Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), pounded to ½-inch thickness
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Mushrooms & Aromatics:
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium shallot, finely diced
- 6-8 garlic cloves, minced
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prep chicken: Pound chicken to even ½-inch thickness. Pat dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Cook undisturbed 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook 4-5 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate; tent with foil.
- Cook mushrooms: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to same skillet. Add mushrooms in a single layer. Cook undisturbed 3-4 minutes until golden. Stir and cook 3-4 minutes more until caramelized.
- Add aromatics: Add shallot and cook 1-2 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Build sauce: Pour in ¼ cup chicken broth and scrape up browned bits. Add remaining ¾ cup broth, heavy cream, Dijon, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cheese: Remove from heat. Gradually stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Return chicken: Nestle chicken back into skillet, spooning sauce over top. Warm over low heat 2-3 minutes.
- Finish: Stir in fresh lemon juice. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Pound chicken evenly: Uniform thickness ensures even cooking and prevents dry edges.
- Don’t skip the fond: Those browned bits in the pan are flavor gold—deglaze thoroughly.
- Freshly grated Parmesan is essential: Pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- For a thicker sauce: Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water and stir in during the final simmer.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly, Low-Carb
