Olive Garden Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Olive Garden Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Olive Garden's Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a delicious and indulgent dish that combines crispy chicken tenders with a creamy Parmesan sauce. This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its rich flavors and satisfying textures.

History

The Parmesan Crusted Chicken dish has been a popular menu item at Olive Garden for many years. It is a favorite among customers for its crispy coating and creamy sauce, which perfectly complement each other. This recipe is a homemade version of the restaurant favorite, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of Olive Garden in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients

1 cup plain breadcrumbs
2 tbsp flour
0.25 cup Kraft parmesan cheese
1 cup milk
6 (0.5-inch) thick pieces of chicken breast strips (chicken tenders)
vegetable oil (for frying)
2 cups dry bowtie pasta
2 tbsp butter
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp crushed garlic
0.5 cup white table wine (chablis)
0.25 cup water
2 tbsp flour
0.75 cup half and half
0.25 cup sour cream
0.5 tsp salt
0.13 tsp basil leaves
0.75 cup mild asiago cheese (finely grated)

Garnish

4 broccoli florets (lightly steamed)
2 white mushrooms (quartered, lightly steamed)
0.25 tsp crushed red pepper

How to prepare

Prepare the pasta according to the package directions.
Wash and drain the chicken strips.
Mix the breadcrumbs, flour, and Parmesan cheese together.
Place the milk in a dish for dipping.
Dip the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, then in the milk, and then back in the breadcrumbs.
Place the chicken in a fry pan with heated oil and fry at medium to medium-low temperature until golden.
Remove and drain the chicken.
In a saucepan on medium heat, melt the butter and add the olive oil.
Whisk in the flour until the mixture is blended.
Quickly add the garlic, water, and 0.5 tsp of salt and stir well.
Add the wine and blend.
Immediately add the half and half and sour cream and stir.
When the mixture is smooth, add the grated cheese and stir until melted.
Finally, sprinkle fresh basil in the sauce, stir lightly, and remove from heat.

Assembly

Place 2 cups of pasta in an individual pasta dish.
Spoon about 0.5 – 0.75 cups of sauce over the pasta, add broccoli and mushrooms.
Place the Parmesan chicken on top of the pasta and sprinkle red crushed pepper.
Add grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Variations

Try using different types of cheese in the sauce, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for a unique flavor.
Substitute the chicken tenders with pork chops or fish fillets for a different twist on the dish.
Add herbs like parsley or oregano to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to fry the chicken tenders at the right temperature to achieve a crispy crust without burning the coating.

- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

- Be sure to whisk the sauce constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.

- Feel free to customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs to the sauce for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Parmesan Crusted Chicken with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and nutritious meal.

Cooking Techniques

To ensure a crispy crust on the chicken tenders, fry them in hot oil until golden brown on both sides.

- Whisk the sauce constantly while cooking to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version of the recipe.

- Substitute almond milk for dairy milk in the sauce for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can bread the chicken tenders ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to fry.

- The sauce can be made in advance and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the chicken tenders on a bed of pasta and sauce for an elegant presentation. - Garnish the dish with fresh herbs or additional grated Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Parmesan Crusted Chicken with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for a perfect match.

- Serve a side of garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Parmesan Crusted Chicken contains approximately 600 calories, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

Carbohydrates

The Parmesan Crusted Chicken dish contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving, mainly from the pasta and breadcrumbs used in the recipe.

Fats

Each serving of Parmesan Crusted Chicken provides around 25 grams of fat, with the majority coming from the olive oil, butter, and cheese in the sauce.

Proteins

This dish is a good source of protein, with each serving containing about 30 grams from the chicken tenders and cheese.

Vitamins and minerals

The Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is rich in calcium, vitamin A, and iron from the Parmesan cheese and chicken.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk, cheese, sour cream) and wheat (breadcrumbs, flour), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Overall, the Parmesan Crusted Chicken dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Olive Garden's Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a decadent and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special dinner or gathering. With its crispy chicken tenders and creamy Parmesan sauce, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying textures of this restaurant-inspired dish at home today!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was a beautiful summer day, the sun was shining, and the smell of freshly cut grass filled the air. I was sitting in my neighbor's backyard, sipping on a glass of lemonade, when I heard her talking animatedly about a new dish she had tried at Olive Garden - Parmesan Crusted Chicken.

As she described the dish in vivid detail, my mouth watered and I knew I had to get my hands on that recipe. I asked her where she had gotten it from, and she told me that she had found it online and tweaked it to suit her taste. She promised to send me the recipe later that day, and true to her word, she did.

I poured over the recipe, studying each ingredient and step carefully. It seemed like a simple dish to make, but I knew that the secret to making it truly delicious lay in the technique. I decided to try my hand at making it the very next day.

I gathered all the ingredients - chicken breasts, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, herbs, and seasonings. I followed the instructions to the letter, coating the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture and baking it until it was golden brown and crispy. The smell that wafted through my kitchen was heavenly, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

The first bite of that Parmesan Crusted Chicken was a revelation. The cheese had melted into a golden crust, sealing in the juices of the chicken and infusing it with a rich, savory flavor. It was tender and juicy, with just the right amount of crunch from the breadcrumbs. I knew that I had stumbled upon a truly special recipe.

I made the dish again and again, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. I added a touch of garlic powder for extra flavor, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Each time I made it, I felt a thrill of satisfaction at creating something so delicious from scratch.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all raved about it and begged me to make it for them again. I even brought it to potlucks and parties, where it always disappeared quickly.

As I continued to make the Parmesan Crusted Chicken, I began to experiment with different variations. I tried using different types of cheese, like sharp cheddar or creamy mozzarella. I added in vegetables like roasted red peppers or sautéed spinach. Each new iteration was a hit, and I felt like a culinary genius.

One day, as I was making the dish for a family dinner, my granddaughter asked me how I had learned to make it. I smiled and told her the story of how I had first heard about the recipe from my neighbor, and how I had perfected it through trial and error over the years.

She listened intently, her eyes wide with wonder. "Grandma, you should write all of your recipes down so that we can make them too," she said eagerly.

And so, I began to compile all of my recipes into a cookbook for my family. I included notes and tips on each dish, as well as stories of how I had come to learn them. The Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe held a place of honor in the book, its pages worn and stained from years of use.

As I flipped through the cookbook, memories flooded back to me - of the people and places that had shaped my culinary journey, of the joy and satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch. I realized that each recipe was not just a list of ingredients and instructions, but a piece of my history, a connection to the past.

And so, as I sat down to enjoy a plate of my beloved Parmesan Crusted Chicken, surrounded by loved ones and laughter, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the food that had brought us all together. It was more than just a recipe - it was a legacy, a story passed down through generations, a taste of love and memories shared. And I knew that as long as I continued to cook and create, that legacy would live on.