Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce
Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce features golden-brown, crunchy chicken coated in a cheesy Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, served with a luscious, creamy garlic sauce accented by bright lemon juice and fresh parsley. This easy and flavorful dish is perfect for weeknights or special occasions, offering a satisfying balance of textures and bold, comforting flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying (Baking optional)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with breadcrumb substitution)
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or classic)
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Trim and pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
- Make the Parmesan Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the freshly grated Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs. This mixture will form the crispy crust on the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then press firmly into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even, full coating for optimal crunch.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter along with olive oil. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the exterior is golden and crisp, and the chicken is cooked through.
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce: Lower the heat slightly in the same pan. Add minced garlic and sauté gently in the butter and oil until fragrant and aromatic. Stir in heavy cream (or half-and-half, if using) and a splash of lemon juice, simmering to combine and develop a rich, smooth sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the garlic sauce, coating it evenly and allowing the flavors to meld for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts evenly to prevent uneven cooking and dryness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and crispiness in the coating.
- Combine butter and olive oil when cooking chicken for richer flavor and even browning.
- Sauté garlic gently to avoid bitterness and release its aromatic sweetness.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan while cooking to keep the crust crisp and prevent steaming.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: crispy parmesan chicken, garlic sauce, easy dinner, baked parmesan chicken, gluten free chicken, chicken recipe, weeknight meals
