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Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts

Creamy baked chicken breasts in skillet with garlic Parmesan sauce and fresh parsley garnish

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Tender, juicy chicken breasts baked in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Easy one-pan weeknight dinner ready in 35 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170g each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of thyme, rosemary, and oregano)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on both sides.
  3. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and dried Italian herbs until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over each piece.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking. If very thick, pound them to an even thickness.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has superior flavor compared to pre-grated.
  • Don’t skip the searing step as it locks in moisture and adds flavor.
  • The sauce will thicken as it cools. Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating.
  • For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce in Step 5.

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