Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (don’t be shy—garlic is the star here!)
- 1 cup heavy cream (substitute with half-and-half for a lighter sauce)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (use low sodium to control saltiness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a nutty, savory depth)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if you have it on hand)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Optional: a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. I always find this step crucial—it helps build flavor right from the start.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate, loosely covered with foil to keep warm.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. This is where your kitchen starts smelling like a dream.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—that’s pure flavor magic. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and dried thyme. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens to your liking. If you prefer a thinner sauce, just simmer a bit less.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Let everything warm together for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International