Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

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Photo by Betty Country Cooking • 2-Minute Read

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken elevates simple chicken breasts into a rich, indulgent entrée worthy of any special occasion. With its pan-seared exterior and velvety garlic-parmesan sauce, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors with straightforward home-cooking techniques. Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or impressing guests, it pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: No need for dozens of components—just chicken, garlic, cream, and parmesan.
  • Quick Prep, Impressive Results: From seasoning the chicken to plating takes under 30 minutes.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Serve over linguine, baby potatoes, or alongside steamed vegetables.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Sear the chicken and prep the sauce ahead of time; finish with a quick reheat.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 ounces each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated to ensure smooth melting and the best flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare & Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this promotes a golden sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works great) over medium-high. Add the olive oil; once shimmering, lay in the chicken. Cook undisturbed for 6–8 minutes per side, or until each breast is golden brown with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to stay warm.

3. Sauté the Garlic

Reduce heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 1 minute, until fragrant and slightly golden (avoid burning).

4. Build the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

  • Deglaze with Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, whisking to scrape up any brown bits from the pan bottom. Let it warm for 1–2 minutes.
  • Melt in the Cheese: Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese a handful at a time. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to a silky consistency, about 3–5 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more cream or a tablespoon of water.

5. Reunite Chicken & Sauce

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon sauce over each piece. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.

6. Garnish & Serve

Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for brightness. Serve immediately, spooning extra sauce over the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pasta: Toss al dente fettuccine or linguine with a bit of the sauce before plating the chicken on top.
  • Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes soak up every drop of sauce.
  • Vegetables: Steam broccoli, green beans or asparagus and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon zest.
  • Bread: Offer crusty garlic bread or dinner rolls to mop up the leftover sauce.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken

  1. Even Thickness: Pound thicker chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness for uniform cooking.
  2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear in a single layer, working in batches if necessary, to maintain pan temperature.
  3. Control Sauce Consistency: Stir often as the cheese melts to avoid clumping; use reserved cream to adjust thickness.
  4. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Parsley adds color and freshness; basil or chives work as well.

Make-Ahead & Storage

  • Prep Ahead: Sear the chicken and make the sauce separately up to 1 day in advance. Store in the refrigerator and reheat together over medium heat before serving.
  • Leftovers: Refrigerate any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.
  • Freezing: Freeze sauce only (without chicken) for up to 1 month; thaw overnight and whisk to recombine before reheating.

Nutritional Snapshot (per serving)

  • Calories: ~450 kcal
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Sugar: 1 g

Values will vary based on chicken size and exact ingredient brands.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity. Its richly flavored sauce, studded with garlic and melt-in-your-mouth Parmesan, turns ordinary chicken breasts into a memorable meal. Whether you’re cooking for family, a special someone, or entertaining friends, this dish delivers impressive flavor with minimal fuss—proof that home-cooked comfort can rival any restaurant classic. Enjoy!

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