Description
Succulent garlic parmesan chicken delivers rich Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate. Crisp herb-crusted chicken paired with silky sauce promises comfort and elegance in one delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 6 ounces or 170 grams each)
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Fat:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 45 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by generously coating both sides with a blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring even seasoning coverage.
- Warm olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a golden searing surface for the chicken.
- Cook the chicken breasts for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side, developing a rich golden-brown exterior and ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165F/74C.
- Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm while preparing the sauce.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, creating a flavorful liquid that lifts the caramelized bits from the pan’s surface.
- Reduce heat and introduce heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes, stirring until the sauce transforms into a smooth, luxurious consistency.
- Gently return the chicken to the skillet, bathing it in the creamy sauce and allowing the flavors to meld together for 3-4 minutes.
- Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh parsley over the top, adding a vibrant touch of color and fresh herb flavor.
- Serve immediately, ensuring each plate receives a generous coating of the rich, velvety sauce.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are evenly pounded to promote uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check internal temperature, avoiding overcooking which can make chicken tough.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a golden-brown exterior with better flavor development.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, adjusting sauce consistency as needed.
- For gluten-free option, replace regular Parmesan with certified gluten-free cheese and skip any potential wheat-based seasonings.
- Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat or omit completely for a milder taste profile.
- Fresh garlic provides more robust flavor compared to garlic powder, consider mincing 23 fresh cloves instead.
- Allow sauce to simmer gently to prevent separation and maintain smooth, creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 785
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 54 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 57 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg