If you’re craving an irresistibly rich dinner that comes together in a flash, this Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe absolutely delivers! Tender, juicy chicken breasts nestle into a velvety Parmesan-garlic sauce, creating a skillet meal that feels both fancy and down-to-earth. Every bite bursts with savory flavor and luscious texture, making it a family favorite you’ll want to revisit week after week. Whether it’s a cozy night at home or you’re aiming to impress guests, this Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe is guaranteed to wow every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly wonderful about this recipe is its simplicity: every ingredient has a purpose, working together to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. There’s nothing complicated here—just pure, creamy comfort that comes to life with a few humble kitchen staples.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Opt for even-sized breasts for best results; these are the star of your creamy dish and soak up flavor beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon for searing; helps the chicken turn out perfectly golden and adds subtle richness.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds extra richness to the sauce and balances the garlic.
- Garlic Cloves (minced): Four cloves give the sauce an intoxicating aroma and warmth (don’t skimp here).
- Chicken Broth: This deglazes the pan, drawing out every bit of flavor and building the sauce’s deep base.
- Heavy Cream: One cup creates that luxuriously creamy texture; for a lighter dish, try half-and-half.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Half a cup melts into the sauce, providing nutty flavor and a silken finish.
- Italian Seasoning: One teaspoon ties together all the herbal notes, making the sauce sing.
- Salt: Just the right amount to bring all the flavors to life—taste and adjust as you wish.
- Black Pepper: Adds that little pop to round out the savory profile.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): For a fresh, colorful garnish that brightens the finished plate.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Season both sides of your chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. When the pan’s nice and hot, add the chicken and let it sizzle untouched for 5 to 6 minutes per side. This gives you that mouthwatering golden crust and seals in all those savory juices. Once fully cooked, move the chicken to a plate and keep it cozy while you focus on the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Garlic-Butter Base
With the chicken set aside, lower the heat to medium-low and toss in your butter. As it melts, immediately stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook for just 30 seconds, stirring constantly—this releases the garlic’s aroma without letting it burn, setting the foundation for your irresistible Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Now comes the magic. Pour in the chicken broth, using a spatula to scrape up all those flavorful golden bits from the bottom of the skillet. These little pieces ensure your sauce bursts with flavor. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Allow everything to simmer together for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens slightly and takes on a glossy sheen.
Step 4: Return the Chicken & Finish Cooking
Time to reintroduce those perfectly seared breasts back into the creamy sauce! Nestle them into the skillet and spoon some of that rich Parmesan-garlic mixture right over the top. Let it all simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the chicken is heated through and luxuriously coated. This final bath in the sauce helps each piece soak up all that creamy goodness.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Remove from heat and, if you like, sprinkle everything with fresh parsley. The green pop isn’t just for looks—it adds a subtle, clean flavor that cuts through the richness. Serve your Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe warm, ensuring every plate gets plenty of sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh chopped parsley is classic, adding herby freshness and a vibrant touch of color. You might also try a pinch of extra grated Parmesan or a dusting of cracked black pepper right before serving—each finishing flourish gives your Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe a restaurant-style feel.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken pairs beautifully with pretty much anything that loves a good sauce: think creamy mashed potatoes, tender pasta, warm rice, or even a medley of pan-roasted vegetables. The sauce brings everything together, turning even simple sides into a special experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive twist, slice the chicken breasts and fan them out on a platter, ladling the sauce over the top. Or, serve family-style straight from the skillet for a rustic, homey vibe. For date nights or dinner parties, plate the chicken atop a nest of fettuccine with a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers, store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld overnight, making the Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe even more delicious the next day. Enjoy within three days for the best result.
Freezing
While this dish is definitely best fresh, you can freeze it in a pinch. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating; note that creamy sauces may separate a little when frozen, but a gentle stir while reheating will help bring everything back together.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen up the sauce. Gently warm until hot throughout—avoid boiling, which could make the sauce grainy. The microwave also works in a pinch; just cover and use medium power.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe—just adjust cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through. You’ll get exceptionally juicy results.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter version, try half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. For dairy-free, coconut cream can work with a small flavor twist.
Does this recipe reheat well for leftovers?
Yes! This Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Store airtight, and gently reheat with a splash of extra broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Definitely. Sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes make delicious additions for extra texture and flavor. Add them right after the garlic step for best results.
How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?
The key is to sear the chicken over medium heat and pull it from the pan as soon as it’s just cooked through—usually when juices run clear or it reaches an internal temp of 165°F. It will finish cooking in the sauce as it simmers gently.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe enough—it’s simple, comforting, richly flavored, and always a hit at the table. Whip it up for dinner tonight, and don’t be surprised when it becomes your new go-to!
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Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy chicken breast recipe that’s quick and easy to make. Tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, cheesy sauce with a hint of garlic and herbs, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear in the skillet for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through. Set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, add garlic, pour in chicken broth, then add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and Simmer: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over them. Simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For a lower-fat option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Enhance with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for a satisfying meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
