1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken breasts. If the chicken breasts are thick, you can slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This will help the chicken cook more evenly and quickly. Once the chicken breasts are prepared, season them with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides to enhance the flavor.

2. Set Up the Breading Station

Next, set up a breading station to coat the chicken. In one shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese. The combination of panko and Parmesan will give the chicken an extra crispy and flavorful crust.

3. Coat the Chicken

Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring that it’s fully coated in egg. Finally, coat the chicken in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well to the chicken.

4. Fry the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Depending on the size of your chicken breasts, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

5. Make the Basil Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the olive oil. Once the oil is heated, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Stir in the chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper. The basil will infuse the sauce with a wonderful herbal flavor, and the creamy base will complement the crispy chicken perfectly.

6. Combine the Chicken and Sauce

Return the crispy chicken to the skillet with the basil cream sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken, allowing it to soak up the creamy goodness. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure that it’s heated through and well-coated in the sauce.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the crispy chicken with basil cream sauce on a platter or individual plates. Drizzle extra sauce over the chicken and garnish with additional chopped basil for a burst of fresh flavor. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese over the top for added richness.

This dish is perfect when served with a side of pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. The creamy sauce is so flavorful that it pairs well with any side, making this meal even more versatile.