There’s something undeniably comforting about a home-cooked meal, especially when it’s something as scrumptious as Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce. Picture this: juicy chicken cutlets that are golden on the outside, thanks to a crispy coating that’s seasoned just right, paired with a silky, rich garlic cream sauce. This dish has earned its place in my weeknight rotation, thanks to how uncomplicated it is yet still feels special. It’s a dish that promises to bring a little slice of culinary bliss to your table, whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply indulging in a cozy dinner for one.
Reasons to Try It
So, why dive into making this delightful dish? For starters, it strikes that perfect balance between being easy on the wallet and utterly satisfying. The crispy chicken, with its savory Parmesan notes and a touch of Italian flair, is a sure crowd-pleaser — kids love it, and it impresses adults just the same. Plus, it’s quick! You can have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in under an hour, making it a lifesaver on those busy weeknights.
"I made this Crispy Parmesan Chicken for my family last Sunday, and it was a hit! Everyone was raving about the garlic cream sauce. I’ll definitely be adding this to our regular dinner menu!" – Happy Home Chef
Preparing Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce
Let’s walk through how to bring this flavorful dish into your kitchen. You’ll be coating your chicken in a delightful blend of flour, eggs, and crispy Panko breadcrumbs. These steps make the chicken so mouthwatering and juicy, while the garlic cream sauce is just the icing on the cake. Ready? This process is straightforward and practically foolproof — perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
What You’ll Need
To create this irresistible meal, here are the ingredients you’ll gather:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for the sauce)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
If you’re looking for alternatives, feel free to swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for different diets.
Directions to Follow
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect time to get your cooking space tidy and ready.
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. A little seasoning goes a long way in elevating the chicken’s natural flavor.
- In a shallow dish, mix flour with some more salt and pepper. This will be your first layer of flavor.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until well combined.
- In a third dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. You want that golden, cheesy crunch!
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. This step helps the egg mixture adhere beautifully.
- Dip the flour-coated chicken into the egg mixture, then into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure that coating sticks.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts, cooking until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken is baking, melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant — there’s nothing quite like the smell of garlic!
- Stir in flour and cook for another minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Cook, whisking continuously, until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Off the heat, stir in the additional Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the chicken is done, pull it from the oven and serve it topped with the garlic cream sauce, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
When it comes to serving this rich dish, let your creativity shine! Pair your Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a colorful side salad for a refreshing balance or some roasted vegetables for a comforting touch. You can also serve it atop a bed of pasta, allowing that glorious sauce to coat every noodle. And don’t forget a crusty baguette or some garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
How to Store & Freeze
Should you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), storing them is simple. Place the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to three days. If you’re planning to freeze it, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It should keep well for up to three months. When reheating, aim for low heat to keep that lovely crispiness intact.
Practical Cooking Tips
Here are a few nuggets of wisdom to ensure your dish turns out beautifully:
- To maintain a crispy coating, be sure not to overcrowd your skillet when frying the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary.
- For a crispier texture, consider using a frying thermometer to ensure your oil is hot enough when you add the chicken.
- If you want to lighten things up, you can bake the chicken at a higher temperature (around 400°F) for a shorter time.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? There are plenty of ways to put your unique spin on this dish! Consider adding a zest of lemon or a sprinkle of zest as you finish the sauce for a bright pop of flavor. You could even toss in some sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes into the cream sauce for extra depth. If you’re watching carbs, serve it over zucchini noodles instead of pasta for a fresh, healthier option.
Your Questions Answered
What’s the prep time for this recipe?
Prep time is about 15-20 minutes, with cooking around 30 minutes. Easy enough for a weeknight!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the chicken and sauce, then store them separately in the fridge. Reheat the chicken in the oven to retain crispiness.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce will be less rich.
If you’re looking for a dish that combines crispiness, creaminess, and a punch of flavor, Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce is a sure winner. Now, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking—it’s time to create something delicious!
Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow dish, mix flour with some more salt and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and water.
- In a third dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the flour-coated chicken into the egg mixture, then into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken breasts.
- Cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and add minced garlic.
- Cook for about a minute until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and cook for another minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, cooking until smooth and thickened.
- Off the heat, stir in grated Parmesan until melted and creamy; season with salt and pepper.
- Serve the chicken topped with the garlic cream sauce and garnished with freshly chopped parsley.