This Crispy Parmesan Chicken is a tasty treat with a crunchy coating and a rich garlic sauce. It’s perfect for a special dinner or an easy weeknight meal!
Who doesn’t love crispy chicken? Plus, that creamy garlic sauce is like a hug for your taste buds! I like to serve it with pasta or on a bed of rice. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts are ideal for this recipe. If you’re short on time, chicken tenders will also work well since they cook faster and are naturally tender.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano or any hard cheese can be a great alternative, though it may taste a bit saltier.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These help achieve that extra crispy coating. If you’re out of panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes could work, but the texture may vary slightly.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, coconut milk or half-and-half can be used, but the flavor will differ a bit.
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Chicken?
The key to crispy chicken lies in the breading process. Ensure you pound the chicken to an even thickness for even cooking. This also allows the coating to stick better.
- 1. Start with a dry chicken: Pat the breasts dry with paper towels, as moisture prevents crispiness.
- 2. Season each layer: Don’t skip on seasoning the flour, eggs, and breadcrumb mix; it deeply flavors the chicken.
- 3. Press down: When coating with the Parmesan mixture, press it firmly onto the chicken to ensure it sticks.
- 4. Fry in hot oil: Make sure the oil is hot enough (but not smoking) to create that golden crust quickly. A bit of splatter is normal.
Using these tips, you’ll achieve that perfect crispy texture that makes this dish so delightful! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter, for frying
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time. So in total, you can have a scrumptious meal ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps them cook evenly.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Get three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until well mixed. In the third bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and dredge it in the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken thoroughly with the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing it down to ensure it sticks well.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
5. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. It’s important not to burn the garlic!
6. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty browned bits. Then, add the heavy cream and stir well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7. Add Parmesan to the Sauce:
Stir in the additional Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Final Touches:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, and spoon the creamy garlic sauce over them. Allow everything to warm together for an additional 1-2 minutes.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. Enjoy your crispy and flavorful Parmesan chicken with luscious creamy garlic sauce!
FAQ for Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work great for this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, but keep in mind that they may require slightly longer cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through.
Can I Make the Sauce Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative like cashew cream. Just ensure the broth is also dairy-free to keep the sauce completely dairy-free.
How Should 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 in the microwave, adding a splash of cream to freshen up the sauce if needed.
Can I Use Fresh Herbs Instead of Dried?
Definitely! If you have fresh herbs on hand, feel free to substitute. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried (1 tablespoon of fresh herbs instead of 1 teaspoon of dried) to achieve the same flavor intensity.
