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Golden brown Crispy Parmesan Chicken breast, sliced to show a juicy center, and garnished with fresh parsley.

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Dreamy Garlic Cream Sauce

Avatar photoAlice Yowell
Experience shatteringly crisp Parmesan-crusted chicken, pan-fried to golden perfection. This restaurant-worthy dish is elevated by a velvety, rich garlic cream sauce made in the same pan, creating an unforgettable weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 4
Calories 750 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin
  • Three Shallow Dishes (for breading)
  • Wire rack
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1.5 lbs / 680g
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • ¼ cup avocado oil or other high-smoke point oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Chicken: Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides generously with half of the salt and pepper.
  • Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes. In the first, place the flour. In the second, whisk the eggs until smooth. In the third, combine Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and the remaining salt and pepper.
  • Bread Chicken: Working one at a time, dredge a chicken cutlet in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off, then press firmly into the Panko-Parmesan mixture to coat completely. Set aside on a clean plate.
  • Fry Chicken: Heat avocado oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully add two chicken cutlets. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack. Repeat with remaining chicken.
  • Make Garlic Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Finish Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve: Slice the crispy chicken and arrange on plates. Drizzle generously with the dreamy garlic sauce and garnish with fresh chives before serving immediately.

Notes

Pro Tips: For the crispiest crust, ensure your oil is hot and do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches. To prevent sogginess, pour the sauce over the chicken just before serving.
Variations: For a nutty flavor, brown the butter before adding garlic. Add red pepper flakes to the breading for heat, or lemon zest and juice for brightness.
Substitutions: Boneless pork chops or turkey cutlets work well. Half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce.