Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Recipe
As a food enthusiast and registered dietitian, I’ve had my fair share of cooking adventures. From experimenting with new flavors to reinventing classic recipes, I’m always on the lookout for that next crowd-pleaser.
Equipment
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 cup half-and-half or full-fat cream
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs or dried oregano
- 3-4 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 4 small-medium chicken breasts or 2 large halved
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup baby spinach roughly chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- First things first, prep is king in any recipe. Chop your garlic and measure out the half-and-half and cheese. I often find that prepping in advance saves a lot of time later. After all, we want this dish to shine and not rush through it.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet and sear them.
- I like to cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden and fully cooked. This not only seals in the juices but also creates a lovely crust — who doesn’t love that?
Step 3: Remove and Set Aside
- Once your chicken is cooked, it’s time to remove it from the skillet. I usually place it on a plate and cover it to keep it warm. The residual heat will continue cooking the chicken slightly, which is perfect.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
- Alright, the magic happens now! In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant — but keep an eye on it; burnt garlic is a bummer.
- Slowly pour in the half-and-half and stir to combine. As it heats, make sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all those tasty bits stuck on the pan.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Herbs
- With the sauce bubbling gently, add your Parmesan cheese and herbs. This is when the dish transforms into creamy goodness. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce begins to thicken.
- Taste it at this point and adjust the seasoning as needed — a personal favorite is a little extra ground black pepper!
Step 6: Return the Chicken to the Sauce
- Time to put the chicken back in! Place it into the sauce, letting it soak up the flavors for a couple of minutes.
- If you are using spinach or basil, add them at this point. They’ll wilt beautifully and add freshness to the dish.
Step 7: Serve Hot
- Your creamy parmesan garlic chicken is ready! Serve it right from the skillet. It pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad — the choice is yours.
Notes
To help you along the way, here are some handy tips to nail this recipe every time:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and real Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated versions for maximum flavor.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or more half-and-half to loosen it up.
- Want Extra Flavor?: Consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a couple of hours before cooking.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, don’t hesitate to add more crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce.
- Make It a Meal: Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or asparagus for color and nutrients.
Nutrition
Calories: 369kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 36gFat: 20.8gSaturated Fat: 6.7gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 441mgSugar: 3gVitamin A: 21IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 8mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!