Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Alfredo

Sharing is caring!

Craving a rich and indulgent meal that combines crispy, golden chicken with a creamy, velvety sauce? Look no further than Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Alfredo! This delightful dish is the ultimate comfort food, boasting juicy boneless chicken breasts, coated in a savory Parmesan-breadcrumb crust, complemented by a luscious Alfredo sauce that envelops fettuccine pasta. The marriage of textures—crispy on the outside and tender inside—together with the richness of the sauce, is a meal that guarantees satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this dish will not disappoint.

Print

In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some helpful tips to ensure that your Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Alfredo is a complete success in your kitchen. Let’s dive in and discover how to make this irresistible dish!

Ingredients

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)

For Serving:

• 8 oz fettuccine pasta, cooked according to package instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will give the chicken enough time to cook evenly and get perfectly crispy in the oven.

2. Prepare the Chicken

• Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This helps enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes:
  1. One with flour to lightly coat the chicken and help the egg mixture stick.
  2. One with beaten eggs to create a binding layer for the breadcrumbs.
  3. One with a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs to form the crispy crust.
• Take each chicken breast, coat it in the flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture. Press the mixture gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well to the chicken.

3. Cook the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
• After the chicken has browned, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C is ideal). The result will be a beautifully crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior.

4. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

• While the chicken is baking, prepare the creamy Alfredo sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant and golden brown.
• Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir the cream occasionally to prevent it from burning.
• Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella until the sauce is smooth, rich, and creamy.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to add a pinch of garlic powder, or a dash of nutmeg for extra depth of flavor.

5. Combine and Serve

• While the sauce is simmering, cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Once the chicken is done, place it over the cooked fettuccine pasta. Pour the Alfredo sauce generously over the chicken and pasta. The sauce should envelop the chicken and pasta in a silky blanket of flavor.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Flavors, Textures, and Aromas

When you bite into a piece of this Parmesan-crusted chicken, the crunchy, golden coating offers a satisfying contrast to the juicy, tender chicken beneath. The richness of the Parmesan in the crust adds a deliciously salty depth, while the breadcrumbs provide a light, crisp texture. This is the perfect balance of crispy and juicy that makes each bite irresistible.

The Alfredo sauce is nothing short of luxurious. The heavy cream creates a smooth, velvety texture that coats the pasta and chicken beautifully, while the Parmesan and mozzarella add a satisfying cheesiness that pairs perfectly with the chicken’s crispy exterior. The garlic aroma wafting through the kitchen as the sauce simmers is mouthwatering, inviting you to dive right into this comforting dish.

Tips for Success

• Substitutions:
  • For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. The sauce will still be creamy, though slightly less rich.
  • If you need a gluten-free alternative, use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs. You can also use almond flour for the coating if you’re following a low-carb diet.
  • To add extra flavor to the Alfredo sauce, consider stirring in grated nutmeg or a dash of white wine for a sophisticated touch.
• Variations:
  • If you love a bit of spice, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the Alfredo sauce for a subtle heat.
  • For a more herbaceous flavor, try adding some finely chopped fresh basil or oregano to the breadcrumbs before coating the chicken.
  • For a fun twist, you can stuff the chicken breasts with spinach and mozzarella before breading them for an added surprise inside.
• Serving Suggestions:
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette, which helps balance the richness of the chicken and Alfredo sauce.
  • For added texture and freshness, try serving the dish with roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or roasted garlic.
  • A side of garlic bread will complement the creamy sauce and give a nice crunch to contrast the soft pasta.

Conclusion

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Alfredo is a meal that brings comfort and indulgence to the table. The crispy, golden chicken and the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce are a perfect combination that will have everyone reaching for seconds. With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Whether you’re preparing this for a family dinner or a special date night, it’s guaranteed to impress.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—whether you stick to the classic ingredients or make a few tweaks, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and get cooking! The Parmesan crusted chicken and Alfredo sauce will be worth every moment in the kitchen.