Indulge in Decadence: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Prepare to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s both luxurious and comforting – Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious creamy sauce infused with garlic and parmesan. With each bite, you’ll experience a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
Instructions:
- Season and Sear the Chicken:
- Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms:
- In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes until they are tender and golden brown. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, pepper, and salt until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken breasts and sautéed mushrooms to the skillet, coating them evenly with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
- Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for a few minutes until heated through.
- Serve the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken hot, garnished with additional grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Herbaceous Twist: Enhance the flavor of the dish by adding fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil to the creamy sauce. Simply chop the herbs finely and stir them in at the end for a burst of freshness.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Addition: For a Mediterranean twist, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. The sweet and tangy flavor of the tomatoes pairs beautifully with the richness of the sauce.
- Protein Options: If you prefer a different protein, you can easily swap the chicken breasts for boneless pork chops, thinly sliced beef, or even shrimp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein used.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken, use heavy cream instead of half and half to keep the carb count low. Omit the flour or use a low-carb thickener such as xanthan gum to thicken the sauce. Serve the dish with low-carb vegetables such as broccoli or cauliflower instead of pasta or rice.
- Low-Carb Version: Reduce the carb content of the dish by using a combination of chicken broth and water instead of heavy cream. You can also substitute the flour with almond flour or coconut flour to thicken the sauce. Serve the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb alternative to pasta.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a culinary masterpiece that delights the senses with its rich flavors and velvety texture. From the succulent chicken breasts to the creamy garlic parmesan sauce, every bite is a symphony of indulgence that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, watching your carb intake, or simply indulging in a decadent meal, this recipe offers a deliciously satisfying dining experience that’s perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and treat yourself to the ultimate comfort food delight with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken!
