Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce. This easy yet elegant recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion. Serve it with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying dinner the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in just one pan.
- Rich, creamy, and packed with garlic parmesan flavor.
- Pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
- Uses simple ingredients but delivers restaurant-quality taste.
- Perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
-
Prepare the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
-
Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
-
Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is warmed through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Mushroom Addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for extra depth of flavor.
- Spinach Twist: Stir in fresh spinach at the end for added nutrition.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in mozzarella for a thicker, cheesier sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness.
How do I prevent my sauce from curdling?
Use low heat when adding cream and stir continuously to keep the sauce smooth.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. Store the sauce separately and reheat gently before serving.
What can I serve with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
It pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
Is this dish spicy?
No, but you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra heat.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Let it simmer for a few more minutes or stir in a little cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I use pre-shredded parmesan?
Freshly grated parmesan melts better, but pre-shredded can work in a pinch.
How do I keep the chicken moist?
Avoid overcooking—use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken when it reaches 165°F.
Can I add white wine to the sauce?
Yes, substitute some of the chicken broth with white wine for extra depth of flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With its rich, cheesy sauce and perfectly cooked chicken, this meal is sure to become a family favorite. Whether served over pasta, rice, or vegetables, it delivers a delicious, restaurant-quality experience right at home
Print
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken features tender, pan-seared chicken smothered in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce—perfect for serving over pasta or mashed potatoes!
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into fillets
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Season chicken fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth.
- Return chicken to the pan, coat with sauce, and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Serve warm with pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Notes
- Add a splash of chicken broth for a thinner sauce.
- Use boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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