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Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Rich Garlic Sauce

Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Rich Garlic Sauce

This Crispy Parmesan Chicken is a simple, foolproof weeknight meal that delivers a restaurant-quality dish without the stress. It features a perfect balance of textures and flavors, with a crunchy panko-parmesan crust, tender, juicy chicken inside, and a rich garlic sauce to bring it all together. This versatile recipe is great for dinner and the leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 370
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • Shallow plate or bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Prepare Your Station: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. On a shallow plate or in a bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Season and Coat the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season them generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken, using your hands to make sure each breast is lightly coated. This helps the breading stick. Press each piece of chicken firmly into the panko mixture, ensuring it's completely covered on all sides.
  3. Bake to Golden Perfection: Arrange the coated chicken breasts on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving a little space between them. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken is done when it's golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reads 165°F on a meat thermometer.
  4. Make the Rich Garlic Sauce: While the chicken is in its last 5 minutes of baking, you can make the sauce. Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of salt, and cook for just 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown or it will become bitter. Remove from the heat.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked through, let it rest for a minute or two on the baking sheet. Then, transfer it to plates and drizzle that delicious, rich garlic sauce over the top. Garnish with some fresh parsley if you have it on hand!

Notes

For the crispiest crust, ensure the chicken is patted completely dry and press the coating on firmly. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Use a meat thermometer and cook to 165°F to ensure juicy chicken. The recipe can be made in an air fryer at 380°F for 10-15 minutes. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko, crushed pork rinds, or almond flour.