This Crispy Parmesan Chicken is a tasty treat! Coated in crunchy Parmesan and baked to perfection, it’s served with a smooth, creamy garlic sauce that’s hard to resist.
Let’s be real, who can say no to cheese and garlic? I love drizzling extra sauce over the chicken for that creamy goodness. It’s a dish the whole family enjoys!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you want dark meat, feel free to use thighs. Just adjust cooking times as they may need a bit longer.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute it with pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko helps create that crispy texture. In a rush? Regular breadcrumbs can work too, but the crunch won’t be quite the same. You could also make your own from stale bread!
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce extra creamy. If you want a lighter version, you could swap it with whole milk or half-and-half, but the sauce will be less thick.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the sauce a lovely aroma. If you’re tight on time, pre-minced garlic works in a pinch or garlic powder as a last resort. Just remember to adjust amounts accordingly.
How Can You Achieve the Perfect Crunch on Your Chicken?
Getting that satisfying crunch on your chicken mostly comes from the breading technique! Here’s how to do it right:
- First, make sure to dry the chicken breasts well with a paper towel; moisture will prevent the breading from sticking.
- When dredging in the egg and breadcrumbs, press down a little to help the coating adhere better.
- If frying, don’t overcrowd the skillet; this keeps the temperature steady and helps achieve even browning.
- If baking, spraying the tops lightly with cooking spray adds extra crispiness.
With these tips, your chicken will turn out perfectly crispy every time! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying) or cooking spray (for baking)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to cook, making the total active time approximately 45 minutes. The crispy chicken and creamy sauce are ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you’re planning to bake the chicken. This will ensure it’s hot and ready for a nice crispy finish!
2. Prepare the Breading Station:
In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten. In another bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This is your breading mix!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the breading stick. Dip each chicken breast into the egg, making sure it’s well coated, and then dredge it in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
4. Cook the Chicken:
If you choose to fry the chicken, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook each chicken breast for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Once done, transfer them to a baking sheet and finish cooking in the preheated oven for an additional 10-12 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
If you prefer to bake, place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or spray it lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through and crispy.
5. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
While your chicken is cooking, prepare the creamy garlic sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown.
6. Simmer the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes. Then, stir in the heavy cream and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Let it simmer for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken.
7. Final Touches:
Season the creamy garlic sauce with salt and pepper to taste. When the chicken is ready, it’s time to serve!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Place the crispy Parmesan chicken breasts on a plate and generously drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a lovely touch. Pair it with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Now you can enjoy this delicious meal with family and friends! Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan is delicious, you can also use Pecorino Romano for a stronger flavor or mozzarella for a milder taste. Just keep in mind that different cheeses might affect the crispiness of the coating.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken and Sauce?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the oven or microwave. The creamy sauce can be reheated on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to thin it out if necessary.
Can I Prepare the Chicken in Advance?
Yes! You can bread the chicken the day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven or fry it just before serving. This way, the coating will stay crispy and fresh!
What Sides Pair Well with This Dish?
This Crispy Parmesan Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a light, fresh salad to balance the richness of the creamy garlic sauce.
