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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 2 cups spinach leaves - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making garlic Parmesan chicken. The main part of this dish is the chicken thighs. They stay juicy and cook well in a skillet. You’ll also need olive oil and garlic. The garlic gives a strong, tasty flavor. Next, let’s talk about the sauce. The sauce has heavy cream which makes it rich and smooth. The grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty touch. Italian seasoning gives it a warm flavor that blends well with the chicken. Don’t forget the veggies! Spinach adds color and nutrition. Cherry tomatoes bring a sweet taste and a pop of freshness. Finally, you’ll need fresh parsley. It’s a lovely garnish that makes the dish look pretty. Once you have all these ingredients, you are ready to start cooking. Each part plays an important role in making this dish delicious. Enjoy gathering and prepping your ingredients! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken thighs. Sear them for 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Next, lower the heat to medium. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Now it's time to bring everything together. Add 2 cups of spinach leaves and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir the mixture until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, pushing them into the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for about 3-4 minutes. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. To make the chicken shine, season it well with salt and pepper before cooking. Use a good amount on both sides to boost flavor. For a crispy exterior, let your chicken sear without moving it for the first few minutes. This helps it brown nicely. Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temp of 165°F (75°C) to keep it juicy and safe. You can switch up the cheese in this dish. Try using mozzarella or even a sharp cheddar for a fun twist. If you want extra flavor, add spices like paprika or red pepper flakes to the sauce. These spices will give the dish a nice kick without overpowering the garlic and Parmesan. Garnish your dish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This makes the meal look more inviting. Serve the chicken on a bed of creamy sauce with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad. This adds balance and makes your meal feel complete. Pro Tips Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for bone-in thighs for extra flavor and juiciness, but if you prefer boneless, ensure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking. Don't Rush the Garlic: Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing; it should be light golden to enhance the sauce without bitterness. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce, or add more cheese for an extra creamy texture. Fresh Herbs Matter: For the best flavor, use fresh parsley as a garnish; it brightens the dish and adds a lovely color contrast. {{image_2}} You can easily swap chicken for turkey or shrimp in this dish. Turkey thighs work well if you prefer a leaner meat. Shrimp cooks fast, so adjust your cooking time. For shrimp, cook for just 2-3 minutes on each side. This keeps it juicy and tender. If you use turkey, cook it for 7-9 minutes on each side. Make sure the meat is cooked through and safe to eat. Adding more veggies can boost flavor and nutrition. Mushrooms add a nice earthiness. Just slice them and add them with the garlic. Bell peppers add a sweet crunch. You can mix in different colors for a vibrant look. A vegetable medley of your choice can make this dish even more colorful. Try zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli for more variety. To make this dish gluten-free, check the Parmesan cheese label. Some brands add gluten. You can also use gluten-free pasta if you want to serve it that way. For low-carb options, skip the pasta and serve the chicken over a bed of spinach. You still get a hearty meal without the extra carbs. These small changes help fit various diets while keeping the dish delicious. Store any leftover garlic Parmesan chicken in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. Make sure it cools down before you seal it. This helps prevent moisture build-up. For long-term storage, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. The dish can stay frozen for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, you can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir often to ensure even heating. If you prefer the skillet, add a splash of cream. This keeps the sauce creamy and smooth. Always check that it is heated through before serving. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. You can do this in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. If you cook it from frozen, add extra time. Always check that the chicken is fully cooked before serving. To add some heat, you can use red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste. You can also mix in some hot sauce to the creamy sauce. Another option is to add diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. Adjust the spice to your liking. This dish pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with pasta or rice to soak up the sauce. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread is another great choice. You can also serve it with steamed veggies for a healthy touch. Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store it. Just divide it into portions and keep it in the fridge. It stays good for about three to four days. You can reheat it quickly in the microwave or on the stove. This blog post gives you all you need to create a delicious garlic Parmesan chicken dish. You learned about the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, tips for perfecting your meal, and ways to adapt the recipe. Whether you choose chicken, turkey, or shrimp, the flavors will shine through. Remember to store leftovers properly and use the reheating tips for the best taste. Enjoy experimenting with different veggies and sauces. Your kitchen will be full of tasty aromas and smiles!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet

A creamy and flavorful chicken dish with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 cups spinach leaves
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
  • Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and add the Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
  • Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  • Add the spinach leaves and cherry tomatoes to the skillet, stirring until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are slightly softened.
  • Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for about 3-4 minutes to warm through.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  • Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Keyword chicken, garlic, parmesan, skillet