Description
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and served with a rich, creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Parmesan Crusted Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise to make 4 thin fillets)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs for a finer texture)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- 1 tbsp butter (for frying, adds extra crispiness)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of thyme, oregano, and basil)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare & Cook the Parmesan Crusted Chicken
-
Set up dredging stations:
- In one shallow bowl, add flour.
- In another, whisk egg.
- In a third bowl, mix Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
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Coat the chicken:
- Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the egg, then coat with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
-
Cook the chicken:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/75°C).
- Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 3: Assemble & Serve
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon some sauce over the top, and let it warm through for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Serving Suggestions
- With pasta: Serve over fettuccine or spaghetti for a restaurant-style dish.
- With mashed potatoes: The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with fluffy mashed potatoes.
- With roasted veggies: Serve with roasted asparagus, green beans, or broccoli for a balanced meal.
Notes
- Crispier chicken? Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Lighter version? Use Greek yogurt or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Extra flavor? Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Air fryer option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.