Imagine a restaurant-quality meal that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a luxurious culinary experience in just 30 minutes. This Chicken Breasts in Parmesan Cream recipe is your ticket to a mouthwatering dinner that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. With a golden-brown exterior, tender chicken, and a rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce, this Italian-inspired dish is about to become your new go-to recipe for elegant yet effortless dining.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator and let them rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning.
- Season both sides of chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt butter, swirling to coat the pan's surface.
- Place chicken breasts into the hot skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a warm plate, covering loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy Parmesan sauce over each piece to coat thoroughly.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let chicken rest at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent dry meat.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Browning: Use paper towels to remove moisture from chicken breasts, which helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee both safety and juiciness.
- Scrape Those Browned Bits: When making the cream sauce, be sure to scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the pan - they're packed with delicious flavor!
- Don't Rush the Sauce: Whisk the Parmesan into the cream slowly and over medium-low heat to create a smooth, luxurious sauce without breaking or becoming grainy.
- Optional Garnish: Elevate the presentation with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or extra Parmesan cheese just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 586kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 58g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 240mg
