Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Chicken in Parmesan Sauce is a complete flavor experience. The creamy Parmesan sauce is both savory and slightly tangy, with a depth of flavor from the garlic and Parmesan cheese. The chicken remains juicy and tender, soaking up the sauce for a mouthwatering bite every time. It’s comforting, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Serve it with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Parmesan sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the cream to a simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard (if using), thyme, and any additional salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens and becomes smooth.
Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy Parmesan sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to soak up the flavors and ensure it’s heated through.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley (if desired) and serve the creamy chicken with pasta, rice, or your favorite roasted vegetables.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Chicken Thighs: Swap out the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, richer version.
Mushrooms: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an extra depth of flavor and texture.
Spinach or Kale: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale into the sauce for added color and nutrition.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of heat and spice.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover creamy chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: While the chicken and sauce can be frozen, the cream may slightly separate upon thawing. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to smooth out the sauce if necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce together. Freshly made chicken is always best, but leftovers are still delicious!

2. Can I use heavy whipping cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes, heavy whipping cream can be used, but it may not thicken as much as heavy cream. You might need to let it simmer a bit longer to reach the desired consistency.

3. Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese with another cheese?

Yes, you can use other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Grana Padano for a different flavor profile. However, Parmesan adds a distinct nutty flavor that pairs best with the sauce.

4. Can I use a different protein?

Yes! You can substitute the chicken with turkey breasts, pork chops, or even pan-seared tofu for a vegetarian option.

5. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.

6. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check that the Dijon mustard and other ingredients are gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat.

7. How can I make this sauce thicker?

If you want the sauce thicker, let it simmer for a little longer, or add an extra tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to help it thicken.

8. How do I serve this dish?

Creamy Chicken in Parmesan Sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a simple green salad for a complete meal.

9. Can I use a different kind of mustard?

Yes, if you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or whole grain mustard, though Dijon will give the sauce a slightly more refined flavor.

10. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, use a non-dairy cream (like coconut cream) and a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken in Parmesan Sauce is a decadent and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy, cheesy sauce is rich and flavorful, and it pairs beautifully with tender chicken breasts. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is quick, easy, and sure to satisfy. Serve it with your favorite sides for a delicious meal that’s both indulgent and comforting.

Creamy Chicken in Parmesan Sauce

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Creamy Chicken in Parmesan Sauce combines juicy chicken breasts with a rich, velvety Parmesan sauce made with cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This indulgent dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: Italian

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Parmesan sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Stir in Parmesan, Dijon mustard (if using), thyme, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens and becomes smooth.
Combine chicken and sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over it. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through and let the flavors meld.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

To thicken the sauce, let it simmer for longer or add more Parmesan cheese.
For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives.
This dish is naturally gluten-free but check the Dijon mustard for any gluten content.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Calories: 480
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 42g
Cholesterol: 130mg