Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
A comforting dinner featuring tender chicken coated in a rich, savory garlic-Parmesan sauce, perfect for busy evenings and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs Choose pieces of a similar size for even cooking.
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Optional
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil or butter For cooking
For the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce
- 4 cloves Fresh garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 cup Heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese Use freshly grated for best results.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Or a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, for garnish Optional
- to taste Red pepper flakes Optional for gentle heat.
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until deeply golden on both sides and nearly cooked through. Transfer it to a plate and set aside.
Cooking the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Avoid browning the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the cream and Italian seasoning, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Lower the heat and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cheese, as high heat can cause it to separate.
- Return the chicken and any collected juices to the skillet.
- Spoon the sauce over the top and simmer gently until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Serving
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Chicken is ready when the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Garnish and serve over pasta, rice, or potatoes, and pair with steamed vegetables or a green salad.