This easy garlic parmesan chicken recipe creates a creamy, one-pot wonder with tender chicken and fresh spinach in just 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests!
1. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
3. 4 cloves garlic, minced
4. 1 cup chicken broth
5. 1 cup heavy cream
6. 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
7. 2 cups fresh spinach
8. Salt and pepper to taste
9. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
10. Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
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Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Using a sharp knife, slice each breast into even-sized pieces, about 1-inch thick. Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning.
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Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the seasoned chicken pieces in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You should hear a satisfying sizzle as they hit the surface.
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Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms. Flip each piece and cook for another 3 minutes. The chicken should be nearly cooked through but not completely done. Transfer to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil.
Creating the Creamy Sauce
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Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same pan. Cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The aroma should be intoxicating as the garlic releases its essential oils.
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Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This deglazing step is crucial for developing depth of flavor in your sauce.
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Allow the broth to simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced, then slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Add the remaining Italian seasoning and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce without clumping. The sauce should begin to thicken and coat the back of a spoon.
Bringing It All Together
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Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan, nestling the pieces into the creamy sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through.
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Add the fresh spinach in batches, gently folding it into the sauce until wilted. The vibrant green leaves will dramatically reduce in volume as they cook down.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. The sauce should be rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced. Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley just before serving. The bright green garnish provides a beautiful color contrast against the creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes