Olive Garden Parmesan Chicken
Olive Garden Parmesan Chicken is a delightful Italian-inspired dish that combines crispy, breaded chicken with rich marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect comfort food that can be easily recreated at home with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. This dish brings the restaurant experience to your kitchen, offering a juicy, flavorful meal that will become a family favorite.
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet (for frying)
- 1 Baking sheet (for finishing the chicken in the oven)
- 1 Meat mallet (for pounding chicken to even thickness)
- 2 Shallow dishes (for egg wash and breadcrumb mixture)
- 1 Whisk (for beating the eggs)
- 1 Meat thermometer (for checking internal temperature of chicken)
- 1 Spoon or ladle (for adding marinara sauce)
Ingredients
- 4 Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 ½ cups Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Garlic powder
- 2 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 Large eggs
- 1 ½ cups Marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 ½ cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp Olive oil or butter, for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½ inch thick) using a meat mallet. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. In another shallow dish, whisk the eggs.
Bread the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, transfer the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks. Set the breaded chicken aside on a plate.
Pan-Fry the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a baking sheet.
Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake:
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Garnish and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a minute. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve with pasta, a side salad, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Chicken Thickness: Pounding the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and helps keep the chicken juicy. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
- Breadcrumb Variations: For extra crispiness, consider using a mix of Panko breadcrumbs and regular breadcrumbs, or opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need a gluten-free version.
- Freezing: You can bread the chicken and freeze it before frying. Simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Sauce Options: You can swap marinara for a garlic cream sauce or a pesto sauce for a unique twist.
- Make Ahead: Bread the chicken in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This can save time on a busy weeknight.