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Cupid’s Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken – A 20-Minute Valentine’s Dinner for Two

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 small chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz each), sliced into thin cutlets
  • Salt and black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for seasoning the chicken)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for light 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 for a lighter sauce)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
  • Zest of 1/2 lemon and 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • Red pepper flakes (pinch, optional)
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • Cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes (for serving, optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally to make thin cutlets. Pat dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Sear the cutlets: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate; tent loosely with foil.
  3. Sauté the garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same pan. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant, not browned.
  4. Deglaze: Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Make the sauce: Stir in heavy cream, Dijon (if using), a pinch of red pepper flakes, and lemon zest. Simmer gently 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened.
  6. Add the cheese: Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle in Parmesan a little at a time, stirring until smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen.
  7. Finish and balance: Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice, taste, and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon as needed. You want creamy, savory, and bright.
  8. Return the chicken: Nestle cutlets back into the sauce and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer 1 minute to warm through.
  9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil. Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to mop up the sauce.

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