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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast

A rich, savory pan-seared chicken dish finished in a silky garlic-parmesan cream sauce, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying as a weeknight meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each) Pat dry for proper searing.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken stock Split into 1/2 cup for deglazing and 1/2 cup for sauce.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Bring close by before starting.
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Plus extra for serving.
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley For garnish.
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes Optional for a touch of heat.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Searing the Chicken
  1. Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter foams.
  2. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot pan and sear, undisturbed, for 4-5 minutes per side until golden.
  3. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
Building the Sauce
  1. Reduce heat to medium and add garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Deglaze with 1/2 cup chicken stock, scraping up browned bits.
  3. Add remaining chicken stock and heavy cream, stirring to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Whisk in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth, then season with Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combining Chicken and Sauce
  1. Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning sauce over each breast.
  2. Cover and simmer on low for 6-8 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 155-160°F.
Finishing the Dish
  1. Remove chicken, turn off the heat, and finish the sauce with chopped parsley.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. If a thinner sauce is desired, stir in a splash more chicken stock; for thicker, reduce uncovered for 1-2 minutes.
Serving
  1. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
  2. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley.

Notes

For a low-carb option, serve over steamed broccoli or zoodles. Make-ahead by preparing the sauce in advance and reheating gently.