Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Introduction

If you’re looking for an easy, creamy, and flavorful dinner option, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to. With tender chicken cooked to perfection in a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce, this dish is packed with savory goodness. Perfect for family meals or special gatherings, it’s a comfort food favorite that offers a rich and indulgent dining experience.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

– Chicken breast: 2 large, boneless, and skinless
– Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
– Butter: 2 tablespoons
– Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
– Heavy cream: 1 cup
– Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated
– Chicken broth: ½ cup
– Paprika: ½ teaspoon
– Salt: to taste
– Black pepper: to taste
– Fresh parsley: chopped for garnish

Prep Time

Getting your ingredients prepped and ready should only take about 10 minutes. Gather everything from chopping garlic to grating Parmesan cheese and seasoning the chicken breasts. A little planning and mise en place will make preparation smooth and quick.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

A quick and efficient recipe, the cooking time is approximately 20 minutes. Adding the prep time, the total time to complete the dish is around 30 minutes. This delightful recipe yields 4 servings, making it perfect for family dinners or sharing with friends.

Enjoy cooking this creamy and dreamy recipe that’s sure to steal hearts at the dinner table.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

– Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels.
– Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

– Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
– Add a splash of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
– Once the oil or butter is hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet.
– Cook each side for 4-5 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown. Ensure the chicken is no longer pink inside but do not overcook.
– Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

– Reduce the heat to medium-low. Using the same skillet, add a bit more butter or olive oil if needed.
– Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about a minute or until fragrant.
– Gradually pour in the heavy cream while continuously stirring.
– Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Parmesan Cheese

– Slowly stir in grated Parmesan cheese.
– Continue stirring until the cheese has melted fully and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
– Taste the sauce and add additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

– Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet.
– Spoon the garlic Parmesan sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly.
– Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

– Remove the skillet from heat.
– Optionally, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for added freshness and color.
– Serve the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken breasts warm with your choice of side dishes.

Notes

Note 1: Adjust Sauce Consistency

– If the sauce is too thick, you can stir in a small amount of milk or chicken broth to thin it out.

Note 2: Use Fresh Parmesan

– For the best flavor and texture, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded or powdered ones.

Note 3: Chicken Substitutions

– Boneless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for chicken breasts if preferred. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Note 4: Storage Tips

– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent the sauce from breaking.

Note 5: Add Vegetables

– Consider adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli to complement the dish.

Note 6: Additional Seasoning

– Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings like paprika, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Cook Techniques

1. Properly Sear Chicken Breasts

Searing the chicken breasts evenly is key to locking in the juices and enhancing flavor. Always use a hot skillet and make sure the surface of the chicken is dry before cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

2. Deglaze the Pan

After searing the chicken, deglaze the skillet with a liquid such as chicken broth or water. This technique lifts all the browned bits from the skillet, adding depth to the creamy sauce.

3. Cooking Garlic to Enhance Flavors

Cook minced garlic just until fragrant before adding other ingredients. Avoid overcooking garlic as it can turn bitter.

4. Making a Smooth Creamy Sauce

Whisk the sauce continuously to ensure it remains smooth and lump-free. Use heavy cream for extra richness and stability during cooking.

5. Simmering for Perfect Consistency

Allow the sauce to simmer gently, not boil, to achieve the right consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

6. Adding Parmesan Gradually

Add grated Parmesan cheese gradually while mixing, which ensures it melts evenly into the sauce without clumping.

7. Resting the Chicken

After adding the seared chicken back into the sauce, let it sit for a few minutes off the heat. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors and ensures tenderness.

FAQ

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly as thighs may take slightly longer to cook.

2. Can I substitute heavy cream with another ingredient?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and cornstarch, but the sauce may be less rich and creamy.

3. How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer or add a slurry made from mixing cornstarch with water.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the dish ahead of time. Reheat the chicken and sauce gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the chicken or curdling the sauce.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.

6. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté them before adding the sauce ingredients for the best flavor.

7. What should I serve with creamy garlic Parmesan chicken?

This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

8. Can I freeze the leftover chicken with sauce?

It’s not recommended to freeze the dish as the cream-based sauce might separate when thawed and reheated.

Conclusion

The Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any dinner table. The combination of rich Parmesan cheese, creamy garlic sauce, and tender chicken results in a restaurant-quality meal made at home. It’s easy to prepare and versatile, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or special occasions. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find it becoming a favorite in no time!

More recipes suggestions and combination

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For a Mediterranean-inspired twist, try making Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken. Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian herbs to elevate your meal with bright and tangy flavors.

Parmesan-Crusted Chicken

Take the Parmesan love a step further with Parmesan-Crusted Chicken. Create a crispy coating with Parmesan, Panko breadcrumbs, and herbs for a crunchy yet tender alternative.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Pair your creamy garlic flavors with a seafood twist by preparing Garlic Butter Shrimp. This quick and easy option complements the richness of your chicken dish beautifully.

Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Chicken

Transform the basic chicken breast into something special by stuffing it with a cheesy spinach filling. Add mozzarella and cream cheese to create a gooey center.

Garlic Alfredo Pasta

Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken over a bed of garlic Alfredo pasta for an indulgent and hearty meal combination that balances creaminess with mouthwatering pasta textures.

Roasted Vegetables

Complete your meal with a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. The smoky caramelized flavors of roasted veggies complement the creamy chicken perfectly.

Mashed Potatoes with Parmesan

Whip up a batch of creamy mashed potatoes mixed with Parmesan for the ultimate comfort food pairing alongside your Garlic Parmesan Chicken.

Caesar Salad

Brighten up your plate with a classic Caesar salad. The crunch of romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and croutons make for a refreshing complement to the richness of your chicken.