Creamy Parmesan Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish that features tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich and cheesy Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a special occasion, this one-pan recipe pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. With its bold flavors and creamy texture, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and indulgent: The creamy Parmesan sauce is absolutely irresistible.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
- Versatile: Serve with a variety of sides to suit your preferences.
- One-pan meal: Fewer dishes, more flavor.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this cheesy, savory dish.
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
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- Garlic (minced)
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika (optional)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
- Add the cream and Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the sauce: Add Italian seasoning and adjust with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
- Return the chicken to the skillet: Add the seared chicken back to the pan, spooning the sauce over it.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 4.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Herbs: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for an aromatic twist.
- Vegetables: Toss in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
- Dairy-free: Use a plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Protein options: Replace chicken with turkey cutlets or pork chops for a different spin.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it may cause the sauce to separate.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and stay extra juicy. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
What’s the best type of Parmesan for this recipe?
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated Parmesan may not melt as smoothly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and sear the chicken ahead of time. Reheat and combine before serving.
What sides pair well with Creamy Parmesan Chicken?
Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables. Garlic bread is also a great addition!
How do I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few extra minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. For a creamier texture, use half-and-half or add a bit of cornstarch for thickening.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that your chicken broth and seasonings don’t contain gluten.
Can I freeze this dish?
While the sauce may change texture when frozen, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking the chicken, and let it rest for a few minutes after searing to retain its juices.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, deglaze the pan with ¼ cup of dry white wine before adding the chicken broth for extra depth of flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy Parmesan Chicken is a quick and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The rich, cheesy sauce combined with tender chicken makes for a comforting meal you’ll want to make on repeat. Pair it with your favorite sides for a dinner that feels both indulgent and effortless. Enjoy!
Creamy Parmesan Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Parmesan Chicken is the ultimate comfort dish. Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts are smothered in a rich, creamy Parmesan cheese sauce with garlic and herbs. Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to coat the chicken and heat through.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with your favorite side dishes like pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
-
- For an extra cheesy kick, add an additional ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese to the sauce.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor twist.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
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