Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp butter
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sear the Chicken:
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Cook until the sauce is creamy and smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
Combine and Simmer:
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and coat them with the creamy sauce. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan, if desired.
Tips:
Pair with roasted vegetables, pasta, or garlic bread for a full meal.
For a lower-carb version, serve with steamed greens or cauliflower rice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Enjoy this rich and flavorful Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken for an easy and comforting weeknight dinner.
#ComfortFood #EasyDinner #GarlicChicken
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results every time. Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Using a meat mallet, gently pound the thicker ends to an even 1-inch thickness for uniform cooking. When searing, resist the urge to move the chicken for the first few minutes to develop a golden-brown crust. For the sauce, keep the heat at medium-low after adding the cream to prevent it from breaking or scalding. Stir constantly while adding the Parmesan to ensure it melts smoothly into a velvety sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and creamy chicken is incredibly versatile. For a classic pairing, serve it over a bed of fettuccine or angel hair pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. Mashed potatoes or polenta also make excellent, comforting bases. To balance the richness, pair it with a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus and broccoli. A slice of crusty garlic bread is non-negotiable for cleaning the plate.
How-to Summary
In summary, this dish involves four key stages: 1) Preparing and pounding chicken for even cooking. 2) Searing the chicken until golden and setting aside. 3) Creating the sauce by sautéing garlic in butter, then simmering with heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth. 4) Returning the chicken to the skillet to simmer in the sauce until cooked through. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs work wonderfully and may require a slightly longer simmering time to ensure they are cooked through. Their richer flavor pairs excellently with the garlic parmesan sauce.
How can I prevent the sauce from curdling? The key is gentle heat. Never let the cream sauce come to a rapid boil. Keep it at a gentle simmer and add the Parmesan off the direct heat if your stove runs hot. Using freshly grated Parmesan (not pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents) also helps create a smoother emulsion.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating can cause the sauce to separate.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prepare the components ahead. Sear the chicken and make the sauce separately, storing them in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce, add the chicken, and simmer until everything is heated through.
What can I substitute for heavy cream? For a slightly lighter version, half-and-half can be used, but the sauce will be less rich and thick. Avoid milk, as it is prone to curdling. For a dairy-free alternative, full-fat canned coconut cream is a good option, though it will impart a coconut flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using pre-shredded Parmesan: It often contains cellulose, which prevents it from melting smoothly into a silky sauce. Always grate your own from a block.
- Overcrowding the skillet: Sear the chicken in batches if necessary. Crowding creates steam and prevents proper browning.
- Burning the garlic: Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter. Sauté it just until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds, before adding the cream.
- Overcooking the chicken: Since the chicken returns to the sauce to simmer, remove it from the initial sear just before it’s fully cooked through to avoid dry, tough meat.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the epitome of a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal you can easily create at home. By following the detailed steps, avoiding common pitfalls, and utilizing the provided serving ideas, you can master this decadent dish. Its perfect balance of savory garlic, rich cream, and salty Parmesan makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!