Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a delicious and comforting skillet dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich and flavorful garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients and easy steps to create a restaurant-quality meal in about 40 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasonings
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken breast halves with garlic powder, Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed on both sides.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side or until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic and Make Roux: In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter. After it melts, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic mixture and stir continuously for about one minute to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Chicken Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the sauce reduces slightly and thickens.
- Incorporate Cream and Thicken Sauce: Stir in the heavy whipping cream and continue to cook on a gentle simmer until the sauce begins to thicken, which should take a few minutes.
- Melt Parmesan Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese fully melts into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Return Chicken to Sauce: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet along with any juices on the plate. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese over the top as garnish. Serve immediately, ideally over mashed potatoes with a side of greens for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken ahead of time with the seasonings for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- If fresh Parmesan is unavailable, grated Parmesan from a can is acceptable but use freshly grated for the best flavor.
- This dish pairs exceptionally well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a side salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave to avoid curdling the cream sauce.
