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Creamy garlic parmesan chicken skillet with rich sauce

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet

Craving restaurant flavor without the restaurant bill? This creamy garlic parmesan chicken skillet delivers: golden, juicy chicken breasts nestled in a rich, velvety garlic-parmesan cream sauce, all made in one pan in about 30 minutes. It's the kind of comforting weeknight dinner that makes everyone ask for seconds — and the recipe is simple enough to memorize after one try.
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Total Time 30 minutes
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lbs), pounded to even thickness
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, to brighten)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt, the pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Sear: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken 5-6 minutes per side until deeply golden and cooked through (165°F internal). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  3. Sauté the garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and the garlic; cook 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Make a roux: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and stir 1 minute — this thickens the sauce so it coats beautifully.
  5. Build the sauce: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the pan. Whisk in the heavy cream and simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Add the parmesan: Reduce heat to low and stir in the parmesan a handful at a time until melted and smooth. Stir in the lemon juice if using, and season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste.
  7. Finish: Return the chicken (and any juices) to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top and simmer 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  8. Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan. Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
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