Chicken Fillet in Spicy, Creamy Garlic-Parmesan Sauce with Fries
Juicy chicken fillets seared to golden perfection, nestled in a velvety, spicy garlic-Parmesan cream sauce and paired with crispy seasoned fries—this dish is a flavor-packed comfort meal that's simple enough for weeknights, yet indulgent enough to serve to guests. The sauce is rich and garlicky with just the right kick of heat, making every bite irresistible.
Equipment
- Cast iron or heavy skillet
- Tongs or spatula
- Garlic press or microplane
- Sauce whisk
- Air fryer or baking sheet (for fries)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Cutting board & chef’s knife
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (pounded to even thickness)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili flakes (or to taste)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional for added heat)
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Fries:
- 1 lb frozen or hand-cut fries
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if roasting)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Optional: extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat chicken fillets dry. Season both sides with paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
Sear the Chicken:
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and butter. Add chicken and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Garlic:
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and stir for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Make the Sauce:
- Pour in heavy cream and stir gently. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan, chili flakes, and paprika. Season to taste.
Return Chicken to Sauce:
- Nestle chicken back into the skillet. Spoon sauce over top and simmer 2–3 minutes. Turn off heat and let rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Cook the Fries:
- While sauce simmers, bake or air-fry fries until golden and crisp. Season immediately with garlic powder, salt, and Parmesan.
Plate and Serve:
- Serve chicken hot with sauce and fries either on the side or underneath to soak up the flavor. Garnish with parsley or lemon zest if desired.
Notes
- Spice Control: Adjust chili flakes based on heat preference.
- Cream Substitute: Half-and-half works for a lighter version; avoid milk.
- Cheese Tip: Always use freshly grated Parmesan for best melt and flavor.
- Make It Lighter: Serve with roasted veggies or cauliflower mash instead of fries.
- Storage: Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat sauce gently over low heat.