Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Sauce | 30-Min Dinner

Crispy parmesan chicken with garlic sauce is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that’s both impressive and easy to make. This mouthwatering recipe delivers perfectly golden chicken with a crunchy parmesan coating and a rich, velvety garlic sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a busy Monday night or a special weekend meal, this crispy parmesan chicken with garlic sauce recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Our foolproof method ensures you’ll achieve that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside, all complemented by a silky homemade garlic sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Sauce

• Ready in just 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights!
• Creates a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques
• The parmesan crust delivers an irresistible crunch in every bite
• Versatile recipe that pairs with countless side dishes
• Budget-friendly ingredients that are easy to find
• Meal-prep friendly – make ahead and reheat beautifully
• The rich garlic sauce elevates simple chicken to gourmet status
• Kid-approved while still sophisticated enough for adults

Ingredients for Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Rich Garlic Sauce

For the Crispy Parmesan Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for gluten-free option, use almond flour)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1½ cups parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-frying)

For the Rich Garlic Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1½ cups chicken broth, low sodium
• 1 cup heavy cream (for lighter option, use half-and-half)
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

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How to Make Crispy Parmesan Chicken – Step by Step

Preparing the Chicken

1. Prepare the chicken breasts: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of about ½-inch using a meat mallet. This ensures even cooking and maximum tenderness.
2. Set up the breading station: Arrange three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the flour. In the second dish, beat the eggs. In the third dish, mix together the parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Bread the chicken: Working with one piece at a time, dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press firmly into the parmesan mixture, ensuring an even coating on both sides.
4. Rest the breaded chicken: Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack and let rest for 5 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better during cooking.

Cooking the Crispy Parmesan Chicken

5. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
6. Cook the chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken in the hot oil and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.
7. Drain and keep warm: Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, then keep warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while preparing the sauce.

Making the Rich Garlic Sauce

8. Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet (without cleaning), reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
9. Create the base: Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (these add incredible flavor!).
10. Thicken the sauce: Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken.
11. Add flavor elements: Stir in parmesan cheese, lemon juice, parsley, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.

Serving the Dish

12. Combine: Return the crispy chicken to the skillet with the sauce, or pour the sauce over the chicken on a serving platter. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and parmesan cheese if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Crispy Parmesan Chicken

• Pat the chicken dry before breading for better adhesion
• Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting properties – pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that affect texture
• Don’t skip the resting period after breading – it makes a huge difference in how well the coating adheres
• Control the heat when cooking the chicken – too hot and the coating will burn before the chicken cooks through; too low and it won’t develop that perfect crispy texture
• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the egg mixture
• Make ahead tip: You can bread the chicken up to 8 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook
• Testing for doneness: The safest way to check if your chicken is cooked perfectly is with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part (165°F/74°C)
• Sauce too thin? Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir into the simmering sauce

Best Ways to Serve Crispy Parmesan Chicken

This Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Rich Garlic Sauce pairs beautifully with so many sides. Here are some perfect companions:

• Pasta: Serve over angel hair or fettuccine for a complete meal
• Roasted vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts balance the rich flavors
• Creamy polenta or mashed potatoes: Perfect for soaking up the delicious garlic sauce
• Fresh salad: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness
• Crusty bread: Essential for mopping up every last drop of that amazing sauce
• Wine pairing: A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy garlic flavors

For an elegant presentation, slice the chicken diagonally before serving, drizzle with sauce, and sprinkle with additional fresh herbs and a twist of black pepper.

Nutritional Information for Crispy Parmesan Chicken

Per serving (1 chicken breast with sauce):

• Calories: 650 kcal
• Protein: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Cholesterol: 240mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Storage & Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Crispy Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best results, store the chicken and sauce separately.
• Freezing: While the chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months, the sauce doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy content. If freezing, prepare fresh sauce when reheating.
• Reheating: For the crispiest results, reheat the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. Microwave reheating works but will soften the coating. Gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation.

FAQs for Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Sauce

Can I bake this Crispy Parmesan Chicken instead of pan-frying?

Yes! For a lighter version, spray breaded chicken with cooking oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). The coating won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious.

What can I use instead of heavy cream in the garlic sauce?

Half-and-half or whole milk can replace heavy cream, though the sauce will be thinner. To maintain richness without dairy, try full-fat coconut milk (though it will add a slight coconut flavor) or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative.

Can I make Crispy Parmesan Chicken gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Ensure your chicken broth and seasonings are also labeled gluten-free.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?

The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part – the meat should be opaque with no pink showing.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy this Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Rich Garlic Sauce, try these other delicious chicken dinner ideas:

• Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach
• Easy Chicken Piccata with Lemon Caper Sauce
• One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken and Vegetables
• Classic Chicken Parmesan with Homemade Marinara
• Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs

Conclusion

There you have it – a restaurant-worthy Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Rich Garlic Sauce that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With its irresistible combination of crunchy coating and velvety sauce, this dish is guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Perfect for both weeknight family meals and special occasions, this recipe proves that impressive doesn’t have to mean complicated.

Now that you know how to make the best Crispy Parmesan Chicken at home, why not give it a try tonight? Your family and friends will be amazed at your culinary skills, and you’ll love how simple it was to create such a showstopping meal.

Don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing your experience or any creative twists you added to make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!

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