Who doesn’t love the creamy, dreamy goodness of garlic butter parmesan sauce? This Creamy Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken is a rich and indulgent dish that takes chicken breasts to a whole new level of flavor. With a luscious sauce made from heavy cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of Italian seasoning, this meal is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home. Tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, drizzled with this creamy, garlicky sauce, make for a dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts: Generously season the chicken breasts on both sides with paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken and give it a beautiful color as it cooks.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet.
- Cook until golden brown: Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove and set aside: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. We’ll return it to the skillet later.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Melt the butter: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Add the creamy ingredients: Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Add the Italian seasoning and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. The sauce will begin to thicken, creating a creamy, rich consistency.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Return the chicken to the skillet: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet with the sauce. Spoon some of the creamy sauce over the chicken.
- Simmer to combine: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors and ensure it is well coated in the rich, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve this dish with your favorite side—pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Tips and Variations
- Add Vegetables: If you want to add some vegetables to the dish, try throwing in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli. These will pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking the garlic.
- Substitute Chicken: You can easily swap out the chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer a more tender, juicy cut of meat. Chicken thighs will hold up even better to the creamy sauce.
- Low-Carb Version: If you’re watching your carb intake, serve the creamy chicken over zucchini noodles or a cauliflower mash for a low-carb twist on this indulgent dish.
FAQs
Can I use grated Parmesan cheese instead of fresh?
Yes! Grated Parmesan works perfectly fine in this recipe. Freshly grated Parmesan will give you a smoother texture and a richer flavor, but pre-grated cheese can also do the job.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat the chicken and sauce gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes, this recipe works well with boneless pork chops or even turkey breasts. Just adjust the cooking times as needed for different proteins.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken is the ultimate comfort food—rich, indulgent, and packed with flavor. The tender chicken breasts, drizzled with a velvety garlic butter Parmesan sauce, create a dinner that feels special, yet it’s easy enough for any weeknight. Whether you serve it with pasta, rice, or vegetables, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire. Get ready to impress your family or guests with this simple, yet luxurious meal!