BEST CREAMY ROMANO CHICKEN

Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts swimming in a luscious sauce, fragrant with garlic and rich with the nutty, salty goodness of Romano cheese. This Creamy Romano Chicken is pure comfort food elevated to an elegant dinner, and I promise, it’s easier to make than you think!

The Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Creamy Romano Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Add-ins:

• Sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
• Spinach, roughly chopped
• Mushrooms, sliced

Let’s Talk Romano Cheese

Romano cheese is the star of the show here, so it’s worth understanding what makes it special. It’s a hard, salty Italian cheese, traditionally made from sheep’s milk (though cow’s milk versions exist). It has a sharper, more assertive flavor than Parmesan, which gives our Creamy Romano Chicken a delightful kick. You can usually find it pre-grated or in blocks at your local grocery store. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a blend of Romano and Parmesan – it adds a lovely complexity to the sauce!

Prepping for Success: The Key to Flavor Town

Before you even think about turning on the stove, let’s get everything prepped and ready. This is my secret weapon for stress-free cooking. Mince your garlic, chop your parsley, grate your Romano cheese, and pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Prepping everything beforehand will make the cooking process a breeze.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creamy Romano Chicken Magic

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy!
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is your goal.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Romano Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds a ton of flavor!
4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Romano cheese.
5. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Stir in the chopped parsley and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 3: Marry the Chicken and Sauce

1. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and nestle them in the creamy Romano sauce.
2. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly.
3. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Garnish with extra grated Romano cheese and fresh parsley.
2. Serve immediately over your favorite pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Troubleshooting Tips: No More Kitchen Catastrophes!

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

• Sauce is too thin: Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the sauce to thicken it quickly.
• Sauce is too thick: Add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to thin it out.
• Chicken is dry: Be sure not to overcook the chicken! Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure it’s cooked perfectly. You can also pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking to help them cook more evenly.
• Garlic is burnt: Start over! Burnt garlic can ruin the whole dish. Keep a close eye on it and reduce the heat if necessary.

Variations to Make it Your Own

This Creamy Romano Chicken recipe is delicious as is, but feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch! Here are a few ideas:

• Add vegetables: Sauté some mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes with the garlic for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a kick.
• Use different cheese: Try substituting some of the Romano cheese with Parmesan, Asiago, or Pecorino Romano.
• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content.

Serving Suggestions: The Perfect Companions

Creamy Romano Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Pasta: Toss it with your favorite pasta shape, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne.
• Rice: Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with creamy chicken dishes.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are a healthy and delicious side.
• Garlic bread: Because who doesn’t love garlic bread with Italian food?

Other Creamy Chicken Recipes You’ll Adore

If you’re a fan of creamy chicken dishes, you’re in the right place! Here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:

• Craving something with a unique flavor? Try this Boursin Chicken Pasta.
• For a hearty and satisfying meal, you can’t go wrong with Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rigatoni Ultimate.
• Want to bring the flavors of Tuscany to your table? Give this Tuscan Chicken Pasta a try.
• For a simple and flavorful side, check out this Creamy Garlic Pasta.
• Looking for an easy crockpot meal? This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is perfect.
• And don’t forget this classic Parmesan Chicken With Garlic Sauce for an easy weeknight win.

Storing and Reheating: Make-Ahead Magic

Creamy Romano Chicken is great for meal prepping! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Chicken Dinner

This Creamy Romano Chicken is destined to become a new family favorite. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve to guests. The creamy, cheesy sauce is simply irresistible, and the variations are endless. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a little kitchen magic!

Best Creamy Romano Chicken

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Creamy Romano Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts in a luscious, garlicky Romano cheese sauce. It’s a comforting and elegant dinner that’s surprisingly easy to prepare, perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 4

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Paper towels
• Meat thermometer

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Romano cheese, plus more for garnish
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• Pinch of red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

 

• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is your goal.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
• Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds a ton of flavor!
• Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Romano cheese.
• Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Stir in the chopped parsley and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and nestle them in the creamy Romano sauce.
• Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly.
• Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
• Garnish with extra grated Romano cheese and fresh parsley.
• Serve immediately over your favorite pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water). To thin the sauce, add more chicken broth or cream. Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrients. Substitute Romano cheese with Parmesan, Asiago, or Pecorino Romano.