Best Chicken Ever Recipe
If you’ve ever wished for the ultimate all-in-one chicken dinner—the savory, creamy, and flavorful main course that wins over picky eaters and foodies alike—look no further! The Best Chicken Ever lives up to its name with tender, golden seared chicken breasts nestled in an irresistibly rich Parmesan cream sauce and a pop of fresh herbs. It’s a dinnertime hero that delivers a restaurant-quality meal from your own skillet, every time you crave comfort food that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and made in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients come together to create the Best Chicken Ever. Each one plays a unique part, whether it’s adding creaminess, a boost of flavor, or that gorgeous golden color everyone loves to see on the table.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for quick cooking, these are the foundation for that juicy, tender bite.
- Salt: Brings out the chicken’s natural flavor—don’t skip this essential seasoning!
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with earthy warmth so the seasoning goes all the way through.
- Onion powder: Balances the flavors, giving mellow sweetness to every bite.
- Paprika: Offers a lovely golden color and a hint of smokiness that makes the Best Chicken Ever stand out.
- Italian seasoning: Lends herby, aromatic notes that perfectly complement the creamy sauce.
- Olive oil: Helps the chicken sear up beautifully and adds healthy richness.
- Unsalted butter: Brings a buttery finish to the sauce and deepens every flavor.
- Fresh garlic: Sautéed just until fragrant for a burst of irresistible aromatics that build depth into the sauce.
- Chicken broth: De-glazes the skillet, capturing all those tasty browned bits and turning them into savory magic.
- Heavy cream: Creates that dreamy, silky base everyone raves about.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for nutty, salty character and unbeatable creaminess.
- Dijon mustard: Sneaks in zip and brightens every bite without overpowering the dish.
- Fresh parsley: Sprinkled over the top for a burst of color and freshness that takes the final presentation to the next level.
How to Make Best Chicken Ever
Step 1: Season Your Chicken
Start by generously seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. This step sets the foundation for all the bold, complex flavors you’ll taste in the finished dish. Don’t be shy—the seasonings create a savory crust that locks in every drop of juiciness.
Step 2: Sear for Golden Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and let them cook undisturbed for about 5–6 minutes per side. What you’re looking for is that gorgeous, deep golden-brown color with crispy edges—the hallmark of the Best Chicken Ever. Once they’re cooked through, transfer them to a plate so they stay juicy while you make the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet (don’t clean it out—you want those flavorful bits!), reduce the heat to medium-low and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, stirring for just 30 seconds until it’s fragrant and golden. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Now, whisk in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes. The sauce will start to thicken and turn silky smooth. This irresistible combination is what truly makes this the Best Chicken Ever.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return the chicken breasts—and any juices that have collected—to the skillet. Spoon that luscious sauce all over the top, letting everything simmer together for 2–3 more minutes. The chicken finishes cooking in the sauce, soaking up every last bit of creamy, cheesy goodness. Right before serving, sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish.
How to Serve Best Chicken Ever
Garnishes
A shower of fresh, chopped parsley over the Best Chicken Ever doesn’t just look stunning—it adds a pop of freshness that beautifully complements the richness of the dish. For a little extra flair, try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a twist of black pepper right before serving.
Side Dishes
This chicken is all about versatility. Pair it with buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up every drop of that creamy sauce. If you’re craving pasta, just spoon the chicken and sauce right over linguine. For a lighter touch, serve it with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or even a crisp green salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your meal feel restaurant-worthy by slicing the chicken and arranging it fan-style atop a bed of buttery noodles or velvety cauliflower mash. Drizzle each piece extravagantly with sauce and finish with a final flourish of herbs. For a family-style approach, serve everything right in the skillet on the center of the table—it invites everyone to dig in and makes the Best Chicken Ever the star of your dinner spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply transfer the chicken and any extra sauce to an airtight container. It will stay fresh and fabulous in the fridge for up to three days, making for delectable lunches or a super-easy dinner redo.
Freezing
The Best Chicken Ever can be frozen, sauce and all! Let everything cool completely, then stash in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When you’re ready for another cozy comfort meal, it’ll be waiting for you—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat your chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. This keeps the chicken moist and the sauce perfectly creamy. Alternatively, the microwave works too—just heat in short bursts, stirring the sauce each time for even warmth.
FAQs
Is the Best Chicken Ever really gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions—just be sure to double-check your broth and Parmesan to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients.
Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?
Absolutely! If you prefer the juiciness of thighs, swap them in for the breasts. Just adjust cooking times as needed since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—your chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It should also feel firm and juices should run clear when pierced.
Can I make the Best Chicken Ever dairy-free?
While the cream and Parmesan are signature to this recipe, you can use full-fat coconut milk and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast as alternatives. The flavor and texture will change, but you’ll still have a delicious, creamy chicken dish.
What can I use instead of Dijon mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon on hand, stone-ground mustard or even a hint of yellow mustard can work. The key is that little note of tang to balance out the richness.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Best Chicken Ever, you’ll see why it’s a beloved weeknight go-to and an instant dinner party favorite. It’s comfort food magic that brings people together, and I can’t wait for you to dig in and enjoy every creamy, savory bite. Give it a try and get ready to hear “best chicken ever!” from everyone at your table.
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Best Chicken Ever Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this ultimate chicken dish that will have everyone begging for seconds. This recipe for the Best Chicken Ever is a surefire way to elevate your dinner game!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken breasts for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, add chicken broth, then cream, Parmesan, and mustard. Simmer until thickened.
- Finish the Dish: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer to reheat. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
- For a low-carb version, serve with cauliflower mash or roasted broccoli.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
