This Crispy Parmesan Chicken is coated with crunchy crumbs and topped with a dreamy creamy garlic sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for any night of the week!
You can’t go wrong with chicken smothered in garlic goodness! I love serving it over pasta or rice to soak up every bit of that tasty sauce. Trust me, you’ll want seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts are great for even cooking and crispiness. You can switch to thighs for a juicier option or use tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds the best flavor. If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano works well. Nutritional yeast is a good dairy-free alternative too.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a super crispy texture! If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs can work in a pinch, though they may be less crunchy. Homemade panko is another fun option.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that the sauce might be less thick.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Crispy?
The secret to crispy chicken lies in the breading technique. Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning, which helps the coating stick. Here’s how:
- Prepare an assembly line: flour, eggs, and then the Parmesan-panko mix.
- Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto each piece of chicken; this helps the crust stick during frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet! Frying in batches ensures even cooking and crispiness.
Finally, heating oil properly is crucial. It should shimmer, but not smoke, to ensure a golden-brown crust without burning. Happy cooking!
Crispy Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes of prep and cooking time. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that feels special without spending your whole evening in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better. Season both sides of each chicken breast generously with salt and pepper.
2. Set up Breading Stations:
Create your breading station! In a shallow dish, add the flour. In a second dish, whisk the eggs until well combined. In a third dish, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning for a lovely crunchy coating.
3. Bread the Chicken:
Take one chicken breast and dredge it in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any extra drip off. Finally, coat it well with the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing firmly so it sticks nicely. Repeat with all chicken breasts.
4. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat a good drizzle of olive oil along with 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. When done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
5. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, drop in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—not browned! Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to mix everything together. If you’re feeling spicy, toss in the crushed red pepper flakes. Let this simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens a bit.
6. Combine and Serve:
Return the crispy chicken back into the skillet, spooning some of that delicious sauce over the top. Allow it to simmer together for just 2 minutes so all the flavors can merge beautifully.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken. Serve it hot, either over a bed of rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to catch all that creamy garlic sauce. Enjoy every comforting bite!
This Crispy Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Garlic Sauce is a delightful dish that is sure to impress family and friends alike! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
FAQ for Crispy Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more moisture and flavor, making them a great substitute. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend and substituting the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for the crispy coating.
Can I Make the Sauce Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Just keep in mind the flavor will slightly change but will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to the sauce if it thickens too much.
These answers should help clarify some common questions and ensure your cooking experience is a success! Enjoy your meal!
