Introduction
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is a delightful and comforting dish, perfect for any occasion.
The rich and creamy sauce, combined with tender chicken breasts, makes for an irresistible meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
The smooth garlic parmesan sauce coats each bite of chicken, providing a satisfying balance of savory and creamy goodness.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish will surely impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
For the creamy garlic parmesan sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. Slice them in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces that cook faster and evenly. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper to your taste.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet.
Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Cook the garlic over medium heat for about 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn it.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to mix with the garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Once it starts to thicken slightly, add the freshly grated parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir the sauce until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy garlic parmesan sauce over the top of each piece.
Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-4 minutes to soak up the flavors and ensure it’s thoroughly heated.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary. If the sauce is too thick.
you can add a little more heavy cream to reach your desired consistency. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor, and serve.
How to Make
Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Slice each breast in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil and butter. Once hot, carefully place the chicken.
breasts in the skillet and cook each side for about 5-7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. After cooking, set the chicken aside.
Next, in the same skillet, add more olive oil and sauté the garlic for a minute or two, allowing it to release its fragrant aroma.
Then, pour in the heavy cream, allowing it to simmer gently. Stir in the parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper.
Once the sauce is thick and creamy, return the chicken to the pan, allowing it to simmer in the sauce, ensuring the chicken absorbs all the flavors.
Finally, garnish with parsley and serve this delectable chicken with your favorite sides. The creamy sauce will cling to the chicken, creating a rich and satisfying bite every time.
Variations
For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option. This will still give you a creamy texture but with fewer calories.
For extra flavor, consider adding some sautéed mushrooms to the sauce. They will soak up the creamy garlic parmesan sauce, adding a savory depth to the dish.
If you’re looking for a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes to the sauce. A pinch will bring a subtle spice to balance out the creaminess.
Another fun variation is to swap out the chicken for other protein sources, like shrimp or even pork chops. Both of these options will work wonderfully with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
For a more robust flavor, you could try using different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, instead of Italian seasoning. These herbs will add a fresh, earthy dimension to the sauce.
If you prefer a lower-carb meal, serve the chicken over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta or potatoes.
Lastly, if you want an even cheesier dish, feel free to add mozzarella or provolone cheese to the sauce, creating an even richer and more indulgent meal.
Tips
To ensure your chicken stays juicy, avoid overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C) for safe and perfectly cooked chicken.
If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a bit more cream or even chicken broth to loosen it up without losing the flavor.
For a more tender chicken, try marinating the chicken breasts in a bit of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for an hour before cooking. This will add moisture and enhance the flavor.
Make sure to use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor. Pre-grated cheese can be too powdery and may not melt as smoothly.
To save time, you can prepare the creamy garlic parmesan sauce while the chicken is cooking. This will allow you to combine everything quickly once the chicken is done.
To avoid burning garlic, make sure to cook it over medium heat and keep an eye on it. Garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter if not carefully monitored.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is an easy-to-make, decadent meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
The creamy garlic sauce adds a rich layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the tender chicken, making it a dish that will quickly become a family favorite.
With the ability to customize the recipe to suit your preferences, this dish is versatile and forgiving.
Whether you keep it simple or get creative with variations, you can’t go wrong with this comforting and flavorful meal.