Creamy Parmesan Chicken (Printable Version)

Crispy parmesan-crusted chicken with smooth garlic sauce, great over pasta or potatoes for a cozy meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, uniform thickness
02 - Salt, to taste
03 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Sauce

04 - 30 ml extra virgin olive oil
05 - 3 whole garlic cloves, finely chopped
06 - 200 ml full-fat cream
07 - 60 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1 tsp mixed dried herbs (preferably with rosemary)
09 - 50 g fresh spinach leaves (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, pressing the seasoning gently into the meat.
02 - Preheat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering but not smoking.
03 - Place chicken breasts in the hot oil without crowding the pan. Cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes until the underside forms a golden, crispy crust.
04 - Carefully turn the chicken breasts using tongs to preserve the crust. Continue cooking for another 5 to 6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
05 - Transfer chicken onto a plate and let it rest while preparing the sauce. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring tender meat.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Add chopped garlic to the same pan, stirring continuously for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Gradually pour in the cream while stirring to incorporate all browned bits.
07 - Stir in grated Parmesan and dried herbs until the sauce is smooth. If desired, add fresh spinach leaves and cook until just wilted.
08 - Return rested chicken to the pan. Spoon sauce over the chicken and simmer briefly to meld flavors, then serve immediately.

# Notes:

01 - Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken internal temperature for perfect doneness and moisture retention.
02 - Freshly grated Parmesan yields a superior golden crust compared to pre-shredded cheese.
03 - Resting chicken after cooking enhances juiciness by allowing reabsorption of natural juices.
04 - To reheat leftovers, add a splash of cream to maintain sauce consistency and heat gently in an oven set to 175°C.

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