Home → Recipes → Dinner → Chicken → Air Fryer Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Parmigiana

Air Fryer Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Parmigiana

Name: Air Fryer Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Parmigiana
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 large Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts ((about 8 ounces each)); 1 cup All-Purpose Flour; 1/2 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1 cup Bread Crumbs (, Italian Style); 1 cup Marinara Sauce; 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded ); 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh Parsley (for serving))

Jump to recipe

Air Fryer Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Parmigiana —Olive Garden’s famous Chicken Parmigiana is now possible to make at home with the help of your new air fryer!

This recipe is easy and comes out crispy, cheesy, and delicious. It has all the flavors you love from Olive Garden, and now you can make this restaurant a favorite at home!

Air Fryer Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Parmigiana is genuinely excellent; if you can not get to the restaurant, then, by all means, cook this in your air fryer or oven.

This easy Air Fryer Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Parmigiana will be done in less than 20 minutes from start to finish. And it is truly unique! I love it. My husband, a vast Olive Garden fan, absolutely goes crazy when I make this! It’s a family favorite and kid-friendly meal.

This Air Fryer Copycat Olive Garden, Chicken Parmigiana recipe, has all the classic flavors of your favorite chicken dish. If you love this, check out our other copycat recipes, too! We hope we’ve inspired you with these tasty, easy dishes perfect for a quick weeknight meal or entertaining guests. With just a little more than 30 minutes in the kitchen, it doesn’t get much easier than that! What is your go-to homemade Italian dish?

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Parmigiana

There are two names for this dish. You can either call it Chicken Parmesan or Chicken Parmigiana. It is an Italian chicken dish served in many popular American restaurants, including Olive Garden. In Italy, the meat is usually veal, or even more common is Eggplant Parmesan (Parmigiana di melanzane)

Chicken Parmesan is generally breaded chicken, then a tomato sauce is poured over, and mozzarella cheese is sprinkled on top. It is usually prepared pan-fried and fried in oil.

Today, we opted for a healthier version using our air fryer. You still get the crispy chicken, and it’s still served with a layer of tomato sauce and, of course, covered with cheese. The only thing you are missing is the layer of oil it is usually fried in.

I found a link to this recipe on the popular Today’s Show Website, where my recipe is based.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Parmigiana

Embark on a culinary adventure using an air fryer to recreate the iconic Olive Garden Chicken Parmigiana in your kitchen.

This recipe combines simple yet flavorful ingredients that combine to create a dish brimming with the comforting tastes of Italian cuisine.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Chicken Breasts: The foundation of the dish, chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking and optimal tenderness.
All-Purpose Flour: Used for the initial coating of the chicken, the flour helps to create a layer that will adhere the egg and breadcrumbs to the chicken.
Milk: Provides great flavor and tenderizes the chicken.
Eggs: Beaten eggs act as a binder, allowing the breadcrumbs and Parmesan mixture to stick to the chicken breasts.
Breadcrumbs: They provide the crispy exterior of the chicken. Italian seasoned breadcrumbs are ideal for added flavor.
Marinara Sauce: This tomato-based sauce adds a tangy and herby element, perfectly complementing the chicken and cheese.
Mozzarella Cheese: Sliced or shredded, mozzarella is melted on top of the chicken for a stretchy, creamy layer that adds richness to the dish.
Parsley: For serving.

How To Make Air Fryer Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Parmesan

Creating a Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Parmesan in your air fryer is a delicious way to bring the flavors of the popular restaurant dish into your home. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step One: Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil spray.

Step Two: Wrap your chicken in saran wrap, and then, by using a meat mallet, pound your chicken breasts until they are about 1/4 inch thick.

Step Three: Set up your breading stations; you will need three stations. A. flour B. Milk and eggs C. Breadcrumbs. Start by dipping your chicken into the flour, then into the milk/egg mixture, and finally into the breadcrumbs.

Step Four: Set your breaded chicken into the air fryer basket. Spray the top coating with olive oil spray. It would be best to cover the bread coating completely; otherwise, it will not give you the crispy texture you are looking for.

Step Five: Set the temperature to 360 degrees F for 10 minutes, flip the chicken halfway, and spray the other side with olive oil. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, spoon your marinara sauce and cheese over the chicken’s top.

Check your chicken before removing it; you are looking for an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Recipe Variations

Experimenting with variations of the Air Fryer Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Parmigiana can add exciting new flavors and dimensions to this classic dish. Here are some ideas for recipe variations:

Spicy Chicken Parmigiana: Add a kick to your dish by mixing some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the breadcrumb mixture. You could also use a spicy marinara sauce for an extra burst of heat.
Herb-Infused Chicken Parmigiana: Enhance the flavor by adding a mix of fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to the breadcrumb mixture. Fresh herbs can also be used as a garnish for added aroma and taste.
Alfredo Chicken Parmigiana: For a creamy twist, top the chicken with Alfredo sauce instead of marinara before adding the cheese. This variation offers a richer and creamier texture.
Pesto Chicken Parmigiana: Spread a thin layer of pesto on the chicken before adding the marinara sauce and cheese. The pesto adds a fresh and nutty flavor that complements the tomato and cheese.
Gluten-Free Chicken Parmigiana: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version of the dish. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Vegetable-Topped Chicken Parmigiana: Add a layer of sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers on top of the chicken before covering it with sauce and cheese. This adds a nutritious and flavorful element.
Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Parmigiana: For a cheesy surprise, stuff the chicken breasts with slices of mozzarella before breading them. The melted cheese center makes the dish even more indulgent.
Crunchy Nut Coating: Mix some finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts with the breadcrumbs for a crunchy, nutty crust.
BBQ Chicken Parmigiana: Swap the marinara sauce with barbecue sauce for a smoky, tangy twist on the classic recipe.
Eggplant Chicken Parmigiana: Layer thin slices of eggplant between the chicken and the sauce. This adds a tender texture and a mild, earthy flavor to the dish.

These variations of the Air Fryer Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Parmigiana allow you to customize the dish to your taste preferences while keeping it exciting and new every time you make it.

Faq’s

Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, you can use chicken thighs, but make sure they are boneless and skinless. Thighs might take a bit longer to cook due to their higher fat content and density.

How can I ensure the chicken is fully cooked? The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Also, ensure the chicken is golden brown and juices run clear.

Can I prepare this dish in advance? You can bread the chicken and keep it refrigerated a few hours before cooking. However, it’s best to air fry it just before serving for the crispiest results.

What type of breadcrumbs should I use? Italian seasoned breadcrumbs are ideal for this recipe as they add extra flavor. However, you can use plain breadcrumbs and add Italian seasoning.

Is it necessary to flip the chicken during cooking? Yes, flipping ensures even cooking and browning on both sides. Do this carefully to keep the breading intact.

Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded? Absolutely! Fresh mozzarella will melt beautifully and give a creamy texture. Just slice it thinly so it melts evenly.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? You can bake the chicken in a conventional oven. Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and bake until cooked through, then add the sauce and cheese and bake until melted.

How do I prevent the breading from falling off? Make sure to press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken after dipping it in the egg. Also, handle the chicken gently when flipping during cooking.

Can I make a gluten-free version of this dish? Yes, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What should I serve with this chicken parmigiana? Traditional pairings include spaghetti, a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.

Air Fryer Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Parmigiana (10)

More Air Fryer Recipes