When you need a delicious homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, this easy chicken recipe is the perfect choice. Tender, juicy chicken is seasoned with flavorful spices, pan-seared until beautifully golden, and finished with a rich, savory sauce. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but tasty enough to feel like a special meal.
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are very thick, carefully slice them horizontally or pound them to an even thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy.
2. Season generously
In a small bowl, combine paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
3. Heat the pan
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat for about 1 minute.
4. Sear the chicken
Place the seasoned chicken in the hot skillet. Cook for approximately 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
5. Remove and rest
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and loosely cover it with foil. Let it rest while you prepare the sauce. Resting helps keep the chicken moist and tender.
6. Make the garlic butter base
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn.
7. Create the sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These flavorful bits add extra depth to the sauce.
Add the heavy cream and stir well. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for 2–3 minutes.
8. Add Parmesan
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Add red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
9. Return the chicken to the pan
Place the chicken back into the skillet and spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors.
10. Finish with lemon and parsley
Turn off the heat. Add a small squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken. The lemon adds brightness and balances the creamy sauce.
🍽️ How to Serve
Serve this chicken hot with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed rice
- Buttered pasta
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Fresh green salad
💡 Easy Tips for Perfect Chicken
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.
- Use chicken breasts of similar thickness so they cook evenly.
- Don’t cut into the chicken immediately after cooking—let it rest first.
- Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer rather than boiling it.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with the seasoning for 15–30 minutes before cooking.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy chicken dinner combines juicy, seasoned chicken with a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, making it a comforting meal that’s quick enough for busy evenings. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and minimal cleanup, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular dinner rotation.
Save this recipe for your next busy weeknight and enjoy a restaurant-style chicken dinner made right at home!
