Tender Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breasts (Print Version)

Tender, juicy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast recipe. Quick to make, it's a comforting weeknight meal with a rich, flavorful sauce.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Gluten-Free (if broth is GF)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Players

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total, 1-inch thick)
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil, divided

→ Sauce Stars

03 - 4-6 cloves garlic, minced (or more, I'm not judging!)
04 - 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
05 - 1 cup heavy cream
06 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Flavor Boosters

07 - Salt, to taste
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

09 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those chicken breasts ready. Pat them really, really dry with paper towels. This is a non-negotiable step for that beautiful sear, trust me. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. I sometimes add a pinch of garlic powder here too, just because. You want to see that seasoning clinging to the chicken, promising flavor. This is where I always double-check I haven't missed a spot.
02 - Heat a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if you need to. Let them sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You're looking for that gorgeous crust! This step fills the kitchen with such a comforting smell, honestly, it's the best. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside; don't worry if it's not piping hot, it'll go back in later.
03 - Reduce the heat to medium. Add another splash of olive oil if the pan looks dry. Toss in all that glorious minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it's fragrant but not browned. Oh, that smell! It's the best part of making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast. Burnt garlic is a tragedy, so keep an eye on it here. This is where the foundation of our amazing sauce truly begins.
04 - Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Those bits are pure flavor! Let it simmer for a minute, then stir in the heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. This is where the sauce really comes together, getting all thick and luscious. I sometimes add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes here for a little warmth, just a personal preference.
05 - Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce here! Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Sometimes I feel like it needs a little more, sometimes less. It’s your kitchen, your rules! The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon beautifully. If it's too thick, add a splash more broth.
06 - Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Let them simmer gently for another 1-2 minutes, just to warm through and let those flavors meld. Garnish generously with fresh parsley. The vibrant green against the creamy sauce is just stunning, and that fresh aroma is everything. Serve immediately! This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast is truly a dish that makes you feel good from the first bite.

# Notes:

01 - Always sear your chicken well for that golden crust; it locks in so much flavor, trust me on this.
02 - Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container for up to 3 days, though the sauce might thicken a bit.
03 - No heavy cream? Half-and-half works, or even milk with a little cornstarch slurry for thickness.
04 - Serve this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast with crusty bread to sop up every bit of that amazing sauce.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet (cast iron preferred)
02 - wooden spoon
03 - cutting board
04 - sharp knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 Calories
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 5g
Protein: 40g

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