Description

Okay, so you want restaurant-quality chicken that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance? This is it. We’re talking perfectly golden chicken fillets swimming in a sauce that’s creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and just spicy enough to wake up your mouth without setting it on fire. It’s like if alfredo sauce had a wild night out with hot sauce and came back with a serious attitude upgrade. The chicken stays crazy tender, the sauce is ridiculously silky, and the whole thing comes together in about 30 minutes. My neighbor literally asked if I hired a chef when she smelled this cooking. Nope, just me and my trusty skillet working some weeknight magic.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter

For the Sauce Magic:

4 cloves garlic, minced (don’t you dare use the jar stuff)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more if you’re brave)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra kick)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp cream cheese (trust me on this)
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Finish:

Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra parmesan for serving
Lemon wedges (optional but recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep That Chicken

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (about 3/4 inch) — this is key for even cooking
Pat completely dry with paper towels
Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika
Let it sit for 10 minutes while you prep everything else

Step 2: Sear Like a Pro

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat
When butter stops foaming, add chicken fillets
Don’t move them! Let them sear 5-6 minutes until golden brown
Flip and cook another 4-5 minutes until internal temp hits 165°F
Remove chicken and let rest on a plate (tent with foil to keep warm)

Step 3: Build That Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t clean it — those brown bits are flavor gold), reduce heat to medium
Add butter and minced garlic, cook 30 seconds until fragrant
Add red pepper flakes and cayenne, cook another 15 seconds
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up all those tasty bits
Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer

Step 4: Cheese Please

Whisk in cream cheese until melted and smooth
Add parmesan cheese gradually, whisking constantly
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
Let it simmer 2-3 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top
Let it simmer 2-3 minutes to warm through and let flavors meld
Taste and adjust seasoning — more heat? More cheese? You’re the boss
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately

Notes

Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice to soak up every drop of sauce
Toss with pasta for an instant restaurant-style dish
Add a side of roasted asparagus or green beans
Crusty bread is non-negotiable for sauce mopping

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: ~485 kcal
Fat: ~32g
Carbohydrates: ~6g
Protein: ~42g