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Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce
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Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce features tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts breaded in a crunchy Parmesan and panko crust, pan-fried to golden perfection, and topped with a velvety, aromatic garlic cream sauce with a hint of lemon. This easy-to-make dish delivers a perfect balance of crispy texture and bold, savory flavor, ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, and adaptable for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Breading

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated recommended)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free version)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free version)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garlic Sauce

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish (optional)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thickness to ensure even cooking and a tender interior. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese combined with panko breadcrumbs.
  2. Bread the Chicken: Lightly dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture. Press the coating gently to ensure it adheres well for a crispy crust.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, cook the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary. Transfer the cooked chicken to a warm plate to rest.
  4. Make the Rich Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and golden but not burnt, about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth, allowing it to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice, then simmer gently until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the rich garlic sauce over them, and let simmer together for 1 minute to meld flavors. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Pound chicken evenly for uniform cooking and tender results.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and crispness.
  • Cook chicken in batches to prevent steaming and maintain crispiness.
  • Simmer sauce gently to avoid bitterness from garlic and to achieve ideal thickness.
  • Allow cooked chicken to rest briefly to retain juices.
  • For extra crispy chicken, double-dip chicken in egg and breadcrumb mixture.
  • Baking Option: Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, then add sauce before serving.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and heavy cream with coconut or dairy-free cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken, parmesan chicken, garlic sauce, breaded chicken, pan-fried chicken, easy dinner, family-friendly, gluten free option

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/crispy-parmesan-chicken-with-a-rich-garlic-sauce/