Print

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce combines a perfectly golden, crunchy chicken coating with a creamy, flavorful garlic sauce. This comforting and elegant dish uses simple, pantry staples transformed into a meal bursting with texture and deliciousness. Ideal for family dinners or entertaining, it delivers a harmonious balance of crispy and smooth, savory and fresh.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to ½ inch thickness
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs (use gluten-free panko for gluten-free option)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Rich Garlic Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter (or plant-based alternative for dairy-free)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or alternatives like thyme, rosemary, oregano)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by pounding the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly to about ½ inch thickness to ensure even cooking and juicy texture. Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper.
  2. Make the Parmesan Coating: In a bowl, combine freshly grated Parmesan cheese with panko bread crumbs and a pinch of black pepper. This mixture will create a crispy, flavorful crust for the chicken.
  3. Bread the Chicken: Lightly dip each chicken breast into beaten eggs, then thoroughly coat with the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.
  4. Pan-Fry to Crispy Perfection: Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the coated chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
  5. Prepare the Rich Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Slowly stir in heavy cream and lemon juice, then simmer gently until the sauce slightly thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
  6. Combine and Serve: Return the crispy chicken to the skillet, spoon the rich garlic sauce over the top, and warm together for 1-2 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Notes

  • Pat the chicken dry before breading to help the coating stick better and crisp perfectly.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese; pre-grated types will not deliver the same flavor or texture.
  • Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan, which helps keep the oil temperature stable and the coating crispy.
  • Simmer the garlic sauce gently to avoid burning the garlic and turning the sauce bitter.
  • Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes to retain juices and keep the coating crisp.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken, parmesan chicken, garlic sauce, comfort food, easy dinner, gluten-free option, creamy garlic sauce