This restaurant-style crispy chicken with luxurious garlic parmesan sauce delivers incredible flavor with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques. The perfectly seasoned chicken develops a golden, crispy exterior while staying tender and juicy inside, then gets smothered in a rich, velvety sauce that’s bursting with garlic and parmesan flavors. This versatile dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breast fillets, 250g (9 oz) each
- 1 tsp salt (5g)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (2g)
- 1 tsp sweet paprika powder (3g)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (30g / 1 oz)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15ml / 0.5 fl oz)
- 1 tbsp butter (15g / 0.5 oz)
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 200ml (3/4 cup) heavy cream
- 50ml (3 tbsp) chicken broth
- 50g (1/2 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (5g)
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (5ml)
- 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken:
- Prepare chicken: Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Cut each breast horizontally into two thinner pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Season generously: Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and sweet paprika powder, pressing spices into the meat.
- Coat with flour: Lightly dust each piece with flour, shaking off excess. This creates the foundation for a crispy golden crust.
Cooking the Chicken:
- Heat the pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat until butter melts and begins to foam.
- Sear chicken: Add chicken pieces to the hot pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F).
- Rest chicken: Remove chicken from pan and set aside on a plate. Keep warm while preparing the sauce.
Making the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- Sauté garlic: In the same pan with remaining oil and chicken drippings, add chopped garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add liquids: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Build the sauce: Stir in Dijon mustard and bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes.
- Add cheese: Remove from heat and gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Finish sauce: Add fresh lemon juice and mix well to brighten the flavors.
Bringing It Together:
- Combine: Return chicken pieces to the pan with the sauce. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb some sauce.
- Final garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve immediately: Plate the chicken with generous amounts of sauce spooned over the top.
Time and Servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 25g
- Calcium: 180mg
Why This Recipe Is Healthy
This chicken dish provides high-quality lean protein essential for muscle maintenance and repair. Chicken breast is naturally low in saturated fat while being rich in B vitamins, particularly niacin and B6, which support energy metabolism and brain function. The garlic in the sauce contains allicin, a compound with potential immune-boosting and cardiovascular benefits. Parmesan cheese contributes calcium for bone health and provides additional protein. The cooking method uses minimal oil while the cream sauce, when enjoyed in moderation, provides vitamin A and calcium. This balanced dish offers sustained energy and essential nutrients while being naturally gluten-light when served with vegetables instead of pasta.
Serving Suggestions: Pair with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a fresh green salad to add fiber and additional nutrients while keeping the meal well-balanced.