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### **Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken**:
– Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. If you want a more crispy texture on the outside, you can also lightly dredge the chicken breasts in flour (optional). This will create a slight crust when cooked.
2. **Sear the Chicken**:
– Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. **Make the Sauce**:
– In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
– Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
– Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning (if using), and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
4. **Combine Chicken and Sauce**:
– Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the chicken. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 5-7 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors and heat through.
– If desired, add fresh spinach or vegetables to the skillet in the final few minutes of cooking to add more color and flavor.
5. **Serve**:
– Serve the creamy garlic parmesan chicken over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan for added flavor.
– This dish is rich, so a simple side salad or steamed vegetables make the perfect accompaniment.
### **Why This Dish Is Addictive**
– **The Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce**: The sauce is the star of the show, with the combination of cream, garlic, and parmesan creating a rich, savory flavor profile. The garlic adds a punch of aromatic heat, while the parmesan gives the sauce depth and umami.
– **Tender Chicken**: Cooking the chicken breasts in the creamy sauce allows them to absorb all the flavors, making the chicken exceptionally tender and juicy.
– **Versatility**: You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can even make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
– **Comforting and Satisfying**: The rich, creamy sauce coats everything it touches, making each bite feel indulgent and comforting. Whether served over pasta, rice, or potatoes, this dish is hearty and satisfying.
### **Variations of the Recipe**
If you’re looking to mix things up and make this dish your own, here are a few variations that you can try:
1. **Chicken Parmesan Style**: After searing the chicken breasts, top them with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Place the skillet in the oven to melt the cheese and finish cooking the chicken. Serve with spaghetti for a twist on classic chicken parmesan.
2. **Mushroom Garlic Parmesan Chicken**: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for a deeper, earthier flavor. Mushrooms pair beautifully with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce and add a savory, meaty texture.
3. **Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken**: If you love heat, try adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick that complements the richness of the cream and cheese.
4. **Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken**: For a fresher, zesty twist, add some lemon juice and lemon zest to the sauce. The acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness of the sauce, giving the dish a vibrant flavor.
5. **Slow Cooker Version**: For a hands-off version of this dish, you can make it in the slow cooker. Simply place the chicken breasts, broth, cream, garlic, and seasonings in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the parmesan cheese toward the end of cooking and let it melt into the sauce.
## **Conclusion**
**Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken** is one of those dishes that becomes a family favorite after the first bite. With its rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and irresistible flavor, it’s no wonder my husband is beyond addicted to it. It’s a meal that is easy to prepare, comforting to eat, and sure to please anyone at the dinner table.
Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Its addictiveness lies in its flavor, versatility, and the satisfaction it brings to every bite. Try it out for yourself and see just how quickly it can become a beloved favorite in your household too!
