Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce Recipe

There’s something truly irresistible about the combination of crispy chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce. Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce takes this combination to the next level by pairing golden, crunchy chicken with a smooth, creamy garlic sauce that’s packed with savory goodness. Whether served over pasta, rice, or with a side of vegetables, this dish will become a family favorite.

The crispy crust is made with a mixture of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, which creates the perfect golden coating. The garlic sauce, on the other hand, is rich, creamy, and balanced with hints of butter, cream, and a kick of freshly minced garlic. It’s a match made in heaven.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

To get the perfect crispy coating, it’s important to properly bread the chicken before frying. This is a key part of the dish that ensures the crispy Parmesan crust will form as the chicken cooks.

1. Prepare the chicken: If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally to create two thinner cutlets. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy. You can also use chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor, but breast meat tends to hold up better in this crispy preparation.

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2. Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. This is the first layer of seasoning, and it helps to bring out the flavors of the chicken.

3. Set up the breading station:

   • In one shallow bowl, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour.

   • In a second shallow bowl, crack the 2 large eggs and beat them with a fork until smooth.

   • In the third shallow bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of panko breadcrumbs, 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder, and 1 tsp of dried oregano. This will form the crispy, cheesy coating.

4. Bread the chicken:

   • Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated on both sides. Shake off any excess flour.

   • Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.

   • Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, making sure the coating sticks evenly to both sides.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Once your chicken is breaded, it’s time to fry it to a golden crisp.

1. Heat the oil and butter: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter over medium heat. The butter adds flavor, while the oil ensures that the chicken crisps up perfectly without burning.

2. Fry the chicken:

   • Once the oil and butter are hot (but not smoking), add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet. You should hear a satisfying sizzle as the chicken hits the pan.

   • Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side or until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. You can test the doneness of the chicken by cutting into the center; it should be opaque and the juices should run clear.

   • If needed, you can cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can cause the crust to become soggy.

3. Drain the chicken: Once the chicken is crispy and golden, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 3: Prepare the Rich Garlic Sauce

Now that the chicken is cooked and crispy, it’s time to make the rich garlic sauce that will complement the flavors of the chicken. This sauce is smooth, creamy, and packed with garlic flavor.

1. Sauté the garlic:

   • In the same skillet (no need to clean it after frying the chicken), add 1 tbsp of olive oil and 3 tbsp of unsalted butter. Heat over medium heat.

   • Once the butter has melted, add the 6 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and golden but not burnt.

2. Add the liquids:

   • Pour in 1 ½ cups of heavy cream and ½ cup of chicken broth. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. This should take around 3-4 minutes.

3. Add the cheese:

   • Stir in ¼ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, allowing it to melt and incorporate into the sauce. This will add richness and a lovely cheesy flavor that ties the whole dish together.

4. Season the sauce:

   • Taste the sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. If you want a bit of brightness, add 1 tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice. This step is optional but adds a nice contrast to the richness of the sauce.

5. Simmer the sauce: Let the sauce simmer for another 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. The sauce should be creamy and rich, coating the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Now that both the chicken and the garlic sauce are ready, it’s time to bring everything together.

1. Plate the chicken: Arrange the crispy Parmesan chicken breasts on a serving platter or individual plates.

2. Pour the garlic sauce: Spoon the rich, creamy garlic sauce generously over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. The sauce will seep into the crispy crust, making every bite flavorful and indulgent.

3. Garnish the dish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top of the chicken and sauce. This adds a pop of color and freshness to balance out the richness of the dish. You can also add a little extra grated Parmesan cheese if you love cheese!

Step 5: Serve the Crispy Parmesan Chicken

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a rich garlic sauce is best served with a variety of sides. Here are a few great options:

1. Pasta: Serve the chicken over a bed of spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine for a classic pairing. The creamy garlic sauce will coat the pasta, creating a satisfying and hearty meal.

2. Mashed Potatoes: The richness of mashed potatoes pairs beautifully with the crispy chicken and creamy sauce. The potatoes will soak up the delicious sauce, creating a mouthwatering combination.

3. Steamed Vegetables: If you want a lighter, healthier option, serve the chicken with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. The vegetables will add freshness and balance the richness of the dish.

4. Salad: A simple green salad with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens can provide a refreshing contrast to the crispy chicken and creamy sauce.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Parmesan Chicken

• Double breading: If you want an extra crispy crust, you can double coat the chicken. After dipping it in the egg and breadcrumbs the first time, dip it in the egg and breadcrumbs again for a thicker, crunchier coating.

• Use a thermometer: If you’re unsure about the doneness of the chicken, use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

• Make-ahead option: You can bread and freeze the chicken breasts ahead of time. When ready to cook, simply fry them straight from the freezer. This will save time when preparing dinner.

• Customize the sauce: Feel free to experiment with additional flavors in the garlic sauce. For a little heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine for extra depth of flavor.

Conclusion

This Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce is a dish that combines indulgence with simplicity. The crispy, golden crust on the chicken contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy garlic sauce, creating a deliciously balanced meal. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or with vegetables, this dish is sure to impress.