Name: Crispy Pan-Seared Chicken with Dreamy Garlic Cream Sauce
Prep time: PT15 minutesM
Cook time: PT20 minutesM
Total time: PT35 minutesM
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally to make 4 thinner cutlets; 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Experience Weeknight Dinner Perfection!

Unlock the secret to an incredibly satisfying meal with our Crispy Chicken with Dreamy Garlic Cream Sauce. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors in a fraction of the time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Succulent chicken breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection, creating a wonderfully crisp exterior. Then, they’re bathed in a rich, aromatic garlic cream sauce that’s truly dreamy, transforming your dinner into something special with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chicken Recipe

Imagine biting into perfectly seared chicken – golden, crispy skin giving way to tender, juicy meat. Now, envision that chicken draped in a velvety, rich garlic cream sauce that tantalizes your taste buds with every spoonful. That’s exactly what you get with this recipe!

It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, relying on common pantry staples. This dish offers a fantastic balance of textures and flavors, making it a go-to for both quick family meals and impressive dinner parties. You won’t believe how easy it is to create something so utterly delicious.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need:

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless for quick cooking.
Heavy Cream: Essential for that luxurious, dreamy sauce.
Fresh Garlic: The heart of our aromatic cream sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami depth.
Chicken Broth: Helps build the sauce base.
Butter & Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to perfection.

Prepare the Chicken: Halve each chicken breast horizontally to create 4 thinner cutlets. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and sizzling. Place the chicken cutlets in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 4-6 minutes per side, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Sauté the Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet (no need to clean it; the browned bits add flavor). Sauté for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.

Ensure your chicken breasts are patted thoroughly dry before searing for maximum crispiness. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if necessary. When adding cream, keep the heat low to prevent curdling. Freshly grated Parmesan melts best for a smooth sauce.

Pro Tips for Perfection

Achieving Crispy Chicken:

Always pat your chicken breasts very dry with paper towels before seasoning and searing. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Use a combination of olive oil and butter for searing; the oil has a higher smoke point, while butter adds flavor and helps with browning. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this lowers the temperature and steams the chicken instead of searing it.

Making the Dreamy Garlic Cream Sauce:

When adding the heavy cream, keep the heat at medium-low. High heat can cause cream sauces to curdle. Stir frequently as the sauce simmers to prevent it from sticking and to ensure it thickens evenly. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts much smoother than pre-shredded varieties, resulting in a silkier sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Crispy Chicken with Dreamy Garlic Cream Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for upgto 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

Delicious Variations to Try

Add Vegetables: Sauté mushrooms, spinach, or asparagus with the garlic before adding the broth and cream for added nutrients and flavor.
Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic can add a subtle kick.
Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a varied aromatic profile.
Pasta Perfection: Toss the finished chicken and sauce with your favorite pasta for a complete meal.
Lemon Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten the entire dish.

Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken slightly.

Finish the Sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is fully melted and incorporated, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Combine and Serve: Return the seared chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the dreamy garlic cream sauce. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.