CREAMY GARLIC BUTTER PARMESAN CHICKEN

Creamy Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together tender, lightly breaded chicken with a rich and flavorful garlic butter Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 4 tbsp Gluten-Free Bake Mix 2 or almond flour (60 mL)
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, kind in a canister (30 mL)
• 1/2 tsp salt (2 mL)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (1 mL)

For the Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter (30 mL)
• 3 tbsp crushed garlic (45 mL)
• 1 1/4 cups chicken stock (300 mL)
• 1 cup whipping cream (250 mL)
• 1/4 cup grated Mozzarella cheese (60 mL)
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese (30 mL)
• 1/2 tsp dried cilantro or dried parsley (2 mL)
• 2 tsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (10 mL)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Slice Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half longitudinally to create thinner cutlets.
• Bread the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the Gluten-Free Bake Mix 2 (or almond flour), Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Use a spoon to coat both sides of the chicken cutlets with the mixture.

2. Cook the Chicken

• Heat Oil: In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Cook Chicken: Place the chicken cutlets in the hot oil and cook on both sides, turning frequently, until they are golden brown and almost cooked through.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce

• Melt Butter: In another frying pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
• Cook Garlic: Add the crushed garlic and stir-fry until it turns golden.
• Add Liquids and Cheese: Pour in the chicken stock and whipping cream, then add the Mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses are well-mixed and melted.
• Season: Add the dried cilantro or parsley to the sauce.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce

• Finish Cooking: Add the cooked chicken cutlets to the sauce and let them simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the chicken.
• Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Pairing Suggestions: Serve this dish over pasta such as linguine or with a side of mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or roasted asparagus also complement the flavors well.
2. Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of freshness and added color.
3. Bread or Rolls: Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to mop up the delicious garlic butter Parmesan sauce.
4. Salad: Balance the richness of the dish with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing: While possible, freezing is not recommended for dishes with creamy sauces as they may separate upon thawing. If freezing, use an airtight container and consume within 1-2 months for best quality.
3. Reheating: Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the sauce from breaking. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.
4. Meal Prep: If preparing ahead, cook the chicken and sauce separately and combine just before serving for optimal texture and flavor retention.
5. Portioning: For easier reheating, divide leftovers into individual portions before refrigerating or freezing.

Variations:

1. Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Chicken:
   • Ingredients: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach to the sauce.
   • Instructions: Sauté the sun-dried tomatoes with the garlic and add the spinach just before adding the cream. Stir until wilted.
2. Lemon Herb Chicken:
   • Ingredients: Replace the garlic with lemon zest and juice. Add fresh herbs like thyme or basil.
   • Instructions: Sauté the lemon zest with the butter before adding the chicken stock and cream. Stir in fresh herbs just before serving.
3. Mushroom Cream Chicken:
   • Ingredients: Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic until golden brown. Add to the sauce with the cream.
   • Instructions: Cook the mushrooms separately and add to the sauce before simmering with the chicken.
4. Spicy Cajun Chicken:
   • Ingredients: Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning before breading. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for heat.
   • Instructions: Cook the chicken as directed, then prepare the sauce with Cajun spices and a touch of cayenne.
5. Caprese Style Chicken:
   • Ingredients: Top the chicken with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves before serving.
   • Instructions: After cooking the chicken and sauce, place the sliced tomatoes and mozzarella on top of the chicken and broil until the cheese melts. Garnish with fresh basil.
6. Pesto Parmesan Chicken:
   • Ingredients: Replace the garlic butter sauce with a creamy pesto sauce.
   • Instructions: Stir in prepared pesto sauce and Parmesan cheese to the cream before simmering with the chicken.
7. Greek Yogurt Chicken:
   • Ingredients: Use Greek yogurt instead of whipping cream for a lighter sauce. Add Greek flavors like oregano and lemon.
   • Instructions: Stir in Greek yogurt after reducing the sauce slightly. Season with oregano and lemon juice.
8. Creamy Bacon and Mushroom Chicken:
   • Ingredients: Add crispy bacon pieces and sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.
   • Instructions: Cook bacon until crispy, remove excess fat, then add mushrooms and garlic to the pan. Stir in cream and cheese until smooth.
9. Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken:
   • Ingredients: Add a tablespoon of tomato paste and fresh basil leaves to the sauce.
   • Instructions: Sauté the tomato paste with garlic until fragrant. Add chicken stock and cream, then simmer with fresh basil leaves.
10. Honey Mustard Chicken:
    • Ingredients: Replace Parmesan cheese with Dijon mustard and honey. Add a tablespoon of each to the sauce.
    • Instructions: Whisk mustard and honey into the sauce after adding chicken stock and cream. Adjust sweetness to taste.

FAQs:

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   • Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
2. Can I substitute almond flour with regular flour?
   • Yes, you can substitute almond flour with regular all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend if preferred.
3. How do I prevent the garlic from burning when making the sauce?
   • Cook garlic over medium-low heat and stir frequently to prevent burning. Garlic can quickly turn bitter if overcooked.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead. Cook chicken and sauce separately, then combine and reheat gently before serving.
5. What can I substitute for heavy cream if I want a lighter version?
   • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce. Adjust thickness with a cornstarch slurry if needed.
6. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
   • Simmer the sauce uncovered for a few minutes to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce until thickened.
7. Can I freeze Creamy Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken?
   • While creamy sauces may separate upon thawing, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
8. What side dishes pair well with this dish?
   • This chicken goes well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. Choose sides that complement the creamy sauce and garlic flavors.
9. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
   • Chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it’s no longer pink and the juices run clear.
10. Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese instead of freshly grated?
    • While freshly grated Parmesan offers the best flavor and melt, pre-grated Parmesan cheese can be used. Adjust seasoning to taste as pre-grated cheese may be saltier.