Hola, food lovers! Carmen here, straight from my sunny kitchen in Valencia. You know, even though I’m all about the vibrant flavors of Spain, sometimes my heart just craves that ultimate comfort food, and nothing hits the spot quite like a rich, creamy dish. That’s why I’m absolutely thrilled to share my Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe with you today. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, bursting with savory garlic and nutty Parmesan, all wrapped up in a luscious sauce. It’s simple, elegant, and oh-so-delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Seriously, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a lifesaver! It’s:
- Super quick to make – perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Bursting with incredible garlic and Parmesan flavor.
- So comforting and satisfying, it’s pure comfort food.
- Easily adaptable for a low-carb lifestyle.
Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal
With only 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, this easy garlic parmesan chicken is your new go-to. It’s a fantastic one-pan meal that means less cleanup and more time enjoying dinner.
Packed with Flavor
Get ready for a flavor explosion! The combination of mellow, savory garlic and sharp, nutty Parmesan cheese creates an irresistible sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. It’s a simple yet elegant parmesan chicken dinner that feels truly special.
Gather Your Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready! For this luscious Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken, you’ll need:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to your liking
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for that pop of green!
Chicken Selection
You can use chicken breasts for a leaner option, but honestly, chicken thighs give you a little more tenderness and moisture. Either way, make sure they’re boneless and skinless!
Aromatics and Seasonings
We’ll start by seasoning the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Then, the star of the show, garlic – make sure it’s minced nice and fine so it really infuses the sauce. Don’t forget your Italian seasoning for that classic herb flavor! For more on the benefits of herbs like parsley, check out these herb benefits.
The Creamy Sauce Base
This is where the magic happens! We’ll use rich heavy cream for that velvety texture, a splash of chicken broth for depth, and of course, plenty of grated Parmesan cheese. This trio is what makes our sauce so dreamy.
Finishing Touches
We’ll use good old olive oil to get a beautiful sear on the chicken, and fresh parsley at the end is just perfect for a little freshness and color.
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Alright, let’s get this deliciousness made! It’s really straightforward, and the results are just *chef’s kiss*.
Preparing and Searing the Chicken
First things first, pat your chicken dry – this helps get a really nice golden-brown sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Then, heat up your olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, carefully lay in the chicken. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if you need to! Once it’s ready, take the chicken out and set it aside on a plate. That lovely browned bit left in the pan? That’s pure flavor gold!
Building the Flavorful Sauce
Now, into that same skillet, toss in your minced garlic. Sauté it for just about 30 seconds to a minute until it smells amazing – careful not to burn it! Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty bits from the bottom. Then, add your heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir and let it come to a gentle simmer. Once it’s simmering, stir in that grated Parmesan cheese until it’s all melted and the sauce starts to thicken up nicely. Taste it and add a little more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. This sauce is going to be amazing!
Combining and Finishing the Dish
Now for the best part! Return your beautifully seared chicken breasts (or thighs!) back into the skillet, nestling them right into that glorious creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes. This lets the chicken soak up all those incredible flavors and heat through perfectly. You want the sauce to coat the chicken like a velvety blanket. Just before serving, sprinkle a generous amount of fresh chopped parsley over the top. It adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness that really brightens everything up.
Tips for Perfecting Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
I’ve made this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken dozens of times, and I’ve picked up a few tricks to make sure it comes out perfectly every time. It’s all about those little details!
Achieving the Right Sauce Consistency
If your sauce seems a little too thin after adding the cream and cheese, don’t panic! Just let it simmer gently for a few extra minutes. The heat will help it thicken up beautifully. If it gets too thick, a tiny splash more chicken broth usually does the trick. Keep an eye on it!
Flavor Customization
This recipe is super forgiving, so feel free to play with the flavors! Love garlic? Add an extra clove or two. Crazy for Parmesan? Toss in a little more! You can also play with the Italian seasoning, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little warmth.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This rich and comforting chicken is so versatile! It’s fantastic with a variety of sides, depending on your mood and dietary needs. The presentation is simple but elegant, making it perfect for any occasion.
Low Carb Accompaniments
If you’re watching carbs, this Low Carb Creamy Chicken dish is a dream. Serve it over a bed of tender zucchini noodles (zoodles!) or fluffy cauliflower rice. They soak up that amazing sauce beautifully without adding extra carbs.
Traditional Pairings
For a more traditional meal, you can’t go wrong with serving this over your favorite pasta – angel hair or fettuccine are divine! Or, just grab some crusty bread for dipping into that luscious sauce. Yum!
Storage and Reheating Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, a gentle warm-up on the stovetop over low heat is best. You might want to add a tiny splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce a bit. Microwaving works too, just be sure to heat it evenly!
Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Got some lingering questions about this dreamy dish? I get it! Here are a few things people often ask me:
Can I use chicken thighs for this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe?
Oh, absolutely! While chicken breasts work fine, I really think chicken thighs are where it’s at for this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken. They stay so much more moist and tender, and they have a richer flavor that just complements the sauce perfectly. Just make sure they’re boneless and skinless, and you’re good to go!
How can I make this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe low carb?
This is one of my favorite things about this recipe – it’s so easy to make it low carb! Instead of serving it with pasta or rice, just swap it out for some zucchini noodles, also known as zoodles, or some fluffy cauliflower rice. They soak up that incredible sauce like a dream, and it keeps the dish wonderfully Low Carb and keto-friendly!
What if the sauce is too thin for my Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
No worries if your sauce isn’t thickening up as much as you’d like! The easiest fix is just to let it simmer gently for a few more minutes. As it bubbles away, the liquid will reduce, and the Parmesan will help thicken it beautifully. If it’s still a bit too thin for your liking, you can whisk together about a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry, then stir that into the simmering sauce. It’ll thicken up in no time! For more tips on cooking, you might find this guide helpful.
Nutritional Approximation for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Just a friendly heads-up, the nutritional info for this amazing Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is an estimate! Things like the exact size of your chicken pieces or how much extra Parmesan you sprinkle on top can change the numbers a bit. But generally, each serving is around 450 calories, packed with protein, and has a good amount of healthy fats from the cream and olive oil.
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken: 10 Min Prep
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A rich and comforting chicken dish with a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Cook until cheese is melted and sauce has thickened slightly.
- Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and absorb the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Chicken thighs will result in a more tender and moist dish.
- Adjust garlic and Parmesan to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Spanish-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Sugar: Approximately 3g
- Sodium: Approximately 400mg
- Fat: Approximately 30g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 15g
- Trans Fat: Approximately 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 7g
- Fiber: Approximately 1g
- Protein: Approximately 35g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 130mg
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