Olive Garden Chicken a Simple Delicious Copycat
Craving Olive Garden Chicken? Let's Do This!
Ever get that hankering ? You know, that craving for something specific? For me, sometimes it's that Olive Garden chicken .
That creamy, comforting goodness? Oh my days! Let's bring that magic into your kitchen. This olive garden chicken recipe will have you drooling.
The Origin Story: A Little Slice of Italy (ish)
The dish isn't authentic Italian, mind you. It's more Italian American, a cosy classic. This is like their creamy italian chicken .
It's designed to be easy and delicious. This easy weeknight chicken dinner takes about 40 minutes. Serves 4 hungry people.
Sorted!
Why This Recipe Rocks
This italian chicken breast recipe offers a good whack of protein from the chicken. This keeps you feeling fuller for longer.
This chicken skillet dinner is awesome for busy weeknights. This copycat olive garden recipes is all about capturing those comforting flavors.
What You'll Need: The Gear
Okay, time to gather your bits. You need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning
- Butter, flour, chicken broth, heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a few spices
Don't forget a big skillet or frying pan! Oh, and some garlic bread pairing ? Absolutely essential!
Making the Chicken: The Fun Bit
First, bash those chicken breasts a bit to flatten them. Season them well. Now, sear them in a hot skillet until golden.
Take them out and set aside. We're now prepping the chicken parmesan sauce !
The Sauce: The Creamy Dream
Melt some butter and stir in some flour. Cook for a minute. Then slowly whisk in chicken broth. Add cream, parmesan, and garlic.
Simmer until thick and dreamy. The end result is awesome parmesan cream sauce for chicken . Put the chicken back in.
Simmer until everything is happy. Job done!
Right then, get cooking and enjoy your homemade taste of Olive Garden!
Time to Gather Your Gear! Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's get this Olive Garden chicken recipe show on the road! You won't need fancy chef stuff, just a few bits and bobs.
This easy weeknight chicken dinner is all about keeping it simple and tasty. So, raid your cupboards and let's see what we've got.
Main Ingredients: The Star Players
First up, the chicken! You will need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each). Make sure they're plump and juicy, not those sad, dry looking ones.
A tablespoon of olive oil (that's 15 mL ) will get them sizzling nicely in the pan. We will use 1/2 tsp of salt ( 3g ), 1/4 tsp of black pepper ( 1g ) and 1 tsp of Italian seasoning ( 2g )
For that parmesan cream sauce for chicken , grab 1 cup of chicken broth ( 240 mL ). Low sodium is best so it's not too salty.
Next, heavy cream, you'll need 1/2 cup ( 120 mL ). Don’t skimp here, it's what makes it creamy! Plus, you'll want 1/4 cup ( 25g ) of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
The pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt the same.
Seasoning Sensations: The Flavour Boosters
For extra flavour, we'll need 1 clove of garlic, minced. A 1/4 tsp of garlic powder ( 1g ) and 1/4 tsp of onion powder ( 1g ) is optional, plus a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional).
I love a bit of heat and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish. I used to skip the fresh herbs.
Honestly, it makes such a difference!
If you're out of Italian seasoning, don't panic! A mix of dried oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram will do the trick. It's all about that italian chicken breast recipe taste!
Essential Kit: What You'll Need
A big skillet or frying pan is a must. It makes it easier to fit everything in. Measuring cups and spoons are always handy.
A whisk helps you mix the sauce smoothly. I recommend a meat thermometer (optional). This way, you know for sure the chicken's cooked to 165° F/ 74° C .
I bought one ages ago, and It is the most used utensile in my kitchen!.
If you haven't got a whisk, use a fork. If you haven't got measuring cups, a normal mug it is ok if you are in a hurry!.
Right then, that's the gear sorted. Next, we will get stuck in to making this creamy italian chicken . Get ready to create your own copycat olive garden chicken pasta masterpiece! Trust me, it’s miles better than any ready meal and you will impress yourself!
I guarantee this olive garden chicken will become a family favourite, and don't forget the garlic bread pairing !
Olive Garden Chicken: Your New Weeknight Hero
Honestly, who doesn't love a good copycat Olive Garden recipe ? I'm telling you, this Olive Garden chicken recipe is the real deal.
It's like a warm hug in a pan, and perfect for a quick and easy weeknight chicken dinner . I used to think recreating restaurant dishes was too hard.
But believe me, this one is foolproof. Let's get started!
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
Before you even think about turning on the hob, get your mise en place sorted. Chop that garlic, grate your parmesan, and get your chicken breasts ready.
Trust me, this will save you so much stress later. Remember, the key is to have everything at your fingertips! A chef friend told me once, "Proper planning prevents poor performance!" and it stuck with me ever since.
step-by-step to Creamy Italian Chicken Perfection
- Pound the chicken breasts to about 0.5 inches thick. Season with 0.5 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning .
