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Cozy Baked Chicken Breast with Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce

creamy parmesan garlic chicken - featured image
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This cozy baked chicken breast with creamy Parmesan garlic sauce is the perfect comfort meal. Juicy chicken breasts are seared and baked in a rich, velvety sauce made with garlic, cream, and Parmesan, ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170g each)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Pound the chicken to even thickness: Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to about ½-inch (1.25 cm) thickness.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  4. Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once it melts, add the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Add the cream and cheese: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and dried thyme, and stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If using, add the red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Return the chicken to the skillet: Nestle the seared chicken breasts into the sauce, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
  7. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The sauce will thicken slightly as it bakes.
  8. Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Don’t skip searing the chicken—it adds flavor and helps keep the chicken juicy. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices. The sauce can be thickened by simmering longer or adding a cornstarch slurry.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken, creamy Parmesan garlic sauce, easy chicken recipe, comfort food, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/cozy-baked-chicken-breast-with-creamy-parmesan-garlic-sauce/