Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

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This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken is a mouth-watering, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for a family dinner. It features crispy breaded chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Whether you’re gluten-free or just looking for a comfort food twist, this recipe delivers big on taste and satisfaction.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if preferred)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ cup almond flour (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil for frying)

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter (or ghee for dairy-free)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better while cooking.
Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Set up a breading station:
- In one shallow bowl, combine almond flour (or gluten-free breadcrumbs) and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
Dredge each chicken breast in the egg mixture, then coat evenly with the almond flour/Parmesan mixture. Gently press to make sure the coating sticks well.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil (or avocado oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but make sure not to brown the garlic.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the remaining Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue to stir and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce generously over the top of the chicken.
Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken over steamed vegetables like broccoli, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Pair it with mashed potatoes or gluten-free pasta for a heartier meal.
Add a side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.

Tips for Success:

Gluten-Free Breading Tip: If you can’t find gluten-free breadcrumbs, you can make your own by pulsing gluten-free crackers or stale gluten-free bread in a food processor.
Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with ghee or olive oil, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and opt for nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, do so gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out the chicken.

Q&A About Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Yes, you can absolutely use chicken thighs instead of breasts. They are a bit juicier and might need a slightly longer cooking time, but they will still turn out delicious.

Q2: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A2: Yes! Substitute the butter with ghee or olive oil, use coconut cream in place of heavy cream, and swap out Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Q3: Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of almond flour?
A3: Yes, if you’re not concerned with keeping it gluten-free, you can use regular breadcrumbs instead of almond flour. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still work well.

Q4: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A4: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer to reduce and thicken. You can also add a small amount of cream cheese or a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) to help thicken it further.