Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Slice each chicken breast lengthwise into 2 cutlets. Pound to a uniform 1/4-inch thickness if needed. Pat completely dry with paper towels.
- Set up three shallow bowls: (1) flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; (2) beaten eggs; (3) Panko and grated Parmesan mixed together.
- Dredge each cutlet in the flour, shaking off excess firmly. Dip into egg, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into the Panko-Parmesan mixture on both sides and edges. Set on a clean plate without stacking.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter foam subsides. Fry the cutlets in batches for 3 to 5 minutes per side until deeply golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a wire rack.
- In the same pan (wiped out if needed), melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up the fond from the pan. Add the heavy cream and whisk in the Dijon mustard. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon.
- Reduce heat to Low. Remove from heat if possible and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan and lemon juice until smooth and fully emulsified.
- Place the crispy cutlets on plates. Spoon the creamy garlic sauce generously over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Storage: Store chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken in air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes or oven at 375°F on a wire rack for 8 to 10 minutes. Reheat sauce gently over low heat with a splash of milk or broth. Substitutions: Half-and-half replaces heavy cream for a lighter sauce; simmer longer to thicken. Whole-grain mustard adds more texture than smooth Dijon. Pro tips: Pat chicken completely dry before dredging. Press Panko firmly into both sides. Rest finished chicken on a wire rack, not paper towels. Pull the pan off heat before adding Parmesan to the sauce to prevent breaking.
