Description
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken recipe features juicy pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, silky garlic cream sauce with melted Parmesan cheese. It’s a quick and easy dinner perfect for those seeking comforting, restaurant-quality flavors made at home with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika to enhance flavor and create a tasty crust.
- Heat Skillet: Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and melted, preparing for searing the chicken.
- Sear Chicken: Add chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through on the outside.
- Remove Chicken: Take the chicken out of the skillet and set aside temporarily while you prepare the sauce in the same pan.
- Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant without burning.
- Add Broth & Deglaze: Pour in chicken broth and use a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, adding flavor to the sauce.
- Mix in Cream and Spices: Stir in heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley, combining ingredients for a flavorful base sauce.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until it slightly thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season Sauce: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Place the chicken breasts back in the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over the top to coat them thoroughly.
- Simmer to Finish Cooking: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 6–8 minutes, or until the internal temperature of 165°F is reached, ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for color and freshness, then serve hot alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts evenly before cooking to ensure consistent thickness and even cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor; avoid pre-shredded which often contains anti-caking agents.
- For variety, add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- The sauce thickens as it cools; if reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired