Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a rich and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare yet indulgently satisfying, look no further than Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken. This delightful dish brings together tender chicken breasts, a velvety garlic cream sauce, and the savory taste of Parmesan cheese. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or even a special occasion where you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Equipment and Tools

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet (for cooking the chicken and sauce)
• Mixing bowls (for dredging the chicken)
• Whisk (for mixing the sauce)
• Tongs (for handling the chicken)
• Wooden spoon (for stirring the sauce)

Preparing the Chicken

Seasoning and Dredging the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge in Flour: Pour the flour into a shallow dish. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil and Butter: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is hot.
2. Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Sautéing the Garlic

1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Building the Sauce

1. Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
2. Stir in the Cream: Slowly add the heavy cream, whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce.
3. Add Parmesan Cheese: Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce.
4. Season the Sauce: Add the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), stirring to combine.

Simmering the Sauce

1. Thicken the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired thickness.

Combining the Chicken and Sauce

Returning the Chicken to the Skillet

1. Coat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to ensure they are fully coated.
2. Simmer Together: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serving Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Plating and Garnishing

1. Serve Immediately: Transfer the chicken breasts to serving plates, generously spooning the sauce over the top.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Pairing Suggestions

• Pasta: This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, especially fettuccine or penne.
• Rice or Mashed Potatoes: For a more substantial meal, serve over fluffy rice or alongside creamy mashed potatoes.
• Steamed Vegetables: Add a side of steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a complete and balanced meal.

Tips for Success

Getting the Chicken Just Right

• Don’t Overcook: Chicken breasts can dry out easily, so be careful not to overcook them. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Golden Brown Perfection: For a beautiful golden-brown crust, make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken, and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Perfecting the Sauce

• Avoiding a Lumpy Sauce: To prevent lumps, add the Parmesan cheese gradually and whisk continuously until fully incorporated.
• Adjusting the Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a little extra chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.

Variations to Try

Spinach and Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Add Spinach: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach leaves during the last few minutes of cooking. The spinach will wilt beautifully into the sauce, adding color and nutrients.

Mushroom Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet before adding the garlic for an earthy twist on this creamy dish.

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Add Lemon: For a bright and tangy variation, add the juice of one lemon to the sauce along with the cream and Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its rich, flavorful sauce and tender chicken, it’s a recipe that delivers on taste and comfort. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is bound to impress with its simplicity and indulgence. So next time you’re in the mood for something creamy and delicious, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

FAQs

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. They are slightly more flavorful and will remain juicy even if slightly overcooked.

Is There a Substitute for Heavy Cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. However, the sauce won’t be as thick and rich.

How Long Will Leftovers Keep?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and add freshly cooked chicken.

What Can I Serve with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. A fresh salad also makes a great side.

Yield: 4

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Print

If you're on the hunt for a rich and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare yet indulgently satisfying, look no further than Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken. This delightful dish brings together tender chicken breasts, a velvety garlic cream sauce, and the savory taste of Parmesan cheese. It's perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or even a special occasion where you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet.
   Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
   
3. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
   In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
   Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow the broth to simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.
   Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
   Add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes to thicken. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
   
4. Combine and Serve:
   Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce over them. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to warm through and absorb the flavors.
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with a side of steamed vegetables.