Introduction
Welcome to the world of viral culinary phenomena! While the internet offers countless recipes, a select few achieve legendary status, becoming the “Most-Pinned Recipes of All Time.” Representing this iconic category is the unparalleled **Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken**. Originating from the desire for a fast, flavorful weeknight meal, this dish exploded in popularity due to its rich, velvety sauce and tender chicken breasts. It’s comforting, incredibly easy to master, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes, making it the undeniable champion of quick comfort food on social media platforms.
Ingredients
- 4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 600g total)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil (30 ml)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter (30g)
- 6 cloves Garlic, minced (about 1 tbsp)
- 1 cup Heavy cream (240 ml)
- ½ cup Chicken broth (120 ml)
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish (50g)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (5 ml)
- ½ tsp Salt (2.5g)
- ¼ tsp Black pepper (1g)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-step Preparation
- **Prepare and Sear the Chicken:** Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter foams, add the chicken. Sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- **Build the Sauce Base:** Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Do not burn the garlic. Stir in the Italian seasoning.
- **Simmer and Thicken:** Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—these bits add tremendous flavor. Slowly pour in the heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- **Add the Parmesan:** Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened (about 2–3 minutes). Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
- **Combine and Finish:** Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Allow the chicken to warm through for 1–2 minutes. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Nutritional Information
This recipe yields 4 servings. While exact nutritional content varies based on portion size and ingredient brand, one serving is estimated to contain approximately 450–500 calories, 40g of protein, and 35g of fat. The primary health benefit of this dish is its high protein content, essential for muscle maintenance and satiety. However, due to the heavy cream and cheese, it is a rich dish best enjoyed in moderation.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it is crucial to use a gentle method to prevent the cream sauce from splitting or curdling. Reheat slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid high heat or microwaving for extended periods.
Conclusion
The Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a masterpiece of weeknight cooking—fast, satisfying, and universally loved. Serve this dish over fettuccine pasta, alongside roasted asparagus, or with a simple bed of fluffy white rice to soak up every drop of that decadent sauce. For a delicious variation, stir in a handful of fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes during step 4 to add color and complexity. Enjoy this pinned sensation!