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Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce features golden, crunchy chicken breasts coated in a toasted Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust, seared to perfection, and topped with a luxuriously savory garlic butter sauce enhanced with fresh lemon juice and parsley. This quick and easy recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with bold flavors, ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Crispy Coating

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Rich Garlic Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim excess fat from the chicken breasts and pat them dry thoroughly. If the chicken is thick, pound gently to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Make the Parmesan Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and a pinch of black pepper. Dredge each chicken breast into this mixture, pressing firmly to coat the surface evenly for a robust, golden crust.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and loosely tent with foil to keep warm.
  4. Prepare the Rich Garlic Sauce: Using the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden. Pour in the fresh lemon juice, scraping the pan to deglaze and incorporate browned bits. Simmer for an additional minute to blend the flavors.
  5. Combine and Serve: Return the crispy Parmesan chicken to the pan and spoon the rich garlic sauce over each piece, allowing the chicken to absorb the vibrant flavors. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Pat the chicken dry thoroughly before coating to ensure maximum crispiness.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for better melting and crust formation.
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet while cooking; fry in batches if necessary to maintain heat and crispness.
  • Monitor garlic carefully in the sauce to prevent burning and bitterness.
  • Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes after cooking to retain juiciness and maintain the crispy exterior.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy parmesan chicken, garlic sauce, quick chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, parmesan crusted chicken