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Savory Crispy Parmesan Chicken Recipe with Garlic Sauce

savory crispy parmesan chicken - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy, juicy chicken breasts coated in a golden Parmesan crust and served with a rich, silky garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 to 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 100 g)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 90 g), gluten-free panko optional
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (about 60 g)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 3 tablespoons butter (45 g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
  • ½ cup heavy cream (120 ml), or half-and-half for lighter version
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound them to about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thickness for even cooking (about 5 minutes).
  2. Set up coating stations: In one bowl, mix flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  3. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then press firmly into the Parmesan-panko mixture until fully coated.
  4. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook 4-5 minutes per side until crust is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cook in batches if needed.
  5. In a small saucepan, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, avoiding burning.
  6. Pour in heavy cream and lemon juice, stirring constantly. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Plate the crispy chicken and spoon the garlic sauce generously over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken dry to ensure crispiness. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best crust. Control pan temperature to avoid burning. Flip chicken gently to keep crust intact. Rest chicken after cooking to keep juicy. Garlic sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently. For dairy-free, substitute butter and cream with vegan alternatives and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. Baking option: bake coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: Parmesan chicken, crispy chicken, garlic sauce, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, chicken recipe