Description
A rich, garlicky, and forgiving weeknight dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes using simple pantry ingredients. This one-pan recipe features seared chicken breasts in a smooth, creamy parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680g)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper (generous amounts)
- 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- ½ cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream (full-fat)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If thick, pound to an even ½-inch thickness.
- Season chicken generously on both sides with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until foamy.
- Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook 3-4 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil. Do not wash the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic to the skillet and stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove pan from heat. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Let sit for 1 minute to warm through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Pound chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking. Do not burn the garlic as it becomes bitter. Always remove pan from heat before adding cheese to prevent graininess. Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels. This recipe does not freeze well due to the dairy sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: creamy garlic butter chicken, 20 minute dinner, one pan chicken, easy weeknight meals, garlic chicken, parmesan sauce, quick dinner recipes