Crispy Parmesan Chicken Garlic Cream

This crispy parmesan chicken with rich garlic cream sauce combines golden crusted chicken cutlets with a velvety, garlicky cream sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and juicy interior creates a truly satisfying meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to prepare at home.

I first made this recipe when I needed to impress my inlaws without spending hours in the kitchen. The moment they took their first bites and fell silent except for appreciative murmurs I knew this would become my secret weapon for dinner gatherings.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts select large boneless skinless pieces that you can easily slice horizontally
• Flour creates the first layer of coating that helps everything else adhere
• Egg and milk the moisture that binds the coating to the chicken
• Parmesan cheese adds incredible flavor and helps create that golden crust
• Panko breadcrumbs the secret to extra crispiness that regular breadcrumbs cannot match
• Garlic powder infuses the coating with aromatic flavor
• Heavy cream forms the luxurious base for the sauce
• Fresh garlic provides pungent aromatic depth to the sauce
• Butter adds richness and helps bloom the garlic flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Start by slicing each chicken breast horizontally to create four evenly sized cutlets. Place them between plastic wrap and gently pound to an even thickness of about half an inch. This ensures quick and even cooking while tenderizing the meat. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.

Create Your Dredging Station

Set up three shallow dishes in a row. Fill the first with flour seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second dish whisk together the egg and milk until completely combined. For the third combine the parmesan cheese panko breadcrumbs and garlic powder mixing well to integrate all components.

Coat the Chicken

Working with one piece at a time fully coat the chicken in flour shaking off any excess. Next dip into the egg mixture allowing extra to drip away. Finally press firmly into the parmesan panko mixture ensuring an even substantial coating on all sides. Place the coated cutlets on a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes to help the coating adhere.

Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces without crowding the pan. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until the crust turns deeply golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Create the Garlic Cream Sauce

Wipe out the skillet and return to medium heat. Add the butter and once melted add the minced garlic cooking just until fragrant about 60 seconds be careful not to brown it. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer stirring frequently. Add the parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with Style

Place the crispy chicken cutlets on plates and generously spoon the garlic cream sauce over them or alongside if you prefer to maintain maximum crispiness. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for color and a bright herbaceous note.

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This recipe reminds me of my grandmother's kitchen where everything was made with love and a little extra butter. She always said the secret to a great cream sauce was patience and watching it like a hawk to catch it at just the right consistency.

Storing and Reheating

For best results store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat the chicken place it on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Gently reheat the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat stirring frequently to prevent scorching. The sauce may need a splash of cream to thin it as it will thicken considerably when chilled.

Perfect Pairings

This crispy parmesan chicken works beautifully with a variety of sides. For a lighter approach serve with a bright arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. If you're seeking comfort food nirvana pair with buttered egg noodles or garlic mashed potatoes that can soak up extra sauce. Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli also complement the dish wonderfully while adding color and nutrition to your plate.

Make It Your Own

This versatile recipe can be adapted in numerous ways to suit your taste or pantry. Try adding Italian herbs like oregano and basil to the breadcrumb mixture for an herbed crust. For a spicy variation incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the cream sauce. If you are looking to lighten the dish substitute half and half for the heavy cream and add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the sauce. For a dairy free option use coconut cream and nutritional yeast though this will significantly change the flavor profile.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this dish. They're naturally more flavorful and juicy than breasts, though you may need to adjust cooking time slightly. Pound them to even thickness for best results.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

To create a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, use less Parmesan in the sauce, and consider baking the breaded chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes instead of frying. You'll still get delicious flavor with fewer calories.

→ Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

Yes! You can bread the chicken cutlets up to 8 hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. The sauce is best made fresh, but if needed, you can prepare it ahead and gently reheat, adding a splash of cream if it's too thick.

→ What sides pair well with this chicken dish?

This rich chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides like roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a fresh green salad. For starches, consider angel hair pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, use an oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to help restore some crispiness. The microwave works too, but the chicken won't retain its crispy texture.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

While challenging to replicate exactly, you can create a dairy-free version using plant-based Parmesan alternatives, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and plant-based milk mixed with a bit of lemon juice instead of the egg wash. The flavor profile will change, but it can still be delicious.