If you're someone who loves to cook but feels intimidated by complex recipes, you're in for a treat! This easy, delicious chicken recipe is perfect for home chefs of all skill levels. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or a dinner party, this dish not only delivers on flavor but also on simplicity. Let's dive into how to make your kitchen smell and feel like a five-star restaurant with minimal effort.
Ingredients
To get started, you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1⁄2 cup chicken broth
- 1⁄2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1⁄4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on one side, about 6-7 minutes.
Step 2: Making the Sauce
Once the chicken is halfway cooked:
- Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Add garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits.
- Reduce heat to medium, then stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
💡 Note: Simmering instead of boiling ensures the sauce thickens without breaking.
Step 3: Finishing Touches
- Sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the chicken, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
- Cook for 2-3 more minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Nutritional Information
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 350 | 45g | 20g | 4g |
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few ideas to make your chicken dish even more memorable:
- Serve over a bed of pasta, with the sauce acting as a topping.
- Pair with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Accompany with steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.
With these steps, even a novice in the kitchen can whip up a meal that will impress. This recipe's beauty lies in its simplicity, allowing the flavors to shine through. The key takeaways are to use quality ingredients, not to overcomplicate the cooking process, and to let the natural flavors meld together. This dish proves that delicious doesn't need to be difficult.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
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Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be a great substitute. Keep in mind they might take a bit longer to cook due to the bone-in version, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
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For a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or a mixture of milk and cornstarch to thicken. These alternatives will change the flavor slightly but can work well.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
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This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. Always check labels to be safe!
