Description
Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce is a golden, crunchy, and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. The chicken breasts are coated in a crispy Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, then topped with a luscious garlic butter sauce enhanced with fresh herbs and lemon juice. This recipe balances richness with freshness, offering an elegant yet easy-to-make meal that delights with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Garlic Sauce and Garnish
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy crust. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Make the Parmesan Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine freshly grated Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs, mixing thoroughly to create the coating.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip the chicken breasts first into the beaten eggs to create a sticky surface, then press each piece firmly into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, ensuring every inch is well coated for optimal crunch.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
- Make the Rich Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low and add butter and minced garlic. Stir gently until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden without burning. Add a splash of lemon juice and stir in fresh herbs to finish the sauce.
- Plate and Serve: Pour the luscious garlic sauce over the crispy chicken. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast of textures and flavors.
Notes
- Pat the chicken dry thoroughly to help the coating stick and brown evenly.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese, as pre-grated may contain anti-caking agents that hinder crispiness.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming and soggy crusts.
- Cook garlic gently on low heat to prevent bitterness in the sauce.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to retain juices and maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Keywords: crispy chicken, parmesan chicken, garlic sauce, easy chicken recipe, crunchy chicken, weeknight dinner