Cupid’s Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken – A 20-Minute Valentine’s Dinner for Two
Celebrate love with this quick, creamy garlic Parmesan chicken, perfect for a romantic dinner in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 small chicken breasts chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz each, sliced into thin cutlets)
- Salt and black pepper salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for seasoning)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Zest of 1/2 lemon lemon zest (from 1/2 lemon)
- 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice
- a pinch red pepper flakes red pepper flakes (optional)
- chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
- Cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Slice chicken into thin cutlets, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, then dredge in flour.
- Cook chicken in olive oil 3–4 minutes per side until golden; set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic in butter 30–45 seconds, then deglaze with broth and simmer 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in cream, Dijon, red pepper flakes, lemon zest; simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened. Add Parmesan gradually, stirring until smooth.
- Return chicken to sauce, warm through, then add lemon juice. Garnish with herbs and serve over preferred side.
Notes
For extra brightness, add more lemon juice or herbs to taste.