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Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a comforting skillet dinner with golden-browned chicken, tender garlic, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. It comes together in one pan with simple ingredients, making it an easy choice for a satisfying weeknight meal or a cozy dinner with guests.
Quick Overview
- Prep Time: Not provided
- Cook Time: Not provided
- Total Time: Not provided
- Servings: Not provided
Why Make This Recipe
- Simple one-pan meal: Cook the chicken and creamy sauce in the same skillet for easier preparation and cleanup.
- Rich, comforting flavor: Garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning create a smooth, savory sauce.
- Weeknight-friendly: The ingredient list is short, and the cooking process is straightforward.
- Easy to customize: Serve it with your favorite vegetables, pasta, rice, or bread to create a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make It
Season the chicken breasts. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, coating both sides evenly.
Heat the olive oil. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the garlic. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Stir frequently so the garlic releases its flavor without burning.
Add the heavy cream. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Keep the heat controlled so the cream warms gently.
Finish the Parmesan sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, cooking until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thickened.
Return the chicken to the skillet. Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken so each piece is evenly covered.
Garnish and serve. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
How to Serve It
- Serve the chicken with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Pair it with steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple side salad for a balanced meal.
- Add extra chopped parsley just before serving for a fresh finish and a pop of color.
How to Store It
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best quality, reheat it gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring the sauce occasionally until warmed through. Avoid high heat, which can cause the creamy sauce to separate.
You can also freeze the leftovers in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating gently in a skillet. The sauce may change slightly in texture after freezing, but slow reheating can help maintain its creaminess.
Helpful Tips
- Use even-sized chicken breasts: If the breasts vary greatly in thickness, they may cook at different speeds. Gently flatten thicker areas for more even cooking.
- Watch the garlic carefully: Garlic can burn quickly, so sauté it for about 1 minute and stir frequently.
- Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer: Excessive heat can make the cream sauce separate. Stir until the Parmesan melts and the sauce thickens smoothly.
- Allow the chicken to rest briefly: Letting the chicken sit while you prepare the sauce helps retain its juices before it returns to the skillet.
Optional Variations
- Add vegetables: Stir in cooked spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra flavor and texture.
- Use a different seasoning blend: Replace the Italian seasoning with a combination of dried basil, oregano, or parsley.
- Add a little heat: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes while preparing the garlic and cream sauce for a spicy variation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used, though cooking time may vary depending on their size and thickness.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through before you remove it from the skillet. Thicker pieces may need additional cooking time.
Why is my Parmesan sauce too thin?
Continue cooking the sauce gently until it thickens. Stir regularly, and avoid raising the heat too much.
Can I prepare this recipe without heavy cream?
Heavy cream provides the richness and texture of the sauce. Substituting it may produce a thinner or less creamy result.
What should I do if the sauce becomes too thick?
Return the skillet to low heat and stir gently. A small amount of additional cream may help loosen the sauce if needed.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
A comforting skillet dinner featuring golden-browned chicken and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, perfect for weeknight meals or cozy get-togethers.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Use even-sized for uniform cooking.
- to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking the chicken.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Sauté to release flavor without burning.
- 1 cup heavy cream Provides creaminess to the sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds flavor and thickness to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning For a savory blend of flavors.
- as needed Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, coating both sides evenly.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cooking the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, keeping the heat controlled.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, cooking until melted and thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently. Optional: Add vegetables or change seasoning for variations.
