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This garlic Parmesan chicken delivers a rich, creamy sauce infused with fresh garlic, freshly shredded Parmesan, and a delicate white wine reduction. It cooks quickly, making an elegant yet comforting dinner perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. I love serving it with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables that soak up every bit of the luscious sauce.
I first made this on a chilly autumn night and my family fell in love immediately. Now it’s a go to dish they ask for whenever I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: tender and juicy choose boneless and skinless for even cooking
- Garlic: fresh cloves are key for bright and aromatic flavor avoid preminced jars for best taste
- Parmesan cheese: freshly shredded from a block ensures smooth melting and richer flavor
- White wine: a dry white such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc adds acidity and depth chicken broth can be substituted
- Butter: enriches the sauce and helps create the roux for a creamy consistency
- Flour: thickens the sauce to a velvety texture
- Lemon juice: fresh squeezed brightens flavors and balances richness
- Salt and pepper: essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce use freshly ground for best effect
- Fresh parsley: adds a pop of color and a herbaceous note at the end
Instructions
- Sear the chicken:
- Heat a wide 12inch skillet over mediumhigh heat and add a little oil. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Cook for about five to six minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and tent with foil to keep warm. This locks in the juices and develops flavor.
- Deglaze the skillet with wine:
- Lower heat to medium and pour white wine into the pan. Scrape the browned bits from the bottom while simmering until the wine reduces by half. This concentrates flavor and forms the base of your sauce.
- Make the roux:
- Stir in butter until melted. Sprinkle flour over the melted butter and whisk constantly for one to two minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This creates a thick paste essential for smooth sauce texture.
- Add sauce and garlic:
- Gradually add small splashes of the wine reduction into the roux whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring sauce to a gentle boil then reduce to a simmer. Stir in finely minced garlic so it infuses without burning.
- Finish the sauce:
- Add freshly grated Parmesan and freshly squeezed lemon juice while stirring constantly until cheese melts and sauce becomes silky. Return chicken to skillet nestling it into the sauce and spoon sauce over to warm through for two to three minutes.
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and add extra lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides to soak up the luscious sauce.
This recipe reminds me of cozy family dinners where everyone lingered at the table savoring the sauce and complimenting the perfect blend of garlic cheese and tangy lemon.
Storage Tips
Cool chicken and sauce completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate up to three days or freeze up to three months. Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
Ingredient Substitutions
If white wine is not available use lowsodium chicken broth with a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for acidity. Butter can be replaced with olive oil for a dairyfree version though butter adds richer flavor. Parmesan can be swapped with Pecorino Romano for a sharper saltier taste but fresh grating is still important. Use garlic powder only as a last resort fresh garlic cloves provide the brightest most authentic flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles that soak up the sauce. Roasted asparagus green beans or broccoli offer a contrasting crunch. Garlic bread with cheese makes a perfect indulgent companion to mop up every last bit of sauce.
This recipe never fails to impress friends and family alike. Keep in mind fresh ingredients and gentle cooking of the garlic make all the difference between good and unforgettable.
FAQs About This Recipe
- → What cheese works best for this dish?
Freshly shredded Parmesan from a block melts smoothly and provides a richer, more authentic flavor than pre-shredded versions.
- → Can I substitute the white wine in the sauce?
Dry white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc create the best reduction, but chicken broth is a good non-alcoholic alternative.
- → How is the creamy sauce texture achieved?
A roux made from butter and flour helps thicken the sauce, resulting in a smooth, rich consistency once combined with the garlic and cheese.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or garlic buttered noodles complement the flavors and soak up the sauce nicely.
- → Can this preparation be used with other proteins?
Yes, pork chops or other meats can be cooked using the same sauce and seasoning for an equally delicious result.