Chicken with Parmesan Sauce

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare yet packed with taste, Chicken with Parmesan Sauce is the recipe you need. This dish features tender, perfectly cooked chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, savory Parmesan sauce made with garlic, heavy cream, and chicken broth. The richness of the sauce is balanced by the sharpness of Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. Whether served over pasta, rice, or a side of vegetables, this dish is guaranteed to become a household favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights or an easy weekend dinner, Chicken with Parmesan Sauce delivers on both taste and convenience. It’s also a versatile recipe, allowing you to switch up the seasonings or add extra ingredients for even more depth of flavor. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to make, meaning you can enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home in just under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy Sauce

The Parmesan cheese combined with heavy cream creates a rich, indulgent sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over chicken, pasta, or rice.

2. Quick and Easy

With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of 20 minutes, this recipe is quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for a special meal.

3. Flavorful

The combination of garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan gives this dish a bold, savory flavor profile that everyone will love.

4. Versatile

You can serve the chicken with Parmesan sauce over various bases like pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, making it adaptable to your preference.

5. Simple Ingredients

This recipe uses pantry staples and easy-to-find ingredients, making it both accessible and affordable.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Variations

• Add Vegetables: For extra flavor and nutrition, add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Use Different Cheese: If you don’t have Parmesan, try using Romano or Asiago cheese for a similar sharp, tangy flavor.
• Make it Low-Carb: Serve the chicken with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to keep the dish low-carb.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides to add flavor to the chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, add the grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir the mixture and bring it to a simmer, cooking until the sauce thickens, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken in Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened, return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Serve the chicken with the Parmesan sauce over a bed of pasta, rice, or vegetables. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken tender and juicy, avoid overcooking it. You can check its internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Flavor Enhancers: For a deeper flavor, add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will give the sauce a more vibrant, robust flavor than pre-minced garlic.

How to Serve

This creamy Chicken with Parmesan Sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over pasta, rice, or even a bed of sautéed greens like spinach. You can also serve it alongside mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Don’t forget to serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Chicken with Parmesan Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra cream or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Freezing

While the chicken can be frozen, the cream-based sauce may not maintain its texture as well after freezing and reheating. If you plan to freeze it, store the chicken and sauce separately and add fresh cream when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a pan over low heat and stir frequently. Add a splash of cream or broth if necessary to thin out the sauce as it reheats.

FAQs

1. Can I use skin-on chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts if you prefer, but make sure to cook them longer to ensure the skin is crispy and the meat is cooked through.

2. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, half-and-half can be used as a lighter substitute for heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be as thick and rich.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the chicken can be cooked ahead of time, it’s best to prepare the sauce fresh to preserve its creamy texture.

4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs would work just as well in this recipe. They will have a slightly richer flavor and stay moist when cooked.

5. Can I make the sauce without chicken broth?

Yes, you can make the sauce with just heavy cream and Parmesan, but the chicken broth helps add depth and balance to the flavor.

6. Can I add more vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to the sauce can enhance the dish’s flavor and make it even heartier.

7. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure there is no pink inside.

8. Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

While fresh grated Parmesan cheese offers the best flavor, you can use pre-grated cheese if that’s what you have on hand.

9. Can I serve this dish with something other than pasta or rice?

Yes, this chicken is great with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a simple green salad.

10. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you’d like the sauce to be thicker, you can simmer it for a few extra minutes to reduce it further, or add a small amount of cornstarch dissolved in water.

Conclusion

Chicken with Parmesan Sauce is an easy, flavorful dish that brings together the creamy richness of Parmesan, the savoriness of garlic and Italian seasoning, and perfectly cooked chicken. It’s quick enough to make on a busy night but elegant enough to impress guests at a dinner party. Whether served over pasta, rice, or vegetables, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for a delicious, creamy, and comforting meal.

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