This Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The chicken boasts a golden, crispy crust, while the creamy garlic sauce adds a luxurious touch. It's a dish that brings comfort and elegance to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I find this recipe to be a perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. The crispy Parmesan coating on the chicken provides a satisfying crunch, contrasting beautifully with the smooth, rich garlic sauce. It's versatile enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests. Plus, it's adaptable—whether I want to add a spicy kick or incorporate some greens, this dish accommodates my cravings.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise (to make 4 cutlets)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter

For the Rich Garlic Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:
- I start by seasoning the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Then, I set up a breading station:
  - Bowl 1: Flour
  - Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
  - Bowl 3: A mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese
- I dip each chicken cutlet into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat it evenly with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.
Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, I heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- I cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until it's golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, I transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
Make the Garlic Sauce:
- Using the same skillet, I melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- I pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- I add the Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- I let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it's thick and creamy.
Combine and Serve:
- I return the crispy chicken to the skillet, spooning the garlic sauce over each piece.
- I let it simmer for about 1 minute to reheat the chicken and blend the flavors.
- I garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Extra Crispiness: I sometimes coat the chicken in a mixture of Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs before frying for added crunch.
Spicy Kick: Adding red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce gives it a delightful heat.
One-Pan Meal: Including vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini in the skillet along with the chicken allows them to absorb the flavors of the garlic sauce.
Vegetarian Option: Swapping the chicken for hearty portobello mushroom caps makes for a satisfying vegetarian version.
Low-Carb: I skip the pasta and serve the chicken with roasted cauliflower or a green salad to keep it low-carb.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To maintain the chicken's crispiness, I reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. If using a microwave, I understand the texture may not be as crispy.

FAQs

How can I make the chicken even crispier?

I ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken, which helps sear and crisp it properly. Also, I avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming.

Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?

While I prefer freshly grated Parmesan for its superior texture and flavor, pre-shredded cheese can be used if that's what's available.

What sides pair well with this dish?

I often serve this chicken over pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine. Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad also complement it nicely.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes make the garlic sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, I gently reheat it, stirring to maintain its creamy consistency.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream?

For a dairy-free version, I substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or almond milk, keeping in mind it may slightly alter the flavor.

Conclusion

This Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce has become a staple in my kitchen. Its combination of textures and flavors makes it a go-to recipe for both casual dinners and special occasions. I appreciate how adaptable it is, allowing me to tweak it based on my preferences or dietary needs. It's a dish that consistently delivers satisfaction and comfort.

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Pan-Fried
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

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Description

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce is a flavorful dish featuring golden, crunchy chicken cutlets topped with a creamy, savory garlic sauce, perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.

Instructions

Season the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Dip each chicken cutlet into the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, coating evenly.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter for the sauce and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until thick and creamy.
Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over each piece, and simmer for about 1 minute to reheat.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.