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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch) - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 large eggs, beaten - ½ cup all-purpose flour - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup heavy cream - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon paprika - Salt and black pepper, to taste - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) The key to making crispy Parmesan chicken lies in the ingredients. You want to use high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor. I love panko breadcrumbs because they give a nice crunch. The Parmesan cheese adds rich flavor, making each bite special. Using fresh garlic is a must for the cream sauce. It brings warmth and depth. And don’t forget the Italian seasoning. It ties everything together. For garnishing, chopped parsley adds color and freshness. It makes the dish look even more appetizing. Each ingredient plays a role in creating this delightful meal. You can always adjust the seasonings to match your taste. Enjoy the process of cooking and have fun experimenting! To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take each chicken breast and place it between two pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to gently pound the chicken. Aim for an even thickness. This step makes the chicken tender and juicy. Next, set up your breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, add the all-purpose flour. The second dish holds the beaten eggs. In the third dish, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to spread the seasonings. Now, let’s cook! Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. After browning, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the chicken hits 165°F (74°C) inside. While the chicken bakes, let’s make the sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt a bit of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until you smell the garlic. Pour in the heavy cream and add the Italian seasoning. Stir well and let it simmer gently. Cook for around 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the chicken is done, carefully take the skillet out of the oven. Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over each chicken breast. For a lovely presentation, place the chicken on a large plate. Let the sauce flow over the sides. Garnish with finely chopped parsley for a pop of color. This dish goes great with steamed veggies or a light salad. Enjoy! To get that crunchy coating, use panko breadcrumbs. They add a great texture. Make sure to coat the chicken well. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken. This helps the coating stick better. Fry the chicken in hot oil for a golden crust. Don't crowd the pan; give each piece room to cook evenly. Start by pounding the chicken to even thickness. This helps it cook evenly and stay juicy. Use medium heat when frying. Too high heat can burn the coating before the chicken cooks through. Once golden, finish cooking in the oven. This method helps keep the chicken moist inside. Always check that the internal temperature hits 165°F for safe eating. Start with fresh garlic; it makes a big difference. Sauté the garlic until fragrant but not brown. Brown garlic can taste bitter. Add the heavy cream and Italian seasoning next. This mix gives the sauce a rich flavor. Let it simmer to thicken. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. For a twist, try adding a squeeze of lemon for brightness. {{image_4}} You can play with the cheese in this dish. Instead of Parmesan, try mozzarella for a melty twist. It gives a softer bite. Grana Padano also works well. This cheese has a similar flavor to Parmesan but is milder. For a bolder taste, consider using aged Gouda or even feta. These cheeses add a unique flair to your chicken. The garlic cream sauce is rich, but you can switch it up. A lemon butter sauce adds bright flavor. Simply melt butter with fresh lemon juice and zest. For a spicy kick, try a sriracha cream sauce. Mix sriracha with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy dip. You could also use a pesto sauce for a fresh, herby taste. Each sauce will change how the dish feels. If you're looking for healthier options, consider using chicken thighs. They are juicier and full of flavor. For a gluten-free version, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. It gives a nice crunch too. If dairy is a concern, replace heavy cream with coconut cream. It will add a hint of sweetness. These swaps help everyone enjoy this tasty dish, no matter their diet. To keep your Crispy Parmesan Chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place the cooled chicken in the container with the garlic cream sauce. This helps maintain its flavor and prevents it from drying out. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken with the sauce in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to prevent drying. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until it's warmed through. You can also use a microwave if you're in a rush. Heat it in short bursts, checking often to avoid overcooking. To freeze your chicken, first ensure it has cooled completely. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method keeps your chicken tasty and juicy. You can serve Crispy Parmesan Chicken with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans - A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette - Garlic bread for a tasty addition - Mashed potatoes or rice for a filling plate These sides will balance the rich flavors of the chicken and sauce. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. You can bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours. This allows the breading to set and helps it stick better. You can also make the garlic cream sauce in advance. Just reheat it gently before serving. The best way to check if chicken is done is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, and the meat should be white, not pink. Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. You can also swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. These changes will keep the crispy texture while meeting gluten-free needs. Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They have more fat, which makes them juicy and flavorful. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time. Thighs may take a bit longer to cook through, so check for that same 165°F (74°C) internal temperature. This blog covered all you need for Crispy Parmesan Chicken. We explored key ingredients and step-by-step cooking. You learned how to achieve crispy, juicy chicken and make a tasty garlic cream sauce. I shared tips for variations and how to store your leftovers too. Crispy Parmesan Chicken is simple, delicious, and fun to make. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and techniques!

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce

Indulge in Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce, a dish that combines crunchy breaded chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce. This easy-to-follow recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal perfect for any occasion. Impress your family with juicy chicken, golden crust, and creamy garlic goodness.
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon paprika

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 large eggs, beaten

½ cup all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup heavy cream

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). To ensure even cooking, place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness with a meat mallet or rolling pin. This step is crucial for achieving tender, juicy chicken.

    Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes for an effective breading station. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, pour in the beaten eggs. In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, mixing well to distribute the seasonings evenly.

      Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken breast and dredge it first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off before pressing it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until it is fully coated. Make sure each piece is evenly covered for the best crispy texture.

        Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook each side for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown. After browning, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

          Make the Garlic Cream Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt a small amount of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant but not brown. Then, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.

            Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Spoon the creamy garlic sauce generously over each chicken breast.

              - Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: For a beautiful presentation, arrange the chicken on a large serving plate, allowing the garlic cream sauce to cascade over the sides. Finish by garnishing with a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley for color and freshness. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a refreshing light salad to round out your meal.