Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts seared to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce. Ideal for a cozy family dinner, it combines simple ingredients like garlic, butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to create an indulgent yet easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 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)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- 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, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). Remove 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, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- 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 of the skillet to enhance flavor.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Add Cheese: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Season: Season the sauce with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, adjusting to taste.
- Simmer: Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Combine: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken to evenly coat each breast.
- Simmer Together: Allow the chicken to heat through in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately over your choice of pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.
- White wine is optional but adds a pleasant acidity and depth of flavor.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste, especially salt and pepper.
- This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, steamed vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
