Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is more than just a meal it’s a decadent, soul-warming experience. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered in a luxurious, velvety sauce made from garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can prepare in the comfort of your own kitchen. Ideal for weeknights yet elegant enough for guests, this timeless recipe satisfies every craving for rich and creamy goodness without unnecessary complexity.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for subtle heat
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and butter until melted and shimmering.
- Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic.
- Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and stir continuously until the sauce thickens—about 5–7 minutes.
- Place the partially cooked chicken back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is silky and thickened.
- Spoon sauce over the chicken periodically for maximum flavor.
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately over your choice of fettuccine, mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Spoon additional creamy sauce over each serving for a luxurious finish.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoothest texture.
- If your sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of chicken broth or milk.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with linguine, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
- Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier cut if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing & Simmering
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 145mg