Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast

There’s something so comforting about a creamy garlic sauce enveloping tender chicken, isn’t there? This recipe for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast has won me over again and again, and I can’t wait to share my secrets with you. It’s the kind of dish that transforms a mundane weeknight dinner into something special—a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug. Honestly, it’s the flavors that embrace you like an old friend: rich, buttery, and with just the right amount of garlicky zest. Who wouldn’t love that?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s talk about what makes this dish utterly irresistible. First things first, the balance of creamy and savory flavors in this creamy garlic sauce is something to write home about. It’s the kind of sauce that can make any chicken breast taste gourmet. Plus, the ease of preparation means you can whip it up on a busy weeknight or save it for a special occasion. Imagine serving this to your family, and their eyes lighting up with joy. You’ll hear all the happy sounds—forks clinking, satisfied sighs, and maybe even the "mmm" that tells you all your hard work was worth it.

Using just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that’s not only hearty but also feels indulgent. The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese give this recipe its luxurious texture, making every bite feel like a treat. And, trust me, you’ll find yourself wanting to lick the plate. On top of that, it’s versatile! You can easily customize your side dishes or toss in some vegetables for color and nutrition, and I’ll get into those ideas later.

Key Ingredients Overview

Now, let’s gather our soldiers for this flavor-packed dish. Each component plays a vital role, so let’s get acquainted, shall we?

• Chicken Breasts: You’ll need 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These beauties are the canvas for our creamy masterpiece. If you prefer a quicker cooking time, feel free to slice them in half horizontally or pound them to an even thickness.

• Olive Oil: Just 1 tablespoon of olive oil to help sear the chicken perfectly. A good quality oil can elevate the flavors, so don’t skimp here.

• Butter: Ah, the magic maker! Two tablespoons of butter will enrich the sauce and add that velvety texture we love.

• Garlic: Four cloves of minced garlic lend an aromatic punch that sings in harmony with the other ingredients. If you’re a garlic lover like me, you might even want to add an extra clove (or two!).

• Heavy Cream: One cup of heavy cream is the star of the show, creating that luscious base we crave. If you’re looking for lighter alternatives, use half-and-half, but it won’t be quite as rich.

• Parmesan Cheese: A generous 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese adds salty depth. Use freshly grated Parmesan if possible, as it melts better and blends beautifully into the sauce.

• Italian Seasoning: A teaspoon of this will provide complex flavors like oregano, basil, and thyme—perfect for complimenting our chicken.

• Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste! These are your trusty sidekicks, enhancing every flavor.

• Fresh Chopped Parsley: This is optional, but it sprinkles in a dash of freshness that brightens up the dish beautifully. Plus, it makes it look chef-y!

Preparing Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get down to business! This process is straightforward, and I’ll walk you through it step by step.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice your chicken breasts in half horizontally or pound them until they’re about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures even cooking. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, place the chicken in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd. Sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. When done, remove them from the pan and set aside.

3. Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once it melts, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, but keep it moving to avoid burning—nobody wants that bitter taste!

4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan. All those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom? That’s gold! Next, add the grated Parmesan. Let it simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens—about 3-5 minutes.

5. Combine Chicken & Sauce: Nestle the chicken back into the skillet, spooning the delicious sauce over it. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.

Best Way to Enjoy It

So, how do you serve this luscious dish? I like to pair it with some buttery mashed potatoes to soak up that divine sauce, or a light side salad for a fresh crunch. You can’t go wrong with steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli for a veggie component, either! If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes in the sauce for a fun twist.

Make sure to garnish with fresh parsley—you’d be surprised how a little greenery can elevate the entire dish!

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Now, what if you have leftovers (if you’re lucky)? Here are my tips for keeping this treasure fresh. Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat. You can add a splash of cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.

If you want to freeze it, that’ll work too! Just freeze in single portions in freezer-safe containers. It’ll be good for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Pro Chef Tips

Here are some insider tricks to help you shine in the kitchen:

• Don’t Rush the Garlic: Garlic can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds. Keep an eye on it—it’s the aromatics that set the tone!

• Toast Your Seasonings: If you can, lightly toast your Italian seasoning in the olive oil before adding the chicken. It deepens those flavors, making everything taste even more like Italian paradise.

• Test for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Creative Twists

If you want to switch things up, here are a few variations to consider:

• Add Lemon: A sprinkle of fresh lemon juice right before serving can brighten the whole dish.

• Spinach Addition: A handful of fresh spinach stirred into the sauce at the end is a lovely way to add nutrition and color.

• Spicy Kick: Want some heat? Toss in some red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic, adjusting to your spice preference.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions to Follow

1. Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally or pound to even thickness. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
3. Remove chicken. Lower heat, add butter and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
4. Pour in cream and stir to deglaze. Add Parmesan, and simmer until thickened.
5. Return chicken to skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through and coat with sauce.

Your Questions Answered

1. What can I serve with this chicken?: Mashed potatoes, pasta, or seasonal vegetables are all fantastic options.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead?: Absolutely! Just adjust cooking time as dark meat may require a bit longer to cook.

3. Is it possible to make it dairy-free?: Yes! Use a dairy-free cream substitute and nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.

4. How long will leftovers last?: Leftovers are best enjoyed within 3-4 days when properly stored.

5. Can I make the sauce without cream?: You could try using a combination of broth and milk, but the texture will be lighter.

I hope you feel inspired to try this recipe and indulge in its creamy, garlicky goodness! Cooking should be an adventure and a joy, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. So roll up those sleeves and dive into your kitchen—this one’s going to be a hit!

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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Total Time 30 hrs

Cooking Temp: medium  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 450

Description

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast recipe transforms simple chicken into a gourmet meal with a rich, creamy sauce full of savory flavors.

Key Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (more if desired)
• 1 cup heavy cream (can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option)
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese (use freshly grated for best results)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• to taste salt and black pepper
• for garnish fresh chopped parsley (optional)

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

1. Slice Chicken

   Slice your chicken breasts in half horizontally or pound them until they're about 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
   Mark as complete

Sear the Chicken

1. Heat Olive Oil

   In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
   Mark as complete

Make the Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic

   Lower the heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about one minute.
   Mark as complete

2. Combine Ingredients

   Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and let it simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
   Mark as complete

Final Steps

1. Combine Chicken & Sauce

   Nestle the chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over it. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 30g47%

Saturated Fat 15g75%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 150mg50%

Sodium 600mg25%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 5g2%

Dietary Fiber 0g

Sugars 1g

Protein 35g70%

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Vitamin A 15 IU

Vitamin C 0 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 1 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: creamy chicken, garlic chicken, parmesan chicken, easy dinner recipe