Description
This Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Sauce recipe features tender, breaded chicken breasts pan-fried to golden perfection and topped with a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Served alongside pasta or steamed vegetables, it’s a comforting and flavorful meal that combines crispy chicken with a luscious sauce that’s easy to make and ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Breading
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 ounces each)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, finely grated (divided: 3/4 cup for breading and 1/4 cup for sauce)
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
To Serve
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Cooked pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work well)
- Steamed vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, or green beans)
Instructions
- Pound Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking and prevents toughness.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, another with lightly beaten eggs, and the third combining grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix the breadcrumb mixture thoroughly for even flavor.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally press firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture to coat both sides evenly for a flavorful crust.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it’s hot enough to sizzle when chicken is added, but not smoking or burning.
- Cook Chicken: Place the breaded chicken breasts carefully into the hot skillet without overcrowding. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Drain Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and keep the coating crispy. Let rest for a few minutes.
- Start Sauce Base: In the same or a clean skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it to avoid bitterness.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine evenly.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in the remaining grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning or consistency with broth as needed.
- Plate Chicken: Arrange the cooked Parmesan chicken breasts on serving plates.
- Top with Sauce: Spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce generously over the chicken breasts.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately alongside cooked pasta or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use a meat mallet carefully to avoid tearing chicken breasts while pounding.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying chicken to maintain crispiness and even cooking.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by simmering longer or adding a splash more broth.
- The breading mix can be customized with herbs or spices like paprika or cayenne for extra flavor.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated and gently reheated; add a splash of broth to loosen if needed.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Parmesan chicken, garlic sauce, breaded chicken, creamy garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, Italian chicken
