Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts cooked to perfection and smothered in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor into the meat.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant to develop the base flavor for the sauce.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all the flavors.
- Make Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and garlic powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to warm through and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm alongside pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melt.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh parsley enhances presentation and adds a pop of color but can be omitted.
- Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded dinner.
