Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Serves

4 people

Ingredients

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt & freshly ground black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

Creamy Sauce

• 1 tbsp butter (additional)

• 4–5 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup chicken broth

• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp onion powder

• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

• Salt & pepper to taste

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels

2. Season both sides with:

   • Salt

   • Black pepper

   • Paprika

   • Garlic powder

3. Lightly press seasoning into the meat

💡 If chicken breasts are thick, slice horizontally or pound to even thickness for even cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil + butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat

2. Once hot, add chicken

3. Cook 5–6 minutes per side until:

   • Golden brown

   • Internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C)

4. Remove chicken and set aside (don’t wipe the pan!)

🔥 That golden crust = flavor foundation

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium

2. Add butter

3. Stir in minced garlic and sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant

4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits

5. Add heavy cream and stir well

6. Sprinkle in:

   • Italian seasoning

   • Onion powder

   • Red pepper flakes (optional)

7. Simmer gently 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened

Step 4: Add Parmesan

1. Lower heat to medium-low

2. Slowly stir in Parmesan cheese

3. Stir until melted and smooth

🧀 Use freshly grated Parmesan—pre-shredded won’t melt as well.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

1. Return chicken to the skillet

2. Spoon sauce over the top

3. Simmer 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens and coats chicken beautifully

4. Taste and adjust salt & pepper

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley

• Serve hot with extra sauce 😌

Best Side Pairings

• Mashed potatoes

• Rice or risotto

• Buttered pasta

• Roasted broccoli or green beans

• Crusty bread (mandatory for sauce)

Pro Tips (Chef-Level)

• Want it thicker? Simmer uncovered another 2–3 minutes

• Want it brighter? Add a squeeze of lemon at the end

• Want mushrooms? Sauté sliced mushrooms after removing chicken

• Want spinach? Stir in fresh spinach at the very end