Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce
Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce features golden, crunchy chicken breasts coated in a cheesy Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust, served with a velvety garlic sauce infused with butter, lemon, and chicken broth or white wine. This easy-to-make dish is flavorful, versatile, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a delicious indulgence with simple, everyday ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free (when using gluten-free breadcrumb substitutes)
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 thin boneless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for brushing and frying (about 3 tablespoons)
Parmesan Coating
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Rich Garlic Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons butter (plus more for frying)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavor.
- Create the Parmesan Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs to form the crispy crust mixture that will coat the chicken evenly.
- Dredge and Press: Lightly brush each chicken breast with olive oil (or beaten egg as an alternative), then press firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture ensuring even and thorough coverage to seal in the juiciness.
- Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat olive oil and a bit of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 4–5 minutes per side until the crust turns golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Make the Rich Garlic Sauce: Reduce heat to low in the same pan. Add finely minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Deglaze the pan by pouring in chicken broth or white wine, stirring to lift any browned bits. Stir in butter and lemon juice, then simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan, spoon the garlic sauce generously over the top, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before plating.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) for uniform cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a superior crispy texture.
- Maintain medium heat during frying to prevent burning the crust while fully cooking the chicken.
- Add garlic to the sauce last and cook only until aromatic to avoid bitterness.
- Let chicken rest a few minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: Forty-five g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Keywords: crispy parmesan chicken, garlic sauce, pan-fried chicken, panko chicken, easy dinner recipe, cheesy chicken, gluten-free chicken recipe