One Pot Parmesan Chicken Recipe

One Pot Parmesan Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful but don’t have much time for prep or cleanup.

The best part? Everything is cooked in one pot, making this a simple yet satisfying meal. From the juicy chicken to the creamy Parmesan sauce and tender vegetables, this dish offers a balance of flavors and textures that will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. This will add depth and flavor to the chicken. Be sure to season both sides for even flavor distribution.
2. Preheat the Pan: Heat your skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the olive oil. Allow it to warm up, but not smoke.
3. Sear the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the pan. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown. This step locks in the flavor and juices. After searing both sides, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Cooking the Chicken

4. Make the Sauce Base: In the same pan, lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and allow it to melt. Add the minced garlic (and shallots or onion if using) to the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
5. Add the Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, as these add extra flavor to the sauce.
6. Add the Cheese: Stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese, making sure it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy consistency. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Making the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

7. Add the Spinach: Once the sauce is creamy, stir in the fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down. This will add a healthy, flavorful green element to the dish.
8. Add the Vegetables: If you’re using peas or cherry tomatoes, stir them in now. These ingredients will add a nice burst of color and texture to the sauce.
9. Return the Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the pan with the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken to coat it. Allow everything to simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Combining Everything

10. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C), remove the pan from the heat. Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley for an added touch of color and freshness.
11. Optional: Add Pasta or Rice: If you want a more filling meal, serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. This makes the dish even more satisfying and hearty.

Serving Suggestions

One Pot Parmesan Chicken is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with various side dishes to enhance the meal.

1. Garlic Bread: The richness of garlic bread pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. Serve a few slices on the side to soak up all the delicious sauce.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts can provide a crisp, roasted contrast to the creamy chicken.
3. Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dish. A Caesar salad would complement the Parmesan flavors wonderfully.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to adjust it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.

1. Add More Veggies: You can incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Sauté them with the garlic and onions for added flavor.
2. Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute chicken thighs for the breasts. Thighs are juicier and will add a bit more richness to the dish.
3. Make It Spicy: For some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the sauce for a spicy kick.
4. Go Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan. Substitute dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken tender and juicy, make sure not to overcook it. Remove it from the pan once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts much better than pre-grated, and it adds more flavor to the sauce.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding more chicken broth or cream. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a bit longer to thicken.

Conclusion

One Pot Parmesan Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal with tender chicken, a creamy Parmesan sauce, and a variety of vegetables. Best of all, everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this dish will become a go-to recipe in your repertoire.

Yield: 4

One Pot Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Print

One Pot Parmesan Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful but don’t have much time for prep or cleanup. The best part? Everything is cooked in one pot, making this a simple yet satisfying meal. From the juicy chicken to the creamy Parmesan sauce and tender vegetables, this dish offers a balance of flavors and textures that will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken:
   Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
   
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, thyme, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
   Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   
4. Add Parmesan:
   Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook for 2-3 more minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
   
5. Return the Chicken to the Skillet:
   Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-4 minutes to absorb the flavors.
   
6. Serve:
   Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the chicken with the creamy Parmesan sauce on top. Pair with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

Extra Creamy: For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of cream cheese or more Parmesan cheese.

Chicken Options: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful dish.

Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.