Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts smothered in a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a comforting dinner served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
Sauce
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Optional: 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides to ensure flavorful meat.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts (cook in batches if needed) and sear for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, covering loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze (Optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to enhance the sauce’s flavor.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir the mixture well to combine.
- Add Cheese: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired, adjusting to taste.
- Simmer: Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Combine: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat evenly.
- Simmer Together: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese ensures smoother melting and better flavor than pre-grated.
- Cook chicken in batches if your skillet is small to prevent overcrowding and ensure proper searing.
- Make sure not to burn the garlic to keep the sauce’s flavor delicate and aromatic.
- The optional white wine adds depth to the sauce but can be omitted if preferred.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
