Print

Juicy Baked Chicken Breast with Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce

baked chicken breast with parmesan garlic sauce - featured image

A simple yet indulgent baked chicken breast recipe with a rich, creamy parmesan garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is budget-friendly, family-approved, and incredibly juicy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • ¾ cup (75g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Pound to an even thickness of about ¾ inch. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it shimmer. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate (chicken will not be fully cooked).
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes. Slowly add heavy cream while stirring. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Remove skillet from heat. Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan until smooth and melted.
  7. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top.
  8. Transfer skillet to preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Remove from oven, tent with aluminum foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with extra sauce.

Notes

Don’t skip the sear—it adds flavor. Grate your own Parmesan for a smooth sauce. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. For dairy-free, use full-fat canned coconut milk and dairy-free butter and Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken breast, creamy parmesan garlic sauce, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, juicy chicken