Crispy Panko-Crusted Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce
Turn your weeknight dinner into a delightful feast with this Crispy Panko-Crusted Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce. This dish features juicy, tender chicken thighs coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb mixture, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite. Paired with a rich and velvety garlic cream sauce, infused with the earthiness of mushrooms and the freshness of parsley, this recipe brings a gourmet touch to the table without consuming your entire evening. Perfect for busy cooks, this recipe can be prepped ahead of time and filled with flavor, making it ideal for family dinners or impressing guests. Although it suggests using mushrooms, feel free to leave them out if they’re not your favorite. With just a little advance marinating time, you can savor this dish on a hectic evening.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
1 lb (Cut in half if large)
Buttermilk
1 cup (Used for marinating)
Panko Breadcrumbs
1 1/4 cups (For coating)
Dried Thyme
1/2 teaspoon (Mixed with breadcrumbs)
Smoked Paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons (Mixed with breadcrumbs)
Lemon Zest
1 (Freshly grated)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (Two for frying, one for sauce)
Butter
2 tablespoons (For sautéing)
Button Mushrooms
1 lb (Sliced)
Onion
1/2-1 medium (Sliced thinly)
Roasted Garlic Cloves
2-3 (Chopped finely)
Cream
1/2 cup (For sauce)
Parsley
1/4 cup (Chopped finely)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with buttermilk. Stir to coat well, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least three hours, preferably overnight for enhanced flavor and tenderness. If the chicken thighs are large, consider cutting them in half for better panko adhesion.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3
In a separate bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, dried thyme, smoked paprika, lemon zest, and salt. Stir until thoroughly combined.
4
Remove each chicken thigh from the marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off, and dredge thoroughly in the panko mixture. Transfer to a plate and ensure they're well-coated. Note that using smaller pieces of chicken helps maximize the crispy coating.
5
In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the panko-crusted chicken thighs and brown them for 4-5 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden crust forms. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
6
Once browned, transfer the chicken thighs to a baking dish and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7
While the chicken is baking, wipe out the skillet to remove any residual crumbs. Slice the onions and mushrooms, and finely chop the garlic and parsley.
8
In the same skillet, melt the butter with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 2 minutes until they become translucent. Then add the sliced mushrooms and chopped garlic, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes, or until tender.
9
Pour in the cream and add the chopped parsley to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently until heated through, adjusting seasoning to taste.
10
Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest briefly. Serve the crispy chicken thighs topped with the creamy garlic sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Panko-Crusted Chicken with Garlic Cream Sauce?
This dish features juicy, tender chicken thighs coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb mixture and topped with a rich, velvety garlic and mushroom cream sauce.
What cut of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
Why should I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Chicken thighs are used because they remain juicy and tender after being seared and baked.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate in buttermilk for at least three hours, though overnight is preferred for better flavor.
What is the purpose of the buttermilk marinade?
Buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and allows the panko breadcrumbs to adhere better to the chicken.
What ingredients are in the panko coating?
The coating consists of panko breadcrumbs, dried thyme, smoked paprika, lemon zest, and salt.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do I sear the chicken in the skillet?
Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms.
How long does the chicken bake in the oven?
The chicken needs to bake for about 20 minutes.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What are the main components of the garlic cream sauce?
The sauce is made from butter, olive oil, onions, mushrooms, roasted garlic, cream, and fresh parsley.
Can I make this recipe without mushrooms?
Yes, you can feel free to leave the mushrooms out if they are not to your preference.
What type of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe specifically suggests 1 lb of sliced button mushrooms.
How do I prepare the garlic for the sauce?
The recipe uses 2-3 roasted garlic cloves, finely chopped.
Should I cut the chicken thighs?
If the thighs are large, cutting them in half helps maximize the crispy panko coating.
What type of breadcrumbs are best?
Panko breadcrumbs are recommended because they provide a superior crunch compared to standard breadcrumbs.
How much olive oil is needed?
A total of three tablespoons of olive oil is used: two for frying and one for the sauce.
When do I add the cream to the sauce?
Add the cream after the onions, mushrooms, and garlic have been sautéed and become tender.
How do I prepare the onions for the sauce?
Use 1/2 to 1 medium onion and slice it thinly.
What herb is used for garnishing the sauce?
1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley is stirred into the cream sauce.
Should I wipe the skillet between steps?
Yes, wipe out the skillet after browning the chicken to remove any burnt panko crumbs before making the sauce.
Can I prep this meal in advance?
Yes, the chicken can be marinated in advance to save time on a busy evening.
What provides the smoky flavor in the crust?
1 1/2 teaspoons of smoked paprika is added to the panko mixture for flavor.
How much butter is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of butter for sautéing the vegetables.
How long should the onions sauté?
Sauté the onions for approximately 2 minutes until they become translucent.
How long do the mushrooms and garlic need to cook?
Stir them frequently for about 5 minutes until they are tender.
Does the recipe include lemon?
Yes, the zest of one lemon is mixed into the breading for a fresh citrus note.
What should I do after the chicken finishes baking?
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest briefly before serving with the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, the combination of crispy texture and gourmet cream sauce makes it perfect for impressing guests.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 14 ingredients listed for this dish.