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Crispy Italian Chicken Christopher with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

4.4 from 139 reviews

Crispy Italian Chicken Christopher features tender chicken breasts coated in a flavorful Italian breadcrumb and Parmesan crust, pan-seared to golden perfection, then oven-baked to juicy doneness. Finished with a zesty garlic butter sauce infused with fresh lemon juice and parsley, this dish offers a delightful blend of crispy texture and savory, tangy flavors perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Sauce

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
  2. Pound the Chicken: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure even cooking.
  3. Prepare Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, mix together flour, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and garlic powder for seasoning the chicken.
  4. Beat Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth; this will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
  5. Mix Breadcrumbs and Cheese: Combine Italian-style breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese in a third bowl for the crispy coating.
  6. Coat Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess to avoid clumps.
  7. Dip in Eggs: Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off before coating.
  8. Apply Breadcrumbs: Press the chicken into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, coating both sides evenly for a crisp crust.
  9. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  10. Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
  11. Make Garlic Butter Sauce: While chicken bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  12. Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  13. Add Liquids: Stir in chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice, bringing the sauce to a simmer.
  14. Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes so it thickens slightly and flavors meld.
  15. Plate Chicken: Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the chicken breasts to a serving platter.
  16. Finish Dish: Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the crispy chicken and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
  17. Serve: Serve the chicken hot and enjoy the combination of crispy crust and tangy, buttery sauce.

Notes

  • For even cooking, pounding the chicken breasts to uniform thickness is essential.
  • Use an oven-safe skillet to seamlessly go from stovetop searing to oven baking.
  • The garlic butter sauce can be prepared in advance and gently reheated before serving.
  • Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter sauce.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: Crispy chicken, Italian chicken recipe, garlic butter sauce, baked chicken breasts, Parmesan crust