why make this recipe
Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with a creamy, cheesy sauce filled with the bold flavor of garlic. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings with family and friends. It’s simple yet elegant, making it an ideal option for anyone looking to impress at the dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the harmony of garlic and parmesan is always a crowd-pleaser.
how to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Creating Garlic Parmesan Chicken is straightforward and requires only a few steps. Follow this guide to prepare a delicious meal that you and your loved ones will surely enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
Heat the Olive Oil:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This will help to sear the chicken and lock in the juices.Season the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.Cook the Chicken:
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.Remove the Chicken:
After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This will allow you to prepare the delicious creamy sauce.Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.Add the Cream:
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir the mixture well to combine it with the garlic.Incorporate the Parmesan:
Slowly stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. This cheese will add a rich, creamy texture to your dish.Return the Chicken:
Next, return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish the dish with fresh parsley. This adds a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor. Serve the Garlic Parmesan Chicken with pasta, rice, or vegetables to complete the meal.
how to serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Garlic Parmesan Chicken is versatile and pairs well with many sides. You can serve it over a bed of cooked pasta, allowing the creamy sauce to coat each strand. Alternatively, white rice absorbs the sauce beautifully, creating a comforting meal. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans add a fresh and healthy element. For a more elegant presentation, consider serving it with garlic bread on the side, which complements the garlic flavor and is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
how to store Garlic Parmesan Chicken
If you have leftovers of Garlic Parmesan Chicken, you can store them easily. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator, where it can last for about 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep the chicken for a more extended period, consider freezing it. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It will remain good for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just be sure to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
tips to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese. Fresh ingredients can significantly enhance the flavors of your dish.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep a close eye on the chicken while it’s cooking. Overcooked chicken can become dry. Use a meat thermometer if needed; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Adjust the Consistency of the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of chicken broth or water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer until it thickens to your liking.
Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add additional herbs or spices to the sauce, such as Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper, to give it an extra kick.
Serve Immediately: Garlic Parmesan Chicken is best served fresh. The creaminess and flavors are more vibrant when the dish is hot and just made.
variation
There are several variations you can try to keep Garlic Parmesan Chicken exciting. Here are a few ideas:
Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables such as spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts into the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
Make it Spicy: For those who enjoy a little heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the cream sauce.
Use Different Proteins: You can substitute chicken with other proteins such as shrimp or even a plant-based protein like tofu for a vegetarian version.
Low-Carb Option: To make a low-carb meal, serve the chicken with zoodles (zucchini noodles) instead of pasta or rice.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them before cooking to ensure even cooking times.What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cornstarch for thickness. However, this may slightly change the texture and richness of the sauce.Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just store them separately and reheat before serving.Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Garlic Parmesan Chicken works great for meal prep. Divide it into individual portions with your side of choice for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.How do I know when the chicken is properly cooked?
The best way to ensure chicken is properly cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check that it is no longer pink inside.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken is not only an easy dish to prepare but also offers a warm, comforting taste that many enjoy. With its creamy sauce and savory flavors, it’s no wonder this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts in a creamy, cheesy garlic sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine with the garlic.
- Slowly stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Notes
For best results, use fresh ingredients and avoid overcooking the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chicken, parmesan, garlic, creamy sauce, easy recipe