Description
A cheap, one-person meal that uses pantry staples to create a rich, restaurant-quality creamy garlic parmesan chicken dish in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large chicken breast (approx. 6 oz / 170g)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup (80ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breast dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter, waiting until the butter stops foaming.
- Place the chicken in the pan and do not touch for 4-5 minutes to develop a golden crust.
- Flip the chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and stir for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not brown.
- Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and whisk constantly until melted and smooth.
- Return the chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over the top, and heat through for 1 minute.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper before serving immediately.
Notes
Do not use pre-grated cheese as it contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth. If too thin, simmer longer or add more cheese. Do not freeze this dish as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 16
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Protein: 35
Keywords: budget meal, cheap dinner, one person meal, creamy garlic chicken, parmesan chicken, skillet dinner, quick dinner, gluten-free