Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Description

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish that combines tender pan-seared chicken breasts with a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for guests, this recipe pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. The creamy sauce balances savory garlic, nutty parmesan, and subtle herbs to create a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)

  • 4–5 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)

  • ½ cup chicken broth

  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, thyme)

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

 Instructions

  1. Prepare chicken – Pat chicken breasts dry, season both sides with salt and pepper.

  2. Sear chicken – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

  3. Make sauce – In the same skillet, add garlic (and onion if using). Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. Add liquids – Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, scraping any browned bits.

  5. Add cheese & seasoning – Stir in parmesan and Italian seasoning. Simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened.

  6. Return chicken – Place chicken back into the skillet, spoon sauce over, and simmer for 2 minutes.

  7. Garnish & serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra parmesan. Serve warm with pasta, rice, or veggies.

 Notes

  • Freshly grated parmesan melts better than pre-shredded.

  • If sauce is too thick, add extra chicken broth or a splash of milk.

  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

  • Works with chicken thighs as well (just adjust cooking time).

Tips

  • Pound chicken to even thickness for quicker, even cooking.

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan—sear in batches if needed.

  • To lighten up, use evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.

  • Pair with a green salad to balance the richness.

 Servings

  • Serves: 4 people

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

  • Total Time: 35 minutes

 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 480
  • Protein: 36g

  • Fat: 31g

  • Carbohydrates: 6g

  • Fiber: 0.5g

  • Sugar: 1g

  • Sodium: 650mg

 Benefits

  • High protein for muscle health.

  • Calcium-rich from parmesan for strong bones.

  • Versatile recipe – pairs with various sides.

  • Comfort food that’s satisfying yet quick to prepare.

 Q/A

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken and sauce, then store separately. Reheat gently before serving.

Q2: Can I freeze it?
Yes, but cream sauces can separate. Add a splash of cream when reheating to restore texture.

Q3: What sides go best with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Q4: Can I make it low-carb/keto?
Yes! Serve with zucchini noodles, cauliflower mash, or sautéed spinach.

Q5: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just simmer in the sauce until heated through (reduce cooking time).

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