Ingredients
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients, especially when it comes to quality Parmesan and fresh garlic. I always recommend picking Parmesan that’s freshly grated rather than pre-shredded for better melt and flavor. When it comes to chicken, I prefer organic, free-range breasts for their texture and taste, but feel free to use what’s available to you. The creaminess comes from a mix of heavy cream and a touch of butter, which I’ve found really balances the sharpness of the cheese and garlic.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Substitution: For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a warm plate. Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet.
- Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant — be careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the heavy cream and whisk in the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
- Return the chicken breasts to the pan, spooning the sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for 2 minutes so the chicken soaks up the flavour.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a touch of colour and brightness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
