Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
why make this recipe
This dish is creamy, simple, and full of flavor. It cooks fast and needs few ingredients. You can serve it with rice, pasta, or vegetables. It is a good weeknight meal that feels special.
introduction
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is tender chicken in a rich garlic cream sauce. The sauce uses heavy cream and Parmesan for a smooth, cheesy taste. If you want a baked pasta version with the same flavors, try the creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake for another easy meal.
how to make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Make the chicken first, then make the sauce in the same pan. Cook the chicken until golden and done, then add garlic, cream, and Parmesan to make a thick sauce. For another idea that uses the same flavors in a loaf form, see the garlic parmesan chicken meatloaf (version 2).
Ingredients :
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions :
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and smooth. Return chicken to the skillet, coat with the sauce, and heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve the chicken hot with the sauce spooned over the top. It goes well with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
how to serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Serve the chicken with the sauce over the top. Put it on cooked pasta, white rice, or mashed potatoes. Steamed green beans or a green salad go well with it. If you want another dish with similar flavors for a different meal, check the garlic parmesan chicken meatloaf.
how to store Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Cool the chicken and sauce to room temperature. Put them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warm, or warm in the microwave in short bursts. Do not leave the dish at room temperature for more than two hours.
tips to make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Pound the chicken to even thickness so it cooks evenly.
- Do not boil the sauce; keep it at a low simmer so cream does not separate.
- Use fresh grated Parmesan for the best melt and taste.
- Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper slowly, since Parmesan is salty.
variation (if any)
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook them before the garlic for extra flavor.
- Stir in a handful of spinach until wilted for color and greens.
- Use half-and-half or whole milk if you want a lighter sauce (it will be thinner).
- Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Boneless skinless thighs work well and stay moist. Adjust cook time until they reach safe temperature.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: You can make the sauce and store it, but it may thicken in the fridge. Reheat gently and add a little cream or milk to thin if needed.
Q: Is Parmesan the only cheese to use?
A: Parmesan gives a sharp, salty flavor. You can mix in a bit of mozzarella for stretch, but keep Parmesan for taste.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: You can freeze, but cream sauces can change texture after thawing. Freeze in a freezer-safe container and thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
For another version of this dish with full directions and photos, see the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken • Salt & Lavender. For a different take and tips from a popular food blog, read the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken | Gimme Delicious.
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is tender chicken in a rich garlic cream sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan. A quick weeknight meal with a special touch.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet.
- Cook chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and smooth.
- Return chicken to the skillet, coat with the sauce, and heat through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Pound chicken to an even thickness for even cooking. Use fresh grated Parmesan for best results. Avoid boiling the sauce to prevent separation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Paleo
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Creamy Chicken, Garlic Chicken, Parmesan Chicken
