Description
Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken is a deliciously flavorful and crispy dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in panko breadcrumbs, pan-fried to golden perfection, and finished with a rich garlic butter sauce. This quick and easy recipe delivers a satisfying crunch and a savory garlic flavor that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (large, cut in half horizontally)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for a fresh finish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner, more even pieces. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
- Set Up Dredging Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs, ready for coating the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece first in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip each piece into the beaten eggs, then press into the panko breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly and evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken pieces carefully. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until each piece is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm garlic butter sauce evenly over the crispy chicken. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired for a bright finish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Ensure chicken pieces are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Do not overcook garlic in the sauce to prevent bitterness.
- Using panko breadcrumbs provides extra crispiness compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Check chicken internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety.
