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Juicy Baked Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce

creamy parmesan garlic chicken - featured image
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This juicy baked chicken breast with creamy Parmesan garlic sauce became my accidental signature dish. It’s the recipe I make when I want to impress someone but don’t want to stress about it, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–7 ounces each, pounded to even thickness)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (BelGioioso or Sartori recommended)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Cooked pasta (fettuccine or penne, for serving, optional)
  • Steamed broccoli or green beans (for serving, optional)
  • Crusty bread (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give it a good 15-20 minutes to get fully hot.
  2. Prep the chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound them to an even thickness—about ¾ inch thick. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in your oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers (about 2 minutes). Carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan—don’t crowd them, work in batches if needed. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
  4. Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven (or move the chicken to a baking dish if your pan isn’t oven-safe). Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it on a plate, covering loosely with foil.
  5. Start the sauce: Place the same skillet over medium heat on the stovetop. Add the butter and let it melt, scraping up all those browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  6. Build the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any remaining browned bits. Let it reduce slightly, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Keep whisking gently until the sauce is smooth and starting to thicken, about 3 minutes.
  7. Add the Parmesan: Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously. Keep whisking until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and thyme. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
  8. Bring it all together: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of each piece. Let everything heat through together for about 2 minutes.
  9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip pounding the chicken to even thickness—it ensures even cooking and juiciness. Let the chicken come to room temperature before cooking. Use a meat thermometer for perfect results; pull the chicken at 160°F as it will continue cooking to 165°F while resting. Always grate your own Parmesan cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Keep the heat low when making the cream sauce to prevent it from breaking. If the sauce separates, whisk in a splash of cold cream or milk off the heat. This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken, creamy parmesan garlic sauce, juicy chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food, low-carb, keto-friendly

Find it online: https://zestynora.com/juicy-baked-chicken-with-creamy-parmesan-garlic-sauce/