Introduction
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken recipe is a comforting, flavorful dish that will impress both your family and guests.
The tender chicken breasts are cooked to perfection, and the rich, velvety sauce is made with mushrooms, spinach, and a mix of garlic and Parmesan.
It’s an easy-to-make recipe that combines simple ingredients to create an indulgent meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
-1 tbsp olive oil
-8 oz mushrooms, sliced
-1 cup heavy cream
-1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-2 cups fresh spinach
-1 tsp garlic powder
-1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden.
brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release their moisture.
Once the mushrooms are cooked, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine and allow.
the cream to warm up, making sure to scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring it in until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
Once the sauce is well combined, add the fresh spinach to the skillet.
Stir until the spinach wilts down and incorporates into the sauce, which should only take about 2 minutes.
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce and mushrooms over the top.
Let everything simmer together for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
After the chicken is fully coated with the creamy sauce, garnish with extra Parmesan or freshly ground black pepper.
if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes.
For best results, be sure to cook the chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
How to Make
Making this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken is simple, and the result is a decadent, rich meal. First, prepare the chicken by seasoning it generously with salt and pepper.
This allows the natural flavors of the chicken to shine through. Searing the chicken in olive oil creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior while keeping the interior juicy.
When you sauté the mushrooms, don’t rush this step. Allow the mushrooms to soften and release their juices before adding the heavy cream.
This ensures the sauce takes on a deep, earthy flavor that complements the creamy richness of the cream and Parmesan.
Once the cream is added, be sure to let it simmer gently before adding the cheese. Parmesan helps.
thicken the sauce and gives it a signature sharp and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
The spinach should be added towards the end, as it only needs to be wilted slightly. Stirring it in last preserves its vibrant color and nutritional benefits while adding freshness to the dish.
As for the chicken, it can be served whole or sliced into strips. If you prefer, you can also serve.
the chicken on a platter with the sauce poured over the top to create an elegant presentation.
The creamy sauce is the highlight of the dish, so make sure you spoon plenty of it over the chicken.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning as you go to suit your taste, whether you like more garlic or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
To make the dish a bit lighter, you can substitute the heavy cream with a lower-fat version or a non-dairy.
alternative such as coconut milk or cashew cream. However, these substitutes will slightly change the flavor and texture.
Tips
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
This extra step infuses the chicken with more depth of flavor before cooking.
If you want a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it’s simmering. This will give the dish a subtle kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
For an even creamier sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. This will reduce the richness a little but still deliver a smooth consistency.
If you have leftovers, store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
You can switch up the spinach for other greens, like kale or arugula, for a different texture and flavor. Be sure to cook them down in the sauce until soft and tender.
To make this recipe a bit heartier, serve it with a side of garlic bread or over a bed of pasta. The sauce will cling to the noodles and elevate the dish.
To reduce the cooking time, you can use chicken cutlets instead of whole breasts. They cook faster and still provide that delicious golden-brown crust.
Conclusion
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken recipe is an easy and indulgent way to enjoy a comforting meal without hours of effort in the kitchen.
With rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked chicken, it’s sure to be a hit.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a special dinner, this dish is versatile, satisfying, and full of flavor. Enjoy it with your favorite sides, and savor the creamy goodness with every bite!