1. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness or cut them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley.
3. In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
4. In another dish, whisk an egg or melt butter for coating the chicken.
5. Dip each chicken piece into the egg or butter mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.
6. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat or preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. If using a skillet, cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. If baking, place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
8. In a pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
9. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, then simmer for a few minutes.
10. Add grated Parmesan cheese and a splash of lemon juice, stirring until the sauce thickens.
11. Optionally, mix in cream cheese for extra richness and red pepper flakes for heat.
12. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over the pieces.
13. Simmer for a few more minutes to let the flavors blend.
14. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
15. Serve on its own, over pasta, or with vegetables for a complete meal.