Description
Creamy garlic parmesan chicken brings together tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, velvety sauce. Italian-inspired comfort meets weeknight convenience for a memorable meal that delights home cooks and dinner guests alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless, about 6 oz/170 g each)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil or unsalted butter
- 2 tbsps (30 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 0.5 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Spice Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with a robust spice blend, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage.
- Searing Technique: Heat skillet with olive oil or butter at medium-high temperature. Introduce seasoned chicken, developing a rich golden-brown exterior while maintaining internal moisture. Cook until chicken reaches optimal internal temperature. Remove and set aside on resting plate.
- Sauce Development: Leverage residual pan flavors by sautéing minced garlic. Deglaze with chicken broth, capturing concentrated drippings. Reduce heat and integrate heavy cream, creating a luxurious foundation. Whisk in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes until sauce transforms into a silky, slightly thickened consistency.
- Final Integration: Return cooked chicken to sauce, allowing mutual flavor absorption. Let ingredients harmonize briefly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to enhance visual presentation and introduce bright herbaceous undertones. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and inviting.
Notes
- Optimize Chicken Coating: Use a mix of flour and spices for a crispier exterior that locks in moisture and adds extra flavor depth.
- Prevent Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature, ensuring it reaches 165°F without becoming dry or tough.
- Enhance Sauce Consistency: Gradually add Parmesan cheese while whisking continuously to prevent clumping and create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter versions, and use gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg