Ingredients
Before we jump into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need. No fancy tools required—just the basics you probably already have in your pantry!
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
With these ingredients in hand, you’re all set to cook up something incredible!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking. Don’t worry—this recipe is simple to follow and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. Here’s how to do it!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
To start, season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. You can also sprinkle a little bit of garlic powder for added flavor if you’d like. This is a crucial step because the seasoning helps create a beautiful, flavorful crust when searing the chicken.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for 5-6 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest. This helps retain the juices and keeps the chicken moist.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Now comes the fun part—making the rich, creamy garlic parmesan sauce that ties everything together. In the same skillet you used for the chicken, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it’s quick to turn bitter!
Next, pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to mix it with the garlic. Let the cream simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. You want a smooth and creamy texture, but not too thick just yet.
Now, stir in the parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating that signature creamy consistency. If you’d like a little heat, this is the time to add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Add a little salt and pepper to taste, and don’t forget to sprinkle in the Italian seasoning for that authentic flavor.
Step 3: Bring the Chicken Back into the Mix
Once the sauce has reached the perfect creamy consistency, it’s time to add the chicken breasts back into the skillet. Nestle them gently into the sauce, spooning some of that rich goodness over the top.
Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes. This step helps the chicken soak up some of the delicious flavors and ensures it’s heated through.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top of the chicken for a burst of color and freshness. This adds a nice contrast to the richness of the sauce.
Serve the creamy garlic parmesan chicken breast with your favorite side dishes—think mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple side salad. The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with just about anything!
Conclusion
There you have it! A rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious garlic parmesan chicken breast recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a family dinner, or a special event, this dish will impress everyone at the table.
The secret to its success is the creamy garlic parmesan sauce—it’s everything! So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know how it turns out. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite of this creamy, cheesy chicken goodness!
