Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast: A Weeknight Favorite (Print Version)

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast is pure comfort! Juicy chicken in a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce. Easy, quick, and perfect for a cozy dinner.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: High Protein

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken & Dairy Base

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
02 - 1 cup heavy cream
03 - 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)

→ Flavor Builders

04 - 6 cloves garlic, minced (or more, honestly!)
05 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Seasonings & Finishers

07 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get those chicken breasts ready. Pat them really, really dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting a beautiful golden-brown sear, honestly. Then, if they're super thick, I usually slice them horizontally to make two thinner cutlets; this helps them cook faster and more evenly. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and a little bit of that Italian seasoning. I always feel a bit like a chef during this part, making sure every inch is covered. Don't be shy with the seasoning!
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a good splash of olive oil. Once it's shimmering, carefully place your seasoned chicken breasts in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd it. You might need to do this in batches. Let them sear for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they're golden brown and cooked through. I once got distracted by a podcast and burned one side a little, oops! Just keep an eye on them; we want that lovely crust, not charcoal. Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside on a plate.
03 - In the same skillet (don't clean it, those browned bits are flavor gold!), reduce the heat to medium. Add a tiny bit more olive oil if needed, then toss in all that glorious minced garlic. Oh, the smell! It's truly one of my favorite kitchen aromas. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until it's fragrant and barely golden. Be super careful not to burn it here; burnt garlic is bitter, and we absolutely do not want that in our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast.
04 - Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. This is called deglazing, and it adds so much depth to the sauce. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly. Then, slowly stir in the heavy cream. Stir constantly, letting it come to a gentle simmer. This is where the sauce starts to thicken and get all luxurious. I sometimes add a tiny pinch of cornstarch mixed with water if I'm feeling impatient, but usually, the cream does its thing.
05 - Once the sauce is simmering gently, stir in your freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it's completely melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy. Taste it! This is your moment to adjust the seasonings. Does it need more salt? More pepper? Maybe another pinch of Italian seasoning? I'm always tasting and tweaking here, it’s part of the fun! This really perfects the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast sauce.
06 - Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into that incredible creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Spoon some of that beautiful sauce over the chicken to coat it completely. Let it warm through for a minute or two. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. The vibrant green against the rich, creamy sauce just makes it look so inviting. Serve immediately and get ready for some serious comfort food happiness!

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your chicken dry for a better sear; it makes a huge difference!
02 - Leftovers reheat best gently on the stovetop to keep the sauce from separating.
03 - If you're out of fresh garlic, garlic powder works, but use less and expect a milder flavor.
04 - Serve this with a crusty baguette to really sop up all that amazing creamy garlic parmesan sauce.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet
02 - cutting board
03 - sharp knife
04 - whisk
05 - measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 5g
Protein: 40g

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