Crispy Chicken with Creamy Alfredo

Featured in Delicious Dinner Inspirations.

Elevate your dinner with golden Parmesan-crusted chicken served over creamy fettuccine Alfredo. The chicken is perfectly seasoned, pan-fried to a crispy finish, and paired with a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce made from fresh cream and Parmesan. Tossed with al dente fettuccine, this comforting dish is garnished with fresh parsley, bringing a touch of brightness to every savory bite. Perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions, it's a flavorful and satisfying combination.

Casey
Updated on Sun, 29 Jun 2025 02:55:03 GMT
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This crispy chicken fettuccine alfredo combines two beloved classics into one showstopping dinner. The golden parmesan-crusted chicken sits atop a bed of silky fettuccine coated in rich, creamy alfredo sauce for a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

I first made this dish for my husband's birthday dinner when our reservation fell through. The look on his face when I brought this to the table made me realize sometimes the best restaurant experiences happen right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

  • For the Chicken: 4 to 6 thinly sliced chicken breasts ensures quick cooking and maximum crispiness
  • All purpose flour creates the first layer of the breading station that helps everything else adhere
  • Large eggs act as the glue that binds the crispy coating to the chicken
  • Panko breadcrumbs provide that signature crunch that regular breadcrumbs simply cannot match
  • Grated Parmesan cheese adds savory depth to the breading
  • Garlic powder and onion powder infuse flavor directly into the coating
  • Italian seasoning brings herbal notes that complement both chicken and pasta
  • Salt and pepper enhance all the other flavors
  • For the Alfredo Sauce: Fettuccine pasta with its wide surface provides the perfect vehicle for capturing creamy sauce
  • Unsalted butter forms the rich base of authentic alfredo sauce
  • Fresh garlic cloves provide aromatic flavor that powdered versions cannot replicate
  • Heavy cream creates that luxurious mouthfeel that defines a proper alfredo
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts perfectly and adds complex umami notes
  • Fresh parsley brightens the finished dish with color and fresh flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Breading Station
Create three distinct stations in shallow dishes. Start with seasoned flour in the first dish, beaten eggs in the second, and the panko mixture in the third. This assembly line approach ensures efficient and consistent coating. Make sure to season the chicken itself first so flavor penetrates from the inside out.
Create the Crispy Coating
Work with one piece of chicken at a time, using one hand for dry ingredients and one for wet to prevent creating a gummy mess on your fingers. Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto each piece to create a solid coating that won't fall off during cooking.
Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat oil until shimmering but not smoking. The chicken should sizzle immediately when added but not darken too quickly. Maintain medium high heat throughout cooking for that golden brown exterior. Allow adequate space between pieces to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
Craft the Silky Alfredo
Start with properly salted pasta water that tastes like the sea. While pasta cooks, create your sauce by first blooming the garlic in butter until fragrant but not browned. Add cream gradually, allowing it to reduce slightly before introducing the cheese in batches, stirring constantly to prevent clumping.
Assemble with Care
Toss the pasta with sauce immediately after draining to prevent sticking. Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if needed. Slice the chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness and arrange attractively over the pasta for that restaurant presentation.
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The discovery of using panko instead of regular breadcrumbs completely transformed this recipe for me. After years of soggy coated chicken, this technique finally delivered the restaurant quality crunch that holds up even when nestled against the creamy pasta.

Make Ahead Options

This recipe can be partially prepared in advance to make dinner time less hectic. Bread the chicken up to 8 hours ahead and store uncovered in the refrigerator on a wire rack. This actually helps the coating adhere better during cooking. The alfredo sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and gently reheated with a splash of cream to bring it back to life.

Perfect Pairings

This rich dish pairs beautifully with light, acidic sides that cut through the creaminess. Consider serving with a bright arugula salad dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil. A side of roasted asparagus or broccoli also provides welcome color and textural contrast. For wine enthusiasts, a crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay complements without overwhelming.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your sauce breaks or appears grainy, lower the heat immediately and whisk in a tablespoon of cold cream. Never allow alfredo sauce to boil after adding cheese. If your chicken coating falls off during cooking, your oil likely isnt hot enough at the start. The immediate sear helps lock the coating in place. For lighter alfredo, substitute half and half for heavy cream, recognizing the sauce will be slightly thinner.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I get the chicken crispy?

Ensure the chicken is thinly sliced and well-coated in the breadcrumb mixture. Fry in hot oil, and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil's temperature for optimal crispiness.

→ Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, while fettuccine is the classic choice, you can use spaghetti, linguine, or even penne for a different texture and taste.

→ How can I thicken the Alfredo sauce?

If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce. You can also whisk in a little more grated Parmesan for added thickness.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and pasta separately and reheat with a splash of cream or pasta water to restore the creamy consistency.

→ What other toppings can I add?

While parsley and Parmesan are classic, you can also add sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or toasted pine nuts for extra flavor and texture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to maintain the sauce's texture.

Crispy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Crispy chicken with creamy fettuccine Alfredo, parmesan crusted atop rich garlicky pasta.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Dinner Delights

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken

01 4–6 thinly sliced chicken breasts
02 ½ cup all-purpose flour
03 2 large eggs, whisked
04 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
05 ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
07 1½ teaspoons onion powder
08 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
09 Salt, to taste
10 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
11 Vegetable oil, for frying

→ Alfredo Sauce

12 12 oz fettuccine pasta
13 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
14 2 cloves garlic, minced
15 1 cup heavy cream
16 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
17 Salt, to taste
18 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
19 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 02

In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the breaded chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Keep warm.

Step 03

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 04

In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 05

Add the cooked fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Slice the crispy chicken and place on top of the pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or saucepan
  • Large pot
  • Shallow dishes for breading station
  • Paper towels for draining

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (flour, pasta, breadcrumbs)
  • Contains dairy (butter, cream, Parmesan cheese)
  • Contains eggs (breading)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 650
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~