Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes

Ingredients

For the chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried oregano)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

For the creamy garlic sauce

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 6–8 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or cooking cream)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
  • ½ tsp dried thyme or basil
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Optional add-ins

  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup spinach
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  • Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

2. Sear the Chicken

  • Heat olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Base

  • In the same skillet, add butter and olive oil.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly (do not let it burn).

4. Create the Creamy Sauce

  • Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
  • Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and thyme.
  • Stir well and simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Combine Everything

  • Return chicken to the skillet.
  • Spoon sauce over the chicken.
  • Simmer gently for 5 more minutes so the flavors blend.

6. Optional Add-Ins

  • Add mushrooms with the garlic step.
  • Stir in spinach at the end until wilted.

7. Finish & Serve

  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
  • Pair with steamed vegetables or garlic bread

Tips

  • For extra thick sauce, simmer longer or add more Parmesan.
  • For lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Chicken thighs give extra juiciness if preferred.