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Irresistibly Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe You Need to Try

Irresistibly Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe You Need to Try - Featured Image

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Learn how to make delicious Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus extra for seasoning)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (Mama Lu always said fresh garlic was the soul of good cooking)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a pinch of dried oregano and basil)
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (a sprinkle of green always makes a dish feel like home)

Substitution tips: If you prefer a lighter version, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be quite as thick or luscious. For a dairy-free twist, coconut cream and nutritional yeast can stand in for cream and cheese, though that’s a departure from the recipe’s classic comfort roots.

Instructions

  1. Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple step reminds me of Mama Lu’s quiet wisdom — seasoning is the first step to flavor.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The edges should be slightly crisp, but the inside tender and juicy. Remove the chicken and set aside on a warm plate.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium, then add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant — be careful not to let it burn. This aroma always takes me back to those porch-side evenings, where the smell of garlic mingled with mountain air.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This is where the magic starts, turning those little bits into flavor gold.
  5. Add the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  6. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Let them simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, just until everything is heated through and the flavors meld.
  8. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, savoring the creamy richness with every bite.