Garlic Parmesan Chicken: A Creamy, Flavorful Chicken Dish

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a savory, creamy dish bursting with bold flavors. With perfectly seared chicken breasts, a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce, and a touch of fresh lemon juice, this dish elevates weeknight dinners to gourmet status. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and sophisticated flavors, served alongside mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this dish will impress with its restaurant-quality taste and ease of preparation.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ½ chicken bouillon cube
• ½ teaspoon EACH: onion powder, oregano, basil, parsley

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 teaspoons parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¾ cup dry white wine
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a large measuring cup or bowl, combine the chicken broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, honey, bouillon cube, onion powder, oregano, basil, and parsley. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 2-3 thinner pieces. Cover the chicken with plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to pound it to ½ inch thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and parsley.
3. Sear the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes on each side, until a golden-brown crust forms. Cook in batches if necessary. Once done, set the chicken aside.
4. Deglaze the Pan:
   Turn off the heat and pour in the white wine. Turn the heat back to medium, using a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom of the skillet and incorporate the browned bits (fond) into the liquid. This adds extra flavor to the sauce. Allow the wine to reduce for 2 minutes.
5. Make the Sauce Base:
   Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the liquid has reduced by half. Stir in the butter and flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
6. Finish the Sauce:
   Gradually add the sauce mixture (prepared in step 1) in small amounts, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let the sauce thicken for about 8 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and slowly sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously. Add the lemon juice and stir until well incorporated.
7. Combine and Serve:
   Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes or until fully heated through. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Tips

• Wine Substitute: If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth or even apple cider vinegar diluted with water.
• Pound the Chicken: Make sure to pound the chicken breasts evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate and develop a uniform crust.
• Grate Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds richer flavor than pre-grated varieties.
• Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce properly for the best texture and flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken provides a balanced source of protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the olive oil and cream. Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties, while Parmesan cheese offers calcium and protein. The use of herbs like oregano and basil provides antioxidants, making this a flavorful and nutritious meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-Quality Taste: The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and lemon gives this dish a gourmet flavor that you’ll love sharing with others.
• Quick and Easy: Despite its sophisticated taste, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Side Options: Pair it with mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables – the sauce complements a variety of sides.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes, such as adding more garlic or using different herbs for a unique twist.

Dietary Information

• Protein-Rich: This recipe provides a substantial amount of protein thanks to the chicken breast and Parmesan.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make it gluten-free, you can substitute the flour with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour or cornstarch.
• Low-Carb: If you’re following a low-carb diet, this dish is already low in carbohydrates, especially when paired with keto-friendly sides like cauliflower mash.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe’s success lies in the layering of flavors. Searing the chicken first locks in moisture while developing a flavorful crust. Deglazing the pan with white wine incorporates the browned bits (fond) from the chicken, adding depth to the sauce. Fresh garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese come together to create a creamy, savory sauce that clings to the chicken. The touch of lemon juice brightens the dish, balancing out the richness. Each element of the dish builds on the last to create a well-rounded, flavorful meal that’s hard to resist.

Conclusion

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the perfect dish when you’re looking for something comforting, flavorful, and easy to prepare. The combination of seared chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and fresh garlic creates an unforgettable meal that will quickly become a household favorite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish delivers a satisfying, gourmet experience in every bite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be customized based on your personal preferences. Bon appétit!

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