If you’re looking to elevate your Italian dinner nights, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Rich Pan Sauce Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It features tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and nestled in a luscious, cheesy garlic sauce that’s bursting with flavor. This dish is not only incredibly satisfying but also impressively simple to prepare, making it the perfect protein to serve with ravioli – turning your meal into a memorable feast that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and essential, each bringing its own magic to the dish – from seasoning that builds flavor depth to rich butter and Parmesan that make the sauce sing.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, lean and perfect for quick, even cooking.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the savory notes in the chicken and sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with subtle garlicky warmth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant blend of herbs that evoke authentic Italian flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For a beautiful brown sear on the chicken that locks in juices.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates a rich base for the pan sauce, lending a silky finish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Intensifies the garlic flavor and aromas in the pan sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and adds savory depth to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding a nutty richness and creamy texture.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, colorful garnish that brightens the dish.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Rich Pan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp sear. Season them generously and evenly on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. These simple spices create the flavor foundation for your dish and prepare the chicken to form a beautiful crust when cooked.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully add the chicken breasts and cook them for 6 to 7 minutes on each side. You want a gorgeous golden exterior and an internal temperature of 165°F, guaranteeing juicy, perfectly cooked chicken. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside – this is where the magic of the pan sauce begins.
Step 3: Make the Rich Pan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful to avoid burning the garlic. Now pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up those irresistible browned bits stuck to the pan – these bits carry incredible flavor. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Combine
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and watch it melt into the sauce, thickening it and lending a luscious creaminess. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce generously over the top to coat each piece. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Rich Pan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just a garnish here – it’s a crucial element that adds a burst of verdant, slightly peppery freshness balancing the richness of the dish. A light grate of extra Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice can also elevate the flavors beautifully right before serving.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs irresistibly with ravioli, whether cheese, spinach, or mushroom-filled. The silky texture of the pasta provides the perfect complement to the rich pan sauce. Consider serving alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad to bring brightness and contrast to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken breasts sliced over a bed of ravioli with the pan sauce drizzled generously on top for an elegant presentation. Or plate it family-style, allowing everyone to dig into a sizzling skillet straight from stove to table – warm, inviting, and bursting with aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover chicken with pan sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 3 days to maintain optimal freshness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken with sauce for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before packaging it in a freezer-safe container to preserve its taste and texture when reheated.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This keeps the chicken moist and the sauce silky – just like when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Rich Pan Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more juiciness and a slightly richer flavor, which works wonderfully with the garlic Parmesan sauce. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.
What type of Parmesan cheese works best for the sauce?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is ideal because it melts smoothly and provides optimal flavor. Pre-grated or powdered Parmesan often contains additives that can affect texture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping lunches or dinners. Just store the chicken and sauce separately from any pasta to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Can I add lemon juice to the pan sauce?
Definitely! A splash of fresh lemon juice added at the end brightens the sauce and adds a lovely balance to the richness of the Parmesan and butter.
What ravioli filling pairs best with this Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Rich Pan Sauce Recipe?
Cheese ravioli is a classic choice because it complements the creamy sauce perfectly, but spinach or mushroom ravioli also work beautifully, adding earthy or fresh flavors that balance the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Rich Pan Sauce Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to dishes for cozy nights when I want something both comforting and impressive. It’s straightforward, full of flavor, and pairs seamlessly with ravioli to make dinner feel truly special. I encourage you to try it soon and savor every luscious, garlicky bite!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Rich Pan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is a perfect protein pairing for ravioli, featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with Parmesan and fresh parsley. It’s an easy stovetop dish that elevates any ravioli meal, bringing savory richness and a delightful Italian-American flair.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning for balanced flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Create the sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned, enhancing the flavor base.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to incorporate all the tasty flavors. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce slightly thickens and becomes creamy, adding a delicious richness.
- Combine and serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spoon the garlic Parmesan sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving alongside your favorite ravioli.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts to achieve a juicier texture.
- This protein pairs especially well with cheese, spinach, or mushroom ravioli varieties.
- For added brightness, a splash of lemon juice in the sauce just before serving enhances the flavors.
