Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Chicken Breasts (600g / 1.3lb, skinless, boneless): Use breasts of similar size for even cooking.; Kosher Salt (5g / 1 tsp): Preferred for its clean flavor.; Black Pepper (2.5g / ½ tsp, freshly ground): Provides robust flavor.; Smoked Paprika (5g / 1 tsp): Adds smoky depth.; Garlic (12g, ≈4 cloves, minced): Essential for classic garlic flavor.; Olive Oil (30ml / 2 tbsp, extra virgin): Ideal for searing.; Butter (28g / 2 tbsp, unsalted): Adds richness; control saltiness.; All-Purpose Flour (16g / 2 tbsp): Thickens the sauce.; Vegetable Broth (240ml / 1 cup, low-sodium): Provides savory base.; Heavy Cream (120ml / ½ cup): Key to creamy texture.; Parmesan Cheese (75g / ¾ cup, freshly grated): Crucial for flavor and melting.; Parsley (8g / 2 tbsp, chopped): Adds color and freshness.; Pine Nuts (8g / 1 tbsp, toasted): Provides crunch and nutty flavor.; Lemon Zest (optional, ½ lemon): Brightens the dish.

Description

This recipe creates a restaurant-quality Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast with tender, juicy chicken smothered in a luscious garlic-Parmesan sauce. It’s a comforting and elegant meal perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Chicken Breasts (600g / 1.3lb, skinless, boneless): Use breasts of similar size for even cooking.
Kosher Salt (5g / 1 tsp): Preferred for its clean flavor.
Black Pepper (2.5g / ½ tsp, freshly ground): Provides robust flavor.
Smoked Paprika (5g / 1 tsp): Adds smoky depth.
Garlic (12g, ≈4 cloves, minced): Essential for classic garlic flavor.
Olive Oil (30ml / 2 tbsp, extra virgin): Ideal for searing.
Butter (28g / 2 tbsp, unsalted): Adds richness; control saltiness.
All-Purpose Flour (16g / 2 tbsp): Thickens the sauce.
Vegetable Broth (240ml / 1 cup, low-sodium): Provides savory base.
Heavy Cream (120ml / ½ cup): Key to creamy texture.
Parmesan Cheese (75g / ¾ cup, freshly grated): Crucial for flavor and melting.
Parsley (8g / 2 tbsp, chopped): Adds color and freshness.
Pine Nuts (8g / 1 tbsp, toasted): Provides crunch and nutty flavor.
Lemon Zest (optional, ½ lemon): Brightens the dish.

Instructions

Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sear Chicken: Sear chicken in hot oil for 4-5 minutes per side, then rest.
Sauté Garlic: Melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Create Roux: Whisk in flour for 1 minute to create a roux.
Build Sauce: Gradually whisk in broth, scraping up browned bits.
Add Cream & Parmesan: Stir in cream and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
Simmer Chicken: Return chicken to skillet, coat with sauce, and simmer until cooked through.
Serve & Garnish: Slice chicken, spoon sauce over, and garnish with parsley and pine nuts.

Notes

Using freshly grated Parmesan is crucial for the best flavor and melting properties. Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Poultry
Method: Sear
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 300 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 100 mg

Keywords: chicken,parmesan,garlic,creamy,dinner,easy,weeknight,italian