If you’re looking for an irresistibly rich and flavorful dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe. It combines tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection with a luscious, garlicky parmesan cream sauce that’s absolutely heavenly. This dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser and surprisingly simple to make, turning everyday ingredients into a comforting classic you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, kitchen-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create a sauce that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Each component plays an essential role in balancing richness, seasoning, and texture to elevate the chicken to restaurant-quality deliciousness.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pound to even thickness to ensure quick, even cooking and tender results.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity base flavor and helps achieve a golden crust on the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Brings richness and helps mellow out the garlic’s sharpness when sautéed.
- 6 cloves garlic (minced): The star aromatic that infuses the sauce with irresistible savory depth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious creamy texture that makes this sauce so dreamy.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds a slight savory tang and helps balance the cream’s richness.
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For best melt and flavor, freshly grated parmesan is a must.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb mix that enhances every bite with classic Italian flair.
- ½ teaspoon salt: To season perfectly; adjust to taste.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds warmth and a subtle bite.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh pop of color and mild herbaceous flavor to finish the dish.
- Cooked pasta or mashed potatoes (optional): Perfect vehicles to soak up every drop of that amazing sauce.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, as this simple seasoning will amplify the flavors later when the sauce comes together.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear them for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside — keep those flavorful browned bits in the pan!
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; you want it soft and aromatic to infuse the sauce with that signature garlicky goodness.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan — that’s pure flavor magic. Then stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Let this mix simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes as it thickens to a velvety sauce that practically begs to be spooned over the chicken.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon additional sauce over the chicken and let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes. This final step melds the flavors and ensures the chicken is hot and ready to serve.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the look and add a fresh brightness, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top just before serving. The vibrant green contrasts beautifully with the creamy white sauce and adds a hint of herbaceous freshness that balances the richness.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with silky mashed potatoes or al dente pasta, both perfect for soaking up that indulgent sauce. Steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad are also excellent companions to lighten the plate and add textural variety.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, slice the chicken and fan the pieces over a bed of pasta, drizzling extra sauce over the top. Alternatively, serve it alongside roasted veggies arranged in a colorful pattern to turn your meal into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, but it will loosen nicely when reheated with a splash of broth or cream.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container, and when ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a little cream or broth if the sauce feels too thick. This will help restore its original creamy texture and ensure every bite tastes freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more forgiving during cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
You can lighten the recipe by swapping heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt. Keep in mind the sauce will be less rich but still delightfully creamy and flavorful.
What can I add for extra flavor?
A splash of dry white wine added right before the chicken broth elevates the sauce with a subtle complexity. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can also give a fresh twist to the classic flavors.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese do not contain any hidden gluten additives. It’s a perfect option for gluten-free dinners.
How long does it take to make from start to finish?
From preparation to the last simmer, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe takes about 30 minutes—ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal without the fuss.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is a dependable go-to whenever you want a meal that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Its harmony of rich, garlicky creaminess and tender chicken makes for an unforgettable dinner that anyone can enjoy. Grab those simple ingredients, prepare this dish, and get ready to fall in love with dinner all over again!
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich and velvety garlic cream sauce infused with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it pairs beautifully with pasta or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
To Serve (Optional)
- Cooked pasta or mashed potatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spoon the creamy sauce over the top, and simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately over cooked pasta or mashed potatoes for a complete and comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine before adding the chicken broth to deglaze the pan.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for the best texture and flavor.
- Ensure the chicken breasts are pounded to even thickness to cook uniformly.
- Do not burn the garlic while sautéing to avoid bitterness in the sauce.
