Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Introduction: If you're looking for a dish that's rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, look no further than this creamy garlic parmesan chicken. The tender chicken breasts are cooked to perfection in a savory, creamy sauce made from garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of cream. It's an easy yet decadent meal that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will surely impress.

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)
Directions:

Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and begins to bubble, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a little bit of chicken broth or water.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Let them simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.