Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you’re looking for a quick yet indulgent meal, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is your ticket to dinner bliss. It’s a luscious dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan with tender chicken, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or an elegant dinner party.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Chicken breasts are the star here, providing a lean yet juicy protein base. Olive oil helps sear the chicken to a golden brown perfection, locking in moisture. A touch of salt and pepper is all you need to enhance the natural flavors. Garlic infuses the dish with its unmistakable aroma and depth. The heavy cream gives our sauce its rich, velvety texture, while chicken broth adds a savory depth. Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, lending it a nutty, cheesy flavor. Italian seasoning brings a hint of herbaceousness that ties everything together. Finally, fresh parsley is not just a garnish—it adds a fresh, vibrant finish to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken. If it’s too thick, add a splash more chicken broth.
  • Grate your own Parmesan for the best flavor and meltability.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a side of al dente pasta, which soaks up that creamy sauce perfectly. Alternatively, serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables make for a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work well and offer a slightly juicier result.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just reheat gently before serving.
How can I make this dish lighter?
Try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese slightly.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by giving those chicken breasts a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. This simple seasoning is crucial for enhancing the chicken's natural flavors. Heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Let them cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

In the same skillet, drop in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about a minute until it’s fragrant—careful not to let it burn! Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, mixing constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.

Now, return the chicken to the skillet, making sure each piece is nicely coated with that delicious sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle some chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings.
  • Rich, creamy sauce that feels luxurious without much effort.
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
  • Versatile enough to pair with pasta, mashed potatoes, or your favorite grains.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
8 ounces pasta (optional) or 4 cups mashed potatoes (optional)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
6. Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Serve over pasta or mashed potatoes.

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