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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken featured image showcases a delicious and creamy chicken dish.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the stress. Tender chicken is coated in a luscious, creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce that's guaranteed to impress. Serve over pasta, rice, or with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5-2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes optional
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Pounding mallet (if using chicken breasts)
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Grater
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • paper towels
  • spatula
  • Meat thermometer (optional)

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. If using chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken to the skillet (don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary). Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the broth reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce back to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it's melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  7. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it, ensuring it's evenly coated. Simmer for a few more minutes, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened further.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through (165°F for breasts, 175°F for thighs). Don't overcook the garlic. Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Adjust the sauce to your liking by adding more garlic, red pepper flakes, or lemon juice. You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is possible, but the sauce may separate upon thawing. Possible variations include adding mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or lemon zest.