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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) All measurements in this recipe use standard cooking units. You will need: - Tablespoons (tbsp) for olive oil - Cloves for garlic - Cups for heavy cream and Parmesan cheese - Teaspoons (tsp) for garlic powder and Italian seasoning - A pinch of salt and pepper - Chicken Breasts: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best taste. - Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor. - Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a strong flavor. Use minced or finely chopped. - Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess. You can use half-and-half for a lighter option. - Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-grated. - Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. - Parsley: Adds a fresh touch. Use flat-leaf parsley for better flavor. These ingredients come together to make a simple yet delicious meal that everyone will love. Enjoy cooking! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by seasoning each chicken breast. Use salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Make sure to coat both sides well. This step adds great flavor. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown crust. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, take the chicken out and set it on a plate. In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them over medium heat for about 30 seconds. Stir often to avoid burning. The garlic should smell great but not be brown. Now, lower the heat to medium. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir constantly to mix with the garlic. Let it simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes. This helps build a rich, flavorful base. Gradually sprinkle 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into the cream. You want a smooth and creamy sauce. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Make sure they are fully coated in the creamy garlic sauce. Let everything simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through. Taste the sauce and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for color and freshness. For a nice touch, place the chicken on each plate, drizzle sauce over it, and add a sprinkle of parsley. This dish looks and tastes amazing! Pair it with steamed veggies or pasta for a full meal. To sear chicken well, start with a hot skillet. Use medium-high heat and add olive oil. The oil should shimmer, showing it’s ready. Season your chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Place the chicken in the skillet without crowding it. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes until golden brown. This step locks in the juices and gives great flavor. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe eating. You can change the flavors to fit your taste. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Want it herby? Try adding fresh thyme or basil. For a tangy twist, add a splash of lemon juice to the sauce. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed to balance the taste. Always taste your sauce before serving to ensure it’s just right for you. If your sauce seems too thin, there are easy fixes. One option is to let it simmer longer. This helps it reduce and thicken naturally. Another way is to mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water, then stir it in. Cook for a few minutes until it thickens up. You can also add more Parmesan cheese, which will help create a rich, creamy texture. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts better and enhances the creaminess of the sauce. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Ensure that you don’t overcook the chicken breasts to keep them juicy. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor. A splash of white wine can also elevate the sauce. Serve with Sides: This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables. These sides can soak up the delicious creamy sauce. {{image_4}} If you want a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Both will change the flavor slightly but still create a creamy sauce. For a tangy twist, try sour cream or Greek yogurt. Remember to add these at the end to avoid curdling. You can boost flavor and nutrition by adding vegetables. Spinach and sun-dried tomatoes blend well in this dish. Steam some broccoli or green beans as a side. They make a great match with the creamy chicken. You can also serve the chicken over pasta or rice for a filling meal. Feel free to mix up the herbs! Fresh thyme or rosemary adds a lovely taste. If you like heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders. For an Italian touch, add some basil or oregano. Experiment with flavors to make the dish your own. Don’t hesitate to adjust the garlic levels to suit your taste. After cooking, let the chicken cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you are unsure, check for any off smells or changes in texture before using. You can freeze leftover creamy garlic Parmesan chicken. First, let it cool down fully. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can store it for up to three months. Label the container with the date to keep track. To reheat the chicken, use the stovetop for best results. Place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Cook until it's heated through. Stir gently to avoid breaking the chicken apart. You can also use the microwave. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Heat in short bursts, checking often until warm. You can check the chicken's doneness by using a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white, not pink. Always check both sides to be safe. Yes, you can use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano as alternatives. Both cheeses will give a similar flavor. If you want a non-dairy option, try vegan Parmesan. Just remember that the taste may differ slightly. This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or steamed veggies. You could also serve it with a fresh salad. Garlic bread can be a tasty side too. These options will soak up the creamy sauce nicely. You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! You can cook it in advance and portion it out. Just reheat it gently before serving. The flavors will blend even more over time, making it taste even better! In this blog post, I covered essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions for making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet. I shared tips for searing chicken, adjusting flavors, and thickening sauce. You learned about variations, storage info, and frequently asked questions. As you try this recipe, remember to have fun and experiment. You can make it your own with different flavors or sides. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet

A delicious and creamy chicken dish with garlic and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning each chicken breast on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Make sure all surfaces are evenly coated for maximum flavor.
  • Sear the Chicken: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  • Make the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned (as burnt garlic can become bitter).
  • Create the Creamy Base: Lower the heat to medium, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir continuously to incorporate the garlic, allowing the mixture to gently simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This step helps develop a rich, flavorful base.
  • Add Parmesan: Gradually sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and integrates completely into the cream, forming a smooth and creamy sauce.
  • Combine Everything: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, ensuring they are fully coated in the creamy garlic sauce. Let it continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors. Taste the sauce, and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  • Garnish and Serve: Once all components are well combined and heated throughout, remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish to add a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

For an elegant presentation, serve with steamed vegetables or pasta.
Keyword chicken, creamy, garlic, parmesan, skillet