Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Zucchini Recipe

When you’re craving a flavorful, comforting dish that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Zucchini recipe is the perfect solution. The crispy, golden crust on the chicken paired with tender, seasoned zucchini creates a harmony of textures and tastes that will satisfy the entire family. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients: Most items are pantry staples or readily available at the grocery store.
2. Quick Preparation: Ready in under 40 minutes from start to finish.
3. Balanced Meal: A mix of protein and veggies in one dish.
4. Customizable: Can be adapted with different seasonings or vegetables.

How to Make Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Zucchini

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pound the Chicken:
   • Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
   • Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness (about ½ inch thick).
2. Set Up the Coating Station:
   • In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs.
   • In another bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken:
   • Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
   • Press the chicken into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coat on all sides.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the Pan:
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Fry the Chicken:
   • Add the coated chicken breasts to the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary.
   • Fry for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
   • Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Prepare the Zucchini

1. Sauté the Garlic:
   • Wipe out the skillet and return it to medium heat.
   • Melt the butter and add the minced garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
2. Cook the Zucchini:
   • Add the zucchini slices to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
   • Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still slightly crisp.
3. Finish with Parmesan:
   • Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the zucchini and toss gently to coat.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

1. Plate the Dish:
   • Arrange the crispy chicken on a serving platter or individual plates.
   • Add the Parmesan zucchini on the side.
2. Garnish:
   • Sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken and zucchini for a pop of color and added flavor.
3. Serve Immediately:
   • Pair with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Parmesan:
   • Freshly grated Parmesan has better flavor and texture than pre-packaged varieties.
2. Keep the Heat Consistent:
   • Maintain medium heat while frying the chicken to ensure even cooking without burning the crust.
3. Don’t Overcook the Zucchini:
   • Cook the zucchini just until tender-crisp to preserve its texture and natural sweetness.
4. Double the Recipe:
   • This dish is great for leftovers and reheats well. Simply double the ingredients to feed a larger group.

Variations

1. Gluten-Free Option:
   • Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free Panko or almond flour.
2. Low-Carb Alternative:
   • Use pork rinds or crushed nuts instead of breadcrumbs for the chicken coating.
3. Different Vegetables:
   • Swap zucchini for asparagus, green beans, or broccoli.
4. Spicy Version:
   • Add cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture or drizzle sriracha over the finished dish.

Serving Suggestions

1. Side Dishes:
   • Mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a simple pasta with olive oil and garlic complement the flavors well.
2. Wine Pairing:
   • A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay balances the richness of the chicken.
3. Family Style:
   • Serve the chicken and zucchini on a large platter for easy sharing.

Why This Recipe Is a Winner

Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Zucchini is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It combines the indulgence of a crispy chicken crust with the light, fresh taste of sautéed zucchini. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or impressing guests, this recipe is versatile, easy to make, and packed with flavor.

Yield: 4

Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Zucchini Recipe

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When you're craving a flavorful, comforting dish that doesn't require hours in the kitchen, this Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Zucchini recipe is the perfect solution. The crispy, golden crust on the chicken paired with tender, seasoned zucchini creates a harmony of textures and tastes that will satisfy the entire family. Best of all, it's easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals.

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Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the Zucchini:
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For Garnish:
• Additional grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

1. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
2. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
3. Bowl 1: Flour, seasoned with salt and pepper.
4. Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
5. Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
6. Coat each chicken breast in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to adhere.

2. Cook the Chicken:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and set aside on a plate.

3. Sauté the Zucchini:

1. In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the zucchini slices and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and lightly browned.

4. Assemble and Serve:

1. Arrange the crispy chicken on a serving platter with the sautéed zucchini.
2. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley over the top for garnish.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Chicken Coating: For extra crispy chicken, spray the breaded breasts with cooking spray before frying or baking.

Zucchini Texture: Cook the zucchini just until tender to maintain a slight crunch.

Baking Option: Bake the breaded chicken in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.