This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a luscious, flavor-packed dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a velvety garlic and Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The Parmesan-infused sauce is indulgently creamy and full of flavor.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights.
- Versatile: Pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
- Minimal Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic
- Heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Chicken broth
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir well until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
- Stir in Italian seasoning and return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through and coated with the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over your choice of sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Protein Options: Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs or even shrimp for a different protein twist.
- Herbs and Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or fresh basil for a fragrant touch.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly meal.
- Cheese Swap: Use Romano or Asiago cheese if you don’t have Parmesan on hand.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the sauce’s consistency. Avoid overheating to prevent the cream sauce from separating.
FAQs
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use heavy cream and avoid boiling the sauce, as this helps maintain its smooth texture.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for better melting and flavor, but pre-grated can be used in a pinch.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
What sides pair best with this dish?
Pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables work wonderfully.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the sauce and chicken separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Simmer the sauce longer to reduce it or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water).
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended as cream-based sauces can separate upon thawing.
How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Avoid overcooking and use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.
What’s the best way to slice chicken breasts for even cooking?
Slice them horizontally into cutlets to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it to family or guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its rich flavors and creamy sauce. Make it tonight and watch it become a favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken features tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce. It’s a quick and flavorful one-pan dish that’s ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts.
- Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
- Add butter and let it melt.
- Stir in minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them.
- Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce further.
- Serve this dish over pasta, mashed potatoes, or alongside steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
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