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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast

Golden seared boneless chicken breasts smothered in a rich, silky garlic parmesan cream sauce made in one skillet. A restaurant-quality weeknight dinner ready in 30 minutes with simple everyday ingredients.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 490

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced in half horizontally or pounded to even thickness
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced fresh
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese grate from a block yourself for smooth melting, avoid pre-shredded
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning divided between chicken seasoning and sauce
  • salt and black pepper to taste, applied to chicken before cooking
  • fresh chopped parsley optional garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Meat mallet or heavy pan for pounding (optional)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thin cutlets, or pound to an even thickness with a meat mallet. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and a small pinch of Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side without moving, until a deep golden crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Remove from skillet and set aside. Leave drippings in the pan.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Watch closely as garlic burns quickly.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan and remaining Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over each piece. Simmer for 2 to 3 more minutes to warm through and let flavors finish coming together. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Always use freshly grated parmesan for a smooth sauce. Pre-shredded parmesan contains anti-caking agents that cause a grainy texture. Chicken thighs can be substituted for extra juiciness. To reheat, warm on low heat with a splash of cream to restore the sauce consistency. Freeze chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.