Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Polenta

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup polenta (coarse ground cornmeal)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Steps

1. 1 Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. 2 Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. 3 In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. 4 Reduce heat to low and add butter, stirring until melted.
5. 5 Meanwhile, bring chicken broth and water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in polenta, reduce heat, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick.
6. 6 Stir in Parmesan cheese and thyme into the polenta until smooth and creamy.
7. 7 Slice chicken breasts and place over polenta.
8. 8 Drizzle garlic butter sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Cutting board and knife

Variations

• Substitute chicken with shrimp for a quicker seafood version.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes to the polenta for a tangy twist.

Substitutions

• Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan twist.

Pairings

• Pairs well with a crisp Chardonnay or an Italian Pinot Grigio.

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra flavor, let the chicken rest in the garlic butter sauce for a few minutes before serving.
• Use instant polenta for a quicker cooking time, just follow package instructions.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with added liquid.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad.

FAQ