great for meal prep too. You can make a double batch and have a delicious lunch ready for the next day at work.
It is one of those Simple Dinners With Chicken that actually tastes pretty good the next day. The flavors have more time to meld together in the fridge.
Tips
One of my favorite tips for this recipe is to use a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before you serve the chicken to your guests.
The acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness of the heavy cream and the butter. It really brightens up the whole flavor profile of the dish.
Also, make sure you do not overcrowd the pan when you are frying the chicken. If you put too many pieces in at once, they will steam.
Steaming leads to a soggy crust instead of a crispy one. Cook in batches if your skillet is not large enough to hold all four cutlets.
If you want to make this a part of your Dinners With Sides, consider serving it over a bed of pasta or with some creamy mashed potatoes.
Roasted asparagus or a simple side salad also work beautifully. It helps keep the meal feeling like one of those Dinner Ideas Simple Healthy options we love.
Always taste your sauce before you put the chicken back in. You might want a little more pepper or a touch more salt to make it perfect.
Using high quality Parmesan cheese will also give you a better result. The stuff in the green can works but freshly grated cheese melts much better.
Conclusion
There you have it. This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is truly one of the best monday night dinner recipes you can find for your busy weekly schedule.
It is fast and easy to make without needing any special tools. It is also very budget friendly for anyone looking for Simple Cheap Dinner Recipes today.
I hope this becomes a new favorite in your home. It is a wonderful way to enjoy Something Yummy For Dinner without the stress of a long process.
Give it a try this week and see how much your family enjoys it. You might find yourself adding it to your regular rotation very soon.
Happy cooking and I hope your Monday night becomes a lot more delicious with this simple and flavorful chicken dish on your table tonight.
FAQ
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Yes you can easily adapt this. Just use your favorite gluten free flour and gluten free breadcrumbs instead of the standard ones listed in the recipe.
What Should I Serve On The Side?
This goes great with many Dinners With Sides. I love it with garlic butter pasta, steamed broccoli, or even a simple piece of crusty bread.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs?
Absolutely you can. Just keep in mind that boneless chicken thighs might take a few extra minutes to cook through compared to the thin chicken cutlets.
How Do I Keep The Crust Crispy?
The best way is to let the chicken rest for a minute before adding the sauce. Also, do not cover the pan once the chicken is crispy.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
This easy Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is your weeknight savior! Get crispy, cheesy chicken with a rich garlic sauce on your table in under 30 minutes. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and a family favorite.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season thin chicken cutlets generously with salt and pepper on both sides. If your chicken breasts are too thick, pound them to about half an inch thick for quick, even cooking.
- Prepare three shallow bowls: one with 0.5 cup all purpose flour, one with 2 large beaten eggs, and the third with 1 cup breadcrumbs mixed with 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Coat each piece of chicken in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally press firmly into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture until fully covered.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Place the chicken in the pan and cook for about three to four minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate to rest.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
- Stir in 0.5 cup chicken broth, scraping up any tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Add 1 cup heavy cream and the remaining 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens and becomes silky smooth.
- Return the crispy chicken to the skillet, either placing it directly in the sauce or spooning the sauce over the top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving really brightens up the rich flavors of the sauce and cheese.
Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure a crispy crust and not a soggy one.
Always taste your sauce before adding the chicken back in; adjust salt and pepper as needed for perfect flavor.
For the best result, use high-quality Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated melts beautifully and adds a better flavor than pre-packaged options.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
