Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Zucchini

This dish combines tender, crispy chicken with the fresh flavors of sautéed zucchini and garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a delicious meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

• 2 Chicken Breasts (sliced in half, or 4 thin chicken breasts)
• 8 Tablespoons butter (divided)
• ½ cup Italian Bread Crumbs
• ½ cup plus 1 Tablespoon grated parmesan (divided)
• ¼ cup flour
• 2 medium zucchini (sliced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 Tablespoons of butter. To prepare the chicken, melt the remaining 4 Tablespoons of butter in a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, combine bread crumbs, ½ cup parmesan cheese, and flour. Dip the chicken in the butter and then coat it in the bread crumb mixture. Place the chicken in the skillet.
2. Cook the Chicken Cook the chicken on each side for about 3-4 minutes until the outside is crispy and the chicken is cooked throughout. Set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Zucchini Add the remaining 2 Tablespoons of butter back to the skillet and sauté the minced garlic for a minute. Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and sauté until tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add the remaining 1 Tablespoon of parmesan.
4. Combine and Serve Return the chicken to the skillet and heat for a minute or so. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Calories: 450 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top of the chicken and zucchini for added color and flavor.
2. Side Dish Suggestions: Serve with a side of garlic bread, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad to complement the meal.
3. Presentation: Arrange the chicken and zucchini on a large platter for a family-style presentation, making it easy for everyone to help themselves.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the chicken’s crispiness, reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Freezing: To freeze, place the cooked chicken and zucchini in separate airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. Reheating: For best results, reheat the chicken in the oven or on the stovetop to keep it crispy. The zucchini can be reheated in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Zucchini remains delicious and enjoyable, even as leftovers.

Variations:

1. Spicy Parmesan Garlic Chicken
   • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the bread crumb mixture for a spicy kick.
   • Serve with a side of spicy marinara sauce for dipping.
2. Herb-Crusted Chicken
   • Mix dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary into the bread crumb mixture for an aromatic flavor.
   • Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
3. Lemon Garlic Chicken
   • Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before coating it in the bread crumb mixture.
   • Add lemon zest to the bread crumb mixture for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
4. Cheesy Garlic Chicken
   • Increase the amount of parmesan cheese in the bread crumb mixture to 1 cup for an extra cheesy crust.
   • Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top of the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking.
5. Vegetable Medley
   • Add other vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to the skillet with the zucchini.
   • Sauté the vegetables until tender and season with Italian seasoning for added flavor.
6. Gluten-Free Option
   • Use gluten-free bread crumbs and gluten-free flour in place of the regular versions.
   • Ensure that all other ingredients, like the parmesan cheese, are gluten-free as well.
7. Panko-Crusted Chicken
   • Substitute panko bread crumbs for the Italian bread crumbs for a lighter, crunchier coating.
   • Mix in a bit of grated asiago or pecorino cheese with the panko crumbs for a unique flavor twist.
8. Mediterranean-Style Chicken
   • Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme to the bread crumb mixture.
   • Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce and a Greek salad.
9. Garlic Herb Butter Chicken
   • Infuse the butter with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley before using it to coat the chicken.
   • Baste the chicken with the herb-infused butter while cooking for an extra layer of flavor.
10. Buffalo Parmesan Chicken
    • Mix 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce into the melted butter before dipping the chicken.
    • Serve with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
11. Asian-Inspired Chicken
    • Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to the melted butter.
    • Serve with a side of stir-fried vegetables and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
12. Balsamic Glazed Chicken
    • Drizzle balsamic glaze over the chicken just before serving.
    • Add cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a Caprese-inspired twist.

These variations offer different ways to enjoy the Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Zucchini, allowing you to customize the dish to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

FAQs:

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless, and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the oven to maintain its crispiness and sauté the zucchini fresh.
3. What can I use instead of zucchini? You can substitute zucchini with other vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the vegetables are tender.
4. How do I make this dish lower in fat? Use less butter or substitute with a healthier fat option like olive oil. Additionally, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it to reduce the amount of fat.
5. Can I use pre-grated parmesan cheese? Yes, pre-grated parmesan cheese can be used, but freshly grated parmesan will give a better flavor and texture.
6. What can I serve with this dish? This dish pairs well with garlic bread, a fresh garden salad, mashed potatoes, or pasta. It also goes well with a side of steamed vegetables.
7. How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat the chicken in the oven to maintain its crispiness.
8. Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and zucchini separately in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
9. What other types of cheese can I use? You can experiment with other cheeses like asiago, pecorino, or even a mild cheddar to change up the flavor profile.
10. How can I make the chicken extra crispy? For an extra crispy coating, use panko bread crumbs instead of Italian bread crumbs. You can also bake the coated chicken at 400°F for 10-15 minutes before pan-frying to enhance the crispiness.

These FAQs address common questions and provide useful tips for making and enjoying Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Zucchini.