Creamy chicken with garlic and parmesan cheese

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When it comes to comfort food, Creamy Chicken with Garlic and Parmesan Cheese tops the list every single time. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a luscious garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or need an impressive meal for guests, this recipe is a winner. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and pairs beautifully with everything from pasta to steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

To make this rich and indulgent dish, you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Additional Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts.
3. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the chicken and set aside.

2. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

1. Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and release any flavorful bits.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook the sauce for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.

3. Combine and Cook:

1. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
2. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed with additional salt or pepper.

4. Serve:

1. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
2. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Tips for Success

1. Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own Parmesan ensures a creamy sauce.
2. Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.
3. Pound the Chicken: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.

Freezing: This dish freezes well! Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations

1. Mushroom Lover’s Edition: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy addition to the sauce.
2. Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Twist: Add a handful of baby spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
3. Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan slightly.
4. Seafood Swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp for a creamy garlic-Parmesan shrimp dish.

Nutrition Details

Note: Nutrition may vary based on exact ingredients and serving sizes.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through.

How can I make this dish keto-friendly?

This recipe is already low in carbs, making it naturally keto-friendly. Pair it with zoodles or cauliflower rice for a complete keto meal.

What sides go well with this dish?

Creamy Chicken with Garlic and Parmesan Cheese pairs well with:

• Buttered pasta
• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted asparagus
• Steamed broccoli

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the sauce and cook the chicken a day ahead. Store them separately and combine when reheating to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.