🍗 Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)

Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

Cream Sauce:

• 4–5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup chicken broth

• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare Chicken

• Pat chicken dry.

• Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

2️⃣ Sear Chicken

• Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown.

• Remove from pan and set aside (it will finish cooking in sauce).

3️⃣ Make the Sauce

• In the same pan, lower heat to medium.

• Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds (don’t burn).

• Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits.

• Stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.

• Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

• Add Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth.

4️⃣ Finish Cooking

• Return chicken to the skillet.

• Spoon sauce over top.

• Cover and simmer 5–7 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally.

5️⃣ Garnish & Serve

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

• Serve hot over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

🍽 Serving Ideas

• Fettuccine or linguine

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Steamed broccoli or asparagus

• Crusty bread for dipping

❓ Q & A

❓ Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner. For best results, use half-and-half or add 1 tbsp flour to thicken.

❓ Why is my sauce grainy?

Pre-shredded Parmesan doesn’t melt smoothly. Use freshly grated Parmesan.

❓ Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes! Boneless thighs work great and stay juicy.

❓ How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer longer, or mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir in.

❓ Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Add:

• Spinach (last 2 minutes)

• Mushrooms (cook after searing chicken)

• Sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor

❓ Storage?

• Fridge: 3–4 days airtight

• Reheat gently on stove with a splash of cream or broth