Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a rich and flavorful dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts cooked in a creamy garlic sauce and finished with nutty Parmesan cheese. This comforting and simple skillet meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious Italian-American taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley or basil
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly to build a flavorful base.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavors.
- Make the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan, mixing until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Simmer the chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 8–10 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the sauce to thicken to desired consistency.
- Finish and serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and to achieve a smooth melting texture.
- Chicken thighs can be used as an alternative for extra juiciness.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
