Description
Creamy and tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a rich cream cheese sauce infused with garlic, Italian herbs, and Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy stovetop recipe offers a comforting and flavorful meal that pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or vegetables, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Thoroughly season the chicken breasts on both sides with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper to build a robust base of flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear each side for 4 to 5 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Add garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, to release the garlic’s aroma without burning.
- Deglaze and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the skillet’s bottom gently to loosen any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld flavors.
- Create the cream cheese sauce: Stir in the softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well combined with the broth.
- Cook the chicken through: Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer in the creamy sauce for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish, then serve warm over your choice of rice, pasta, or vegetables.
Notes
- Slice the chicken before serving to create easier, more generous servings.
- For added nutrition and flavor, consider stirring in fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms during the simmering step.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American