Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce Recipe

The Crispiest Parmesan Chicken with Rich Garlic Sauce Recipe

Crispy parmesan chicken dances with golden-brown perfection, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

Fragrant garlic whispers seduction through every tender bite.

Kitchens come alive with this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Layers of crisp breading and nutty cheese create an irresistible harmony.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of flavors that comfort and excite.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this incredible recipe.

Crispy Parmesan Chicken With a Rich Garlic Finish

  • Quick and Easy Weeknight Hero: Perfect for busy families craving a delicious, restaurant-style meal in under 30 minutes.
  • Foolproof Crispy Coating: Create golden, crunchy chicken breasts with a simple three-step dredging technique that guarantees maximum flavor and texture every single time.
  • Versatile Comfort Food Classic: Elevate a basic protein into a gourmet dish that works beautifully for casual dinners, date nights, or impressing unexpected guests with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Sauce-Lover's Dream: Transform ordinary chicken into a rich, creamy garlic masterpiece that adds incredible depth and excitement to a simple protein, making each bite irresistibly indulgent.

Golden Coating That Lifts Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein source, best when boneless and skinless.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds crispy coating and rich flavor.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Flour: Creates initial dry layer for breading, helps other ingredients stick.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps breading adhere to chicken.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy Japanese-style breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help with cooking and browning.
  • Garlic: Aromatic and pungent ingredient that creates depth in sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds savory liquid base for sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides rich, smooth texture to sauce.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and spice.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall flavor.
  • Italian Seasoning: Herbal blend that complements chicken.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish with green color and light herb taste.

Parmesan Chicken Crispy Bake Instructions

Step 1: Prep Chicken Perfectly

Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor.

Set up three separate bowls: first bowl with flour, second bowl with whisked eggs, and third bowl with combined panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.

Carefully dredge each chicken breast first in flour, ensuring complete coverage, then dunk into beaten eggs, and finally roll in the panko-parmesan mixture.

Press the coating gently to make sure it sticks firmly to the chicken.

Step 2: Fry to Golden Deliciousness

Warm olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place coated chicken pieces into the hot pan.

Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the inside is fully cooked.

Remove chicken from pan and set aside on a warm plate.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, melt remaining butter.

Add finely chopped garlic and sauté briefly until it releases its aromatic fragrance.

Pour in chicken broth, using a spatula to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the pan bottom.

Mix in heavy cream and sprinkle red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Let the sauce simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens nicely.

Whisk in parmesan cheese to add depth and richness to the sauce.

Step 4: Serve with Flair

Generously drizzle the velvety garlic sauce over the crispy chicken.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve immediately while everything is hot and crispy.

Parmesan Chicken Cooking Tips with Garlic Sauce

  • Press panko-parmesan mixture firmly onto chicken to create an extra crunchy exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
  • Maintain medium heat while cooking chicken to ensure golden-brown crust without scorching the delicate breading.
  • If sauce becomes too thick, gradually whisk in small amounts of chicken broth to restore perfect creamy consistency.
  • Swap wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch, and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly version.
  • Use meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy protein every time.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Storage

  • Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap cooled chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. The chicken will maintain quality for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the cream-based sauce, as it may separate.
  • Warm chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to maintain crispiness and prevent drying out.
  • Gently reheat sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency if needed.

Tasty Pairings for Parmesan Garlic Chicken

  • Wine Wonderland: Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the dish's rich, creamy garlic sauce and cut through the chicken's crispy coating.
  • Veggie Vibrance: Roast asparagus or sauté green beans with garlic and lemon to provide a fresh, light contrast to the hearty, golden-brown chicken and match its herbal Italian seasoning notes.
  • Carb Companions: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery angel hair pasta to soak up the luxurious garlic sauce and create a satisfying, balanced meal that enhances every delicious bite.
  • Salad Sidekick: Toss a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add a peppery, bright element that cleanses the palate between rich bites of parmesan-crusted chicken.

Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Sauce Flavor Spins

  • Low-Carb Almond Coating: Replace panko breadcrumbs with almond flour for a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrates while maintaining a crispy texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising the chicken's crunch.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese and coconut cream in place of heavy cream for a dairy-free sauce that still delivers rich flavor.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the breading mixture to create an aromatic and more complex flavor profile for the chicken.

FAQs

  • Why use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs?

Panko creates a lighter, crispier coating that gives the chicken an extra crunch and golden texture compared to traditional breadcrumbs. They absorb less oil and provide a more delicate, airy exterior.

  • Can I substitute heavy cream in the sauce?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Greek yogurt or sour cream can also work as alternative thickeners that maintain a similar consistency.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken breast. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the center and ensure the meat is white with no pink areas.

  • Is it necessary to dredge the chicken in flour first?

Yes, the flour helps the egg wash and breadcrumb mixture stick better to the chicken, creating a more even and crispy coating. It also helps seal in moisture and prevents the breading from falling off during cooking.

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Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce Recipe

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Parmesan chicken blends Italian culinary magic with crispy, golden perfection, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors. Rich garlic sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken will make you crave this comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Coating Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Transform boneless chicken breasts into a culinary canvas by generously massaging them with a harmonious blend of salt, cracked black pepper, and aromatic Italian seasoning.
  2. Establish a strategic breading station with three distinct vessels: the first filled with silky flour, the second housing whisked eggs, and the third containing a crisp amalgamation of panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese.
  3. Methodically coat each chicken piece by first dredging in flour, ensuring a delicate white veil, then immersing in beaten eggs, and finally encasing in the parmesan-panko mixture, applying gentle pressure to create a robust, textured exterior.
  4. Ignite a large skillet with a fusion of olive oil and butter, allowing the fat to shimmer and dance over medium heat, creating an ideal golden-brown environment.
  5. Carefully introduce the breaded chicken to the heated pan, allowing each side to transform into a crisp, amber-hued masterpiece, approximately 4-5 minutes per side, guaranteeing thorough cooking and a delectable crunch.
  6. Temporarily relocate the perfectly cooked chicken to a warm sanctuary while preparing the luxurious sauce.
  7. In the same pan, melt the remaining butter and introduce minced garlic, releasing its intoxicating fragrance for a brief moment.
  8. Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, simultaneously liberating the caramelized flavor fragments clinging to the pan’s surface.
  9. Cascade heavy cream and a whisper of red pepper flakes into the bubbling mixture, allowing it to simmer and reduce, thickening into a velvety sauce.
  10. Enhance the sauce’s complexity by stirring in additional parmesan cheese, creating a rich, creamy emulsion.
  11. Elegantly drape the garlic sauce over the crispy chicken, creating a stunning presentation, and crown with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe consumption by using a meat thermometer.
  • Keep the breading crispy by avoiding overcrowding in the pan and maintaining medium heat.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce version.
  • Gluten-free option works perfectly by replacing flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 725
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 48 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 260 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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