Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe. You can substitute with chicken thighs for more flavor, but keep in mind they may take a bit longer to cook through.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor and texture. If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano works too, or even a blend of Italian cheese if that’s what you have handy!

Panko Breadcrumbs: I love panko for its extra crunchiness. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs are fine, but you might lose some of that delightful crispiness.

Heavy Cream: This is the key to a rich sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use half-and-half, though the sauce may be less creamy.

How Do You Get the Chicken Crispy?

Getting that golden, crispy coating is all about the preparation and cooking method. Here are my top tips:

• Start by drying the chicken well. This helps the coating stick better and gives you that crisp texture.
• Dredge thoroughly in flour first, then eggs, and press into the breadcrumb mixture for a thick coating.
• Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. A drop of water should sizzle if the oil is ready.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; this keeps the heat steady and promotes even cooking.

How Do You Make a Creamy Garlic Sauce?

Making the creamy garlic sauce is simple but requires some attention:

• Start with melted butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. This keeps the garlic from burning.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about a minute. Overcooking can make it bitter.
• Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine before adding cheese.
• Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Enjoy these tips for a delicious Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce! It’s perfect for impressing family and friends.

How to Make Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This dish requires about 20 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes of cooking. In total, you are looking at around 40 minutes from start to finish, including making the creamy garlic sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. This helps get a nice crispy coating. If you want even cooking, consider pounding them to around 1/2 inch thick.

2. Make the Breading Mixture:

In a shallow bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a dash of salt and pepper. This will be your flavorful coating!

3. Set Up Dredging Stations:

Place flour in one dish; this will help the coating stick. In a separate bowl, whisk your eggs until well combined. Get everything ready for coating the chicken.

4. Coat the Chicken:

Take each chicken breast and dredge it in flour, making sure to shake off any extra. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally, coat it in the Parmesan-panko mixture. Press gently to make sure it sticks well.

5. Cook the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Cook each side for about 4–5 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Remove them from the skillet and keep warm.

6. Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine.

7. Add Parmesan to Sauce:

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer for about 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.

8. Serve the Dish:

Place the crispy Parmesan chicken on plates and spoon the creamy garlic sauce generously over each piece. If you love a pop of color, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top!

9. Enjoy Your Meal!

Serve immediately with your favorite sides—pasta, steamed veggies, or a crisp salad work wonderfully. Dig in and savor every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work great in this recipe. They’re a bit juicier and can add more flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up again.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

What Can I Serve with Crispy Parmesan Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, garlic bread, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. The creamy garlic sauce also makes a perfect dip for crusty bread!