Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle? Look no further than this incredibly delicious and easy creamy garlic parmesan chicken recipe. This dish is the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and garlicky goodness, guaranteed to become a family favorite. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for a special occasion.
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of creamy garlic parmesan chicken! This easy recipe delivers tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, decadent sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. Get the recipe now!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and simple ingredients make this recipe a lifesaver on busy evenings.
Flavor Explosion: The rich and creamy garlic parmesan sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken breasts.
Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will devour this flavorful dish.
Budget-Friendly: Uses readily available and affordable ingredients.
Ingredients of creamy garlic parmesan chicken recipe
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little spiciness.
How to make garlic parmesan chicken recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
- Add salt and pepper to the chicken breasts.
- Sear the chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat, using olive oil.
- Cook the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Step2: Prepare the Sauce
- In the same skillet, saute the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Be cautious not to burn the garlic.
- Bring to a simmer, then cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 3: Stir in Parmesan
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Return Chicken to Skillet
Add the cooked chicken breasts back to the skillet. Coat them with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve immediately over your choice of pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Tips for Success:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
- For optimal flavor and texture, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and Parmesan cheese to your preference.
- To thicken the sauce further, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
- Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to three days
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over linguine or fettuccine pasta for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
- Enjoy with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots.
- Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying dinner.
- Serve with toasted bread to soak up the tasty sauce.
Nutritional Considerations:
Protein: This dish is an excellent source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues.
Fat: The fat content is mainly from saturated fat, which should be consumed in moderation. You can reduce the fat content by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or by using a lower-fat Parmesan cheese.
Sodium: Be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you are watching your sodium intake. Choose low-sodium chicken broth and use salt sparingly.
Tips for healthier version of creamy garlic parmesan chicken
- Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream: This will significantly reduce the fat and calorie content.
- Choose low-sodium chicken broth: This will help to reduce the sodium content of the dish.
- Use a light version of Parmesan cheese: This will help to reduce the fat content.
- Add more vegetables: Include vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus to increase the nutritional value and fiber content.
- Serve with whole grains: Choose brown rice or whole-wheat pasta for a more nutritious meal.
By making a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy this creamy garlic parmesan chicken while keeping your health in mind.
FAQs about garlic parmesan chicken recipe
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce and add the cooked chicken breasts just before serving.
How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
Use low heat when adding the Parmesan cheese and avoid boiling the sauce vigorously.
Can I add different vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes would make excellent additions. Add them to the skillet after frying the garlic.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or use a spicy Italian sausage in addition to the chicken.
Enjoy this incredibly flavorful and easy creamy garlic parmesan chicken recipe! It’s the perfect weeknight meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
This creamy garlic parmesan chicken recipe falls under the American cuisine category, with strong Italian influences due to the use of Parmesan cheese and the overall flavor profile. It’s a versatile dish that can be considered a main course for lunch or dinner.
