Have you ever had a craving for Olive Garden’s chicken fritta but couldn’t indulge due to dietary restrictions? Or may be you’ve had it and wondering how you can make it at home. That’s exactly what happened to me recently. I was out with a gluten-intolerant friend, and while I savored every bite of my crispy chicken fritta, she could only try a nibble or two. As a health nut and nutrition coach, I couldn’t help but wonder: could I recreate this delicious dish in a healthier, gluten-free way? Challenge accepted! I set out to develop an olive garden chicken fritta recipe that’s not only gluten-free but also air fryer-friendly.
By the way you can follow this recipe and just use the regular bread crumbs if you are ok with gluten, the only thing I changed here besides using air fryer, is changed the bread crubs to gluten free version so my gluten intolarant friends can also enjoy it.
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Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Chicken Fritta Recipe
This crispy chicken fritta recipe is a perfect recipe for the whole family. First, it’s made in the air fryer, which means less mess and less oil. Second, it’s easily adaptable for those avoiding gluten. And third, I’ve got a secret trick for achieving that perfect juicy-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside texture. Follow my simple steps to achieving a perfect Olive Garden crispy chicken fritta recipe, but with a bit healthier twist.
A Healthier Take on the Original, Without Compromising the Taste.
By using the air fryer, we’re cutting down on oil without sacrificing flavor. I recommend using avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil in a non-aerosol spray bottle. Avocado oil has a high smoke point, making it ideal for air frying. If using olive oil, keep your air fryer temperature below 375°F (190°C) to prevent burning.
Ingredients for Olive Garden Chicken Fritta
- 4 thin chicken cutlets (or 2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally)
- 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (or regular if not gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Avocado oil or olive oil spray
For the Alfredo Sauce
- 1 cup cream (you can use light cream, but might need to add a teaspoon of cornflour to thicken it up)
- 1/2 cup grated asiago cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Crispy Chicken Fritta in the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In the first shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- In the second shallow bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Dip each chicken fillet in the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Line the air fryer with a baking sheet or air fryer liners. Place the crumbed chicken in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Spray the top of the chicken with oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook for another 5-7 minutes.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown and crispy.
- When you take out the cooked chicken, place it on a plate lined with paper towels and let it rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. In the meantime, you can go and dish out some Chow Chow relish to put on the side. If you want to know how I make my delicious healthy Chow Chow relish, here is the recipe.
The Secret to Juicy Chicken
Here’s my secret for extra juicy chicken: it took me a few goes to get it right. I have this Versuni Phillips model, and I find it very easy to adjust times and temperatures. The cooking time I suggested in the recipe, 5-7 minutes, worked well for me as it didn’t overdry the chicken but made it very crispy on the outside. So try not to cook it for too much longer than that. Since everyone’s air fryer is a little different, you might want to start with cooking one piece first to see if you need to adjust the time before cooking the rest. Don’t worry if the center of the chicken is still a tiny bit pink when you cut it open; as long as the fiber pulls apart with a fork, it’s cooked through properly.
Making the Alfredo Sauce
The Olive Garden chicken alfredo sauce is one of the things that makes people
While the chicken rests, prepare the alfredo sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in Asiago cheese and garlic powder until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Your Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Fritta
Serve your crispy chicken fritta over your favorite pasta (gluten-free if needed) and drizzle with the homemade alfredo sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
Pairing Suggestions
For a complete meal, consider serving this olive garden chicken fritta recipe with my cauliflower broccoli salad or chow chow recipe or even this delicious creamy potato salad with pickled vegetables. These sides add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the crispy chicken and creamy sauce.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover crispy chicken fritta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Why This Olive Garden Chicken Fritta Recipe Works
This olive garden chicken fritta recipe is a fantastic family meal that’s both delicious and adaptable. By using simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home with less oil and mess.The combination of crispy, parmesan-crusted chicken and creamy alfredo sauce makes for a satisfying dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, with the option to make it gluten-free, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish.
Customizing Your Chicken Fritta
Feel free to experiment with the breadcrumb mixture. You can add a nutty flavor by incorporating some finely chopped nuts or try different cheese combinations. For example, mix parmesan with asiago cheese in the breading for an extra flavor boost.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Chicken Fritta
- Use thin chicken cutlets or pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- For extra crispy results, let the breaded chicken rest in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before air frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary for the best results.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Olive Garden Chicken Fritta: A Healthier Alternative
This air fryer version of the olive garden chicken fritta recipe is a healthier alternative to the deep-fried original. By using the air fryer, we significantly reduce the amount of oil needed, making it a lighter option without sacrificing taste or texture.
Gluten-Free Option
For those with gluten sensitivities, this recipe is easily adaptable. Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. You can serve it over gluten-free pasta or with a side salad for a complete gluten-free meal.
Serving Ideas
While this crispy chicken fritta is delicious on its own, here are some serving ideas to make it a complete meal:
- Serve over bowtie pasta or your favorite pasta shape.
- Pair with a Caesar salad for a classic Italian restaurant experience.
- Add a side of steamed green beans for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
- Serve with my cauliflower broccoli salad for a fresh and crunchy contrast.
- Offer some homemade or store-bought olive garden breadsticks on the side.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips
To save time on busy weeknights, you can prepare the chicken in advance:
- Bread the chicken and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Make the alfredo sauce ahead of time and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Cook extra chicken and use leftovers for salads or sandwiches throughout the week.
Whether you’re looking for easy chicken fritta recipes or trying to recreate your favorite olive garden copycat recipes, this crispy chicken fritta olive garden copycat recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and see how this healthier version stacks up against the original!Remember, the key to perfect crispy chicken fritta is in the breading and cooking technique. Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonings in your breadcrumb mixture to make it your own. Happy cooking!