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Sear the chicken for 5- 7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165° F . Set aside.
- Melt 1 tbsp butter in the same skillet. Whisk in 1 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup chicken broth , scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in 0.5 cup heavy cream, 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, 1 minced garlic clove, 0.25 tsp garlic powder, 0.25 tsp onion powder , and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional). Simmer for 2- 3 minutes , until thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the chicken parmesan sauce over the chicken and simmer for 5 minutes .
- Garnish the italian chicken breast recipe with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Epic Results
Wanna take your Olive Garden chicken pasta game to the next level? Make sure to pound that chicken . This helps it cook evenly and stay super tender.
Don’t rush the sauce either; low and slow is the way to go. What about a garlic bread pairing ?, you know? a good chunk of garlic bread is mandatory.
Honestly, this is the perfect chicken skillet dinner you'll find. Oh! one more, for the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for your parmesan cream sauce for chicken .
It melts so much better and tastes amazing!
Recipe Notes for the Best Ever Olive Garden Chicken!
Honestly, this olive garden chicken recipe is so easy, it's practically foolproof! But even with a straightforward italian chicken breast recipe like this, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your creamy italian chicken turns out amazing every single time.
Think of these as my little secrets!
Ace Serving Suggestions
This Olive Garden chicken pasta dish begs for presentation. I like to plate it over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta.
Linguine works a treat, or even better, fettuccine. Then drizzle extra parmesan cream sauce for chicken right over the top! A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a must.
And Oh my gosh! You absolutely need some garlic bread pairing with this. I mean, seriously, you just do. A side of roasted asparagus or a simple salad adds a touch of freshness, keeping it balanced.
For drinks, I would choose a crisp glass of chardonnay.
Storages Tips
Got leftovers? No worries! This olive garden chicken is brilliant the next day. Just pop it in an airtight container and it'll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing this isn't my favorite , as the sauce can get a little bit watery when you defrost it. But if you absolutely have to, freeze individual portions.
When reheating, do it low and slow in a pan with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwave if possible.
Spice It up! and Other Variations
Fancy a little twist? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of a kick.
If you are using this recipe as an easy weeknight chicken dinner , make sure that you have all the ingredients you need.
For a lighter version, you could use half and-half instead of heavy cream. Honestly, you wont notice the difference!
Dietary Adaptations . For gluten-free, simply use gluten-free flour in the roux, and be sure to serve over gluten-free pasta or rice.
In the Autumn, when mushrooms are abundant, add some sliced sautéed mushrooms. It enhances that earthy flavor! You might like to check some copycat olive garden recipes for inspiration.
Nutrition Basics
Alright, so honestly , this isn't the lightest dish in the world, but everything in moderation, right? You are looking at roughly 450 calories per serving, with 45 grams of protein.
Not bad at all! The Parmesan provides calcium, and the chicken provides protein and some iron. It’s a comforting dish that satisfies the soul.
It might just become your go-to chicken skillet dinner .
Give it a go! You might surprise yourself. You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make sure my chicken is perfectly cooked and not dry like a digestive biscuit?
Nobody wants dry chicken! The key is not to overcook it. Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly, and use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove them from the skillet as soon as they hit that mark.
Can I make this Olive Garden Chicken recipe ahead of time? It would be great if I could sort out bits of it before friends came round.
You can prep some elements ahead of time. Pound and season your chicken breasts, and chop your garlic and parsley in advance. You can even make the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just gently reheat it before adding the chicken. However, for the best quality, it's best to cook the chicken fresh.
I'm watching my waistline - is there a lighter version of this Olive Garden chicken recipe?
Absolutely! You can trim some fat by using light cream or even milk with a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken the sauce. You could also use less Parmesan cheese or opt for a lower fat variety.
Serving with whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles instead of regular pasta will also save on calories, and it'll still be tasty!
What's the best way to store leftover Olive Garden chicken, and how long will it last?
Store any leftover Olive Garden Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will be good for about 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out. Just be sure it's piping hot before serving!
My sauce is a bit thin - how do I thicken it up a bit? It's like gravy, but a bit wishy washy at the minute.
No worries, that's easily fixed. In a small bowl, whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Gradually whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for another minute or two until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Remember to simmer, not boil, as boiling can make the sauce separate.
Can I adapt this Olive Garden chicken recipe if I don't have all the ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to substitute dried herbs if you don't have fresh. If you're missing garlic powder or onion powder, add a bit more minced garlic or finely chopped onion. As mentioned in variations, vegetable broth is a great substitute for chicken broth, especially if you want a lighter or vegetarian dish.
Olive Garden Chicken A Simple Delicious Copycat
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 0g |
