Let’s Gather Our Ingredients
Chicken and Pantry Staples
- Chicken Breasts: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each). We’re making Delicious Meals For 2, so this is perfect.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for searing the chicken.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced – don’t skimp!
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup, low sodium preferred.
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup, for that ultra-creamy texture.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated is best for flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon, for that classic Italian flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning.
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, chopped red pepper flakes.
A Note About Chicken
For the best results, use chicken breasts that are similar in size and thickness. If they’re uneven, you can pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from drying out. Using high-quality chicken makes this one of the great Healthy Dinners With Chicken Breast.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Magic Happen
Getting Started
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point, just nicely browned.
- Remove and Rest: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Creating the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Sauté the Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Add Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits add a ton of flavor!
- Stir in Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season to Taste: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that Parmesan cheese is already salty, so start with a little and add more as needed.
Bringing It All Together
- Return the Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce.
- Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions: Completing the Meal
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorite options:
- Pasta: Serve over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine, to soak up all that delicious sauce. Consider making Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine another night!
- Rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice are also excellent choices.
- Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad provide a healthy and balanced meal.
- Bread: Crusty bread, garlic bread, or breadsticks are perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
Tips and Tricks: Achieving Culinary Excellence
Pounding the Chicken
As I mentioned earlier, pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness is crucial for even cooking. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken until it’s about 1/2-inch thick. This also helps tenderize the chicken.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast without touching bone.
Freshly Grated Parmesan is Key
While pre-shredded Parmesan cheese is convenient, freshly grated Parmesan cheese has a much better flavor and melts more smoothly into the sauce. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort!
Adjusting the Sauce Thickness
If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes, uncovered, until it thickens to your desired consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to thin it out.
Spice It Up!
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or garnish with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
Variations: Putting Your Own Spin On It
This recipe is delicious as is, but feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy flavor.
- Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
- Use Different Cheese: Try using a combination of Parmesan and Romano cheese, or add a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese for extra cheesiness.
- Make it Lighter: Substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream to reduce the fat content. The sauce won’t be as rich, but it will still be delicious. This is how to make it one of the best Dinner Recipe Chicken Breast options!
Why This Recipe Works: It’s All About Flavor!
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast recipe is a winner because it’s simple, flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of savory garlic, rich Parmesan cheese, and creamy sauce creates a truly irresistible dish. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights. If you are looking for something a little different, but with similar flavors, check out Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Creamy Pasta. Or perhaps Parmesan Chicken With Garlic Sauce is more to your liking? Don’t forget to explore Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta for another delightful twist, or maybe even Crispy Parmesan Chicken With Garlic Sauce for some added texture. For an even simpler approach, consider trying Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken – perfect for a hands-off cooking experience.
Storing and Reheating: Making the Most of Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. Another option is to shred the leftover chicken and use it in sandwiches, salads, or wraps.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Deliciousness!
I hope you enjoy this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast recipe as much as I do! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!
Why is it important to use chicken breasts that are similar in size and thickness for this recipe?
Using chicken breasts of similar size and thickness ensures they cook evenly, preventing some pieces from drying out while others are still undercooked. If the breasts are uneven, you can pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese instead of freshly grated?
While pre-shredded Parmesan is convenient, freshly grated Parmesan cheese has a much better flavor and melts more smoothly into the sauce. It is recommended to use freshly grated for the best results.
How should I store and reheat leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed. You can also reheat in the microwave, being careful not to overcook it.
What are some variations I can try with this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast recipe?
You can add sautéed mushrooms with the garlic, stir in fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking, use a combination of Parmesan and Romano cheese (or mozzarella), or substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream to reduce the fat content.
Amazing Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Meat mallet (optional)
- Paper towels
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Spatula
- Meat thermometer
- Plate
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts 6-8 ounces each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped optional garnish
- Red pepper flakes optional garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point, just nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve immediately.
