Crispy Chicken Fritta (Olive Garden Copycat) (2024)

ByDonna Elick

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Crispy Chicken Fritta is one of my favorite Olive Garden dishes ever! Perfectly fried, parmesan-crusted chicken served over a bed of creamy fettuccini with a homemade (and simple!) alfredo-inspired sauce… I mean, what more could you ask for?! Make this totally tasty chicken fritta Olive Garden copycat recipe for dinner tonight!

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Crispy Chicken Fritta

I like going out to eat as much as the next person, but I love recreating my favorite restaurant-quality meals at home even more!

It’s become somewhat of a passion project for me over the years! I always find myself coming back to all of the delicious dishes at Olive Garden™ in particular…

I, of course, LOVE Italian-inspired food, and Olive Garden always knocks it out of the park!

My take on fried ravioli is addictive in the best way, and this giant stuffed shells recipe is perfect when you’re craving something flavorful and hearty.

And you can’t forget about breadsticks!!

Olive Garden chicken fritta has quickly become another favorite of mine.

Chicken breasts are fried in a Parmesan cheese-infused batter and paired with a quick and easy-to-make alfredo sauce over fettucini. Are you drooling yet?!

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Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

  • Chicken Breast – You’ll need to butterfly boneless skinless chicken breast for crispy chicken fritta like Olive Garden. In a pinch, you could also use cutlets.
  • Breadcrumbs – I love Italian breadcrumbs for Olive Garden chicken fritta.

    The herbs and spices add so much flavor! If all you have is plain, simply mix in 1-2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning.

  • Cheese – Mix freshly grated Parmesan with the breadcrumbs, then use Asiago for the alfredo sauce.
  • Fettucini – You could also use spaghetti, bucatini, angel hair, or linguine for this dish.
  • Heavy Cream – The base of your alfredo sauce! I like the texture and flavor of heavy cream best.
  • Chicken Stock – Also needed for the alfredo!

    Replace with vegetable stock if you prefer, but be wary of using water instead — you’ll end up with a bland chicken fritta Olive Garden copycat.

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Tips for Making Chicken Fritta Like Olive Garden

  • Beware of overcrowding the pan.

When it comes to frying chicken, you need to be super careful about overcrowding the pan as it fries.

If you add too many chicken breasts at once, you’ll lower the temperature of the oil and your crispy chicken fritta will not cook evenly.

  • Add extra seasonings if needed.

Any good chef knows the importance of a taste test. Before you plate and serve your crispy chicken fritta, taste the sauce after you add the asiago cheese.

Asiago is on the salty side, which is why you need to taste the alfredo before adding any more salt to the mix.

  • Garnish with fresh herbs.

Fresh parsley is the perfect addition to this crispy chicken fritta Olive Garden copycat recipe!

It adds a pop of color and extra herb flavor to the final results. A sprinkle over each plate can go a really long way!

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Storing and Reheating Olive Garden Chicken Fritta

Leftover crispy chicken fritta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Keep in mind that the chicken may lose a bit of its crispiness the longer it sits in the fridge.

To reheat, you can use your microwave or stovetop. Heat in 30-second bursts until warmed through.

If using your stovetop, reheat over medium for 5-10 minutes or until hot.

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Kitchen Tools You Will Need

  • 4 Quart Stock Pot – Great for making pasta, soups, roasts, frying, and more! This is a staple in my kitchen.
  • Shallow Bowls for dredging.
  • Skillet – This is my go-to pan that I’ve had for over a decade! It heats evenly and cleans up beautifully with a little baking soda so it still looks brand new.
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Crispy Chicken Fritta Olive Garden FAQ

Can I add vegetables to this crispy chicken fritta Olive Garden copycat?

Absolutely! To make this dish more wholesome, you can add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.

Make sure to cook whatever vegetables you want to use before adding them to the sauce.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

I love the crispy texture that frying brings to this dish. Plus, chicken fritta at Olive Garden is always fried — “fritta” means deep fried in Italian!

That said, you can bake it. After you’ve breaded the chicken breasts, pop them in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

What is the secret to crispy breading?

Pat the chicken breasts with paper towels to make sure they’re dry. Extra moisture is often the culprit behind mushy breaded chicken.

You may also consider double-frying. Let the chicken breasts rest for at least 10 minutes, then dunk them in the hot oil again. You’re pretty much guaranteed an extra crispy chicken fritta Olive Garden copycat!

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Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Olive Garden Copycat Recipes

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Crispy Chicken Fritta (Olive Garden Copycat)

Donna Elick

Crispy Chicken Fritta — fried chicken over fettucini alfredo — is SO tasty. Give my chicken fritta Olive garden copycat recipe a try today!

5 stars from 2 reviews

Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Method Stovetop

Servings 2 -4

Ingredients

For the chicken:

  • 2 chicken breast, butterflied (4 pieces total)
  • 1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • vegetable oil, for frying

For the pasta:

  • 10 ounces fettuccine
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup Asiago cheese
  • fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  • Cook the fettuccine following the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  • While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken breading. In a shallow dish, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs, flour, and parmesan cheese. In another shallow dish, add the milk.

  • To bread the chicken, first dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, then dip into the milk, and finally coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture again, pressing firmly to adhere. Repeat with all the chicken.

  • Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Work in batches if necessary.

  • Remove the used oil from the pan and discard. In the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute.

  • Slowly whisk in the chicken stock, cook until thickened. Add the salt and pepper and stir, slowly whisk in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, cooking the sauce until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.

  • To the sauce, add the cooked fettuccine and asiago cheese, stir until smooth and the pasta is completely coated.

  • To serve, divide the pasta among 2-4 plates. Top each serving with a sliced fried chicken breast. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Donna’s Notes

Don’t overcrowd the pan: When frying chicken, avoid adding too many pieces to the pan at once. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the oil and result in uneven cooking.

Season to taste: Don’t forget to taste the sauce after adding the cheese and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Adding the cheese can increase the saltiness of the sauce, so it’s important to taste it before adding any additional salt.

Fresh Parsley For Garnish: Using fresh parsley as garnish not only adds a pop of color but also give a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the rich sauce and crispy chicken.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 2343cal | Carbohydrates: 199g | Protein: 117g | Fat: 119g | Saturated Fat: 69g | Cholesterol: 571mg | Sodium: 3494mg | Sugar: 20g | Fiber: 10g | Calcium: 1244mg | Iron: 10mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Originally published October 2023

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

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Crispy Chicken Fritta (Olive Garden Copycat) (2024)

FAQs

How many calories are in olive garden crispy chicken fritta? ›

Olive Garden Create Your Own Pasta, Crispy Chicken Fritta (1 Serving) contains 14g total carbs, 13g net carbs, 12g fat, 20g protein, and 240 calories.

How to keep leftover fried chicken crispy? ›

To reheat fried chicken in the oven, the best method is to turn the oven on high and bake it fast. Preheat the oven to 400°F, and place room-temperature leftovers on a wire rack set on a baking sheet. The wire rack helps hot air circulate to crisp up the underside of the chicken.

How to microwave fried chicken? ›

Place a paper towel over the plate to help the chicken avoid getting too soggy; the towel will absorb some of the moisture. Microwave the fried chicken in 30-second intervals until warm, flipping it intermittently. Be careful not to overdo it or the chicken will dry out.

What is the lowest calorie meal at Olive Garden? ›

10+ Lowest Calorie Olive Garden Orders Under 500 Calories
  • Minestrone Soup.
  • Pasta Fagioli Soup.
  • Zuppa Toscana Soup.
  • Chicken & Gnocchi Soup.
  • Famous House Salad.
  • Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce.
  • Soup, Salad, and Breadsticks.
  • Cheese Ravioli with Marinara Sauce.
Nov 29, 2023

Is Olive Garden healthy for you? ›

Healthier menu choices at Olive Garden. Olive Garden's healthiest meals come from their Lighter Italian Fare menu. Olive Garden claims that their Lighter Italian Fare menu items are inspired by Italy's Mediterranean Coast where the diet is primarily vegetables, whole grains, herbs and spices, and olive oil.

What is the secret to keeping fried chicken crispy? ›

Proper cooling sets the crust and ensures that the chicken will have done all its carryover cooking. I like to cool any leftover chicken completely and then store in a paper towel-lined airtight container in the fridge. The paper towel absorbs condensation and keeps that chicken crisp for midnight snacking.

Why doesn't my fried chicken stay crispy? ›

If your oil temp is too high, your fried chicken will be scorched on the outside with meat that is undercooked. If the oil is too cool, your chicken will be greasy and will lack the golden-brown crispy exterior you want.

Is it better to reheat fried chicken in the oven or air fryer? ›

Instead, we recommend turning to your oven (or your air fryer, but more on that later) for the best results. Reheating the chicken in a hot oven quickly crisps up the skin and heats through the meat without drying it out. Our method: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can KFC be microwaved? ›

Though it's safe to reheat fried chicken in the microwave, we don't recommend it. This is because the chicken quickly gets soggy. Microwaves work by heating the water in a food — essentially by boiling the water molecules in a food, the rest of the food becomes heated. But it tends to leave foods soggy.

Is it OK to microwave fried eggs? ›

All you need is an egg and 45 seconds for a quick and tasty breakfast. Microwave fried eggs are a quick and easy breakfast option for busy mornings or when you're short on time. It takes less than a minute and requires only a few simple ingredients. Plus, eggs are a healthy and nutritious way to start your day.

Does microwaving chicken make it crispy? ›

Microwaving fried chicken isn't the most reliable reheating method, but it works if you're in a pinch — just don't expect the crispiest skin! We recommend bringing the chicken to room temperature before microwaving it to help it heat more evenly.

How many calories are in Olive Garden fried ziti fritta? ›

Stuffed Ziti Fritta

500 cal., marinara 35 cal., alfredo sauce 220 cal.

How many calories in a chicken Frita? ›

There are 240 calories in 1 serving of Olive Garden Crispy Chicken Fritta. * The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet.

How many calories is one piece of lasagna fritta? ›

Olive Garden Appetizers Lasagna Fritta (1 serving) contains 73g total carbs, 68g net carbs, 71g fat, 35g protein, and 1070 calories.

How many calories are in crispy fried chicken tenders? ›

There are 499 calories in one single serving, or 184g, of fried chicken tenders.

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