Delightfully rich and irresistibly savory, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the love letter of comfort food you’ve been waiting for! It’s a dish that envelops you in its creamy sauce and cozy flavors, making your taste buds dance with happiness. Perfect for a family dinner or a special treat for yourself, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe arsenal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
- Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of cream, parmesan, and garlic creates a sauce that’s both luxurious and comforting.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customize this dish to suit dietary preferences or available ingredients.
- Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, this dish will soon become a staple dinner choice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is a cornerstone, working in harmony to create a dish that’s full of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken breasts: For a tender texture, slice them lengthwise or pound to even thickness.
- Garlic powder and minced garlic: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor boost.
- Italian seasonings: A pinch of this brings depth and an Italian flair to the dish.
- Heavy whipping cream: Opt for full-fat to achieve that dreamy, rich sauce.
- Fresh parmesan cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully and enhances the creamy texture.
- Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley adds a refreshing touch of color and flavor.
Variations
This recipe is delightfully versatile, inviting you to personalize it with your favorite flavors or adjust it based on dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Vegetarian Variation: Swap chicken for hearty mushrooms or cauliflower to create a vegetarian delight.
- Keto-Friendly: Skip the flour for a low-carb version, thickening the sauce with extra cheese.
- Spicy Twist: Sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes for a kick of heat that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Season your chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper. This initial spice rub is key in infusing the chicken with flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the chicken. Cook each side for 5-6 minutes until they achieve a beautiful golden crust. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic, letting it sauté for about a minute. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to form a light roux. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and cook until the sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat, add the parmesan cheese, and stir until smooth.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, making sure to include any juices from the resting plate—this adds depth to the sauce. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for a couple of minutes. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley and extra parmesan for garnish. Serve hot, preferably on a bed of mashed potatoes or alongside a fresh green salad.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Butter Selection: Use high-quality unsalted butter for a richer sauce, enhancing the flavor profile considerably.
- Garlic Freshness: Freshly minced garlic adds a robust, aromatic essence that pre-minced versions just can’t match.
- Cheese Quality: Always opt for freshly grated parmesan cheese; it melts better and adds a fresher taste.
- Chicken Temperatures: Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally; this retains juiciness without risking toughness.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Garnishes
Sprinkle over freshly chopped parsley and shave some extra parmesan on top for a touch of elegance and an extra creamy kick. The fresh herbs add a nice contrast to the richness of the dish, enhancing its aroma and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or rice, both of which soak up the luxurious sauce with enthusiasm. Add a side of steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad to keep things fresh and balance out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a creative presentation, serve the chicken with sauce on the side in elegant ramekins, letting guests control their saucy indulgence. Or plate it in shallow bowls to cradle the creamy goodness, perfect for showcasing alongside rustic artisan bread for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. This helps maintain the dish’s freshness while keeping the wonderful flavors intact.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce in portions for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, ensuring the creamy sauce maintains its luscious texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy consistency. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While parmesan is classic, you could try asiago, romano, or even a sharp cheddar for a variation in flavor.
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What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half and half or even a mixture of milk and melted butter to emulate the richness of heavy cream.
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How can I make it gluten-free?
Replace the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce without altering the finished texture.
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Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Certainly! Prepare the sauce in advance and store separately from the chicken. Combine and heat just before serving for the freshest taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re yearning for a dish that combines elegance with comfort, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is your answer. Perfectly suited for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is both versatile and delightful. Give it a try, and let it become your new culinary favorite!
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a luscious garlic cream sauce accented with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Perfect served over mashed potatoes and greens, this recipe combines simple ingredients to deliver a comforting and elegant meal ideal for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 chicken breasts sliced lengthwise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasonings
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup fresh Parmesan cheese grated
- salt and pepper to taste
Garnish and Serving
- 2 tbsp parsley chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts halves with garlic powder, Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper, making sure to coat each side evenly.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce base: In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sprinkle the flour. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Deglaze and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add cream and thicken: Stir in the heavy whipping cream and cook until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add cheese and adjust seasonings: Remove from heat, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, and stir until melted and smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Add chicken back to skillet: Return the cooked chicken and accumulated juices to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat and coat the chicken in the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese on top. Serve the chicken hot over mashed potatoes with greens on the side.
Notes
- You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- If you prefer not to slice the chicken, you can pound the breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese melts better than pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents.
- High-quality butter enhances the richness of the sauce.
- Using freshly minced garlic provides a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken—cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F to prevent toughness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breast with sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
