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Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce is a golden, crunchy, and flavorful dish featuring boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated with a savory Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, topped with a creamy, buttery garlic sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe combines comforting textures with sophisticated flavors for a truly memorable meal experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Coating

  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup panko-style breadcrumbs
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, thyme, basil) for herb-infused coating

Breading

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

Cooking Fats

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter

Rich Garlic Sauce

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½ inch to ensure uniform cooking and maximum crispiness. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Make the Parmesan Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, a pinch of salt, and optionally dried Italian herbs. This mixture creates the flavorful, crunchy crust that adheres to the chicken.
  3. Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then press firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture ensuring a full, even coat. This two-step process guarantees a golden, crispy exterior when cooked.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the breaded chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside, keeping warm.
  5. Make the Rich Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, being careful not to brown it. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce thicken slightly, stirring occasionally.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Pour the rich garlic sauce over the cooked chicken. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of crispy chicken and creamy garlic sauce.

Notes

  • Pound chicken breasts evenly to avoid dryness and ensure even cooking.
  • Grate your own Parmesan for best flavor and crust texture.
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet; cook chicken in batches if necessary to maintain crispiness.
  • Sauté garlic only until fragrant to avoid bitterness in the sauce.
  • Add cream gradually to control sauce thickness as desired.
  • Let chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken, parmesan chicken, garlic sauce, pan-fried chicken, quick dinner, cheesy chicken, comfort food