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Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe with Creamy Garlic Sauce

parmesan crusted chicken - featured image

This easy parmesan crusted chicken is pan-fried to golden, crispy perfection and topped with a rich, creamy garlic sauce. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (or oregano and basil mix)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (plus extra for seasoning chicken)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk (any type)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil for frying (or avocado oil)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • Optional: lemon zest
  • Optional: chili flakes
  • Optional: gluten-free panko
  • Optional: dairy-free alternatives (plant-based milk, butter, vegan parmesan)

Instructions

  1. Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to make 4 thinner cutlets. Pound to about 1/2 inch thickness, pat dry, and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs and milk, and one with panko, parmesan, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dredge each chicken fillet in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg mixture, then press into breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken fillets 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
  5. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sautΓ© until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add cream, salt, pepper, and parmesan. Stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in parsley and optional lemon zest.
  6. Arrange crispy chicken on a platter, drizzle with creamy garlic sauce, and sprinkle with extra parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

For extra crunch, let chicken rest 2-3 minutes before adding sauce. Use freshly grated parmesan for best results. To make gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and panko. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk, butter, and vegan parmesan. Keep finished chicken warm in a 200Β°F oven if multitasking. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: parmesan chicken, crispy chicken, creamy garlic sauce, comfort food, easy dinner, pan-fried chicken, family recipe, weeknight meal, chicken breast, panko crusted