Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe for Cozy Nights

Tender chicken breasts coated in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce create a mouthwatering dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken recipe combines simple ingredients with bold flavors that sing on your plate.

Weeknight cooking just got a delicious upgrade with this restaurant-quality meal you can whip up in minutes.

The rich, velvety sauce clings perfectly to each piece of juicy chicken, promising a truly satisfying experience.

parmesan cheese adds a nutty depth that transforms an ordinary chicken dish into something extraordinary.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of garlic, cheese, and succulent meat that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible chicken recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean meat that serves as the star of the dish with a crispy, golden exterior.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Essential spices that enhance the chicken's flavor profile.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a golden-brown crust and helps thicken the sauce.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps achieve a perfect golden sear on the chicken.

• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create the foundation of the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a rich, smooth texture to the sauce.

• Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic punch to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a salty, nutty taste and helps thicken the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings a classic herb blend to complement the chicken.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh color and subtle herbal note to finish the dish.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken How-To Guide

Step 1: Prep The Chicken

Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly over chicken breasts.

Coat each piece thoroughly in flour, ensuring a light dusting that will create a perfect golden crust.

Gently shake off excess flour to prevent a heavy coating.

Step 2: Sear The Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Once the butter bubbles and oil shimmers, carefully place chicken breasts in the pan.

Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.

Avoid moving the chicken while cooking to develop a beautiful crust.

Step 3: Create Garlic Base

Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.

Be cautious not to burn the garlic.

Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the pan bottom.

Step 4: Build The Creamy Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.

• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning

Stir until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes smooth.

Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Finish And Serve

Return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the creamy sauce.

Spoon sauce over the chicken and let simmer for a few minutes.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

The chicken will absorb the rich, garlicky sauce, creating a mouthwatering final dish.

Tips for Creamy Parmesan Chicken

• Tap off excess flour after dredging to ensure an even, crispy coating without gumminess.
• Let chicken cook undisturbed to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Skip washing the skillet after cooking chicken to leverage those delicious browned bits for an extra-rich sauce.
• Sauté minced garlic briefly to release aroma without burning, which can create a bitter taste.
• Allow sauce to simmer gently, helping it naturally thicken and develop deeper flavor profiles.

Storage Tips for Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken from sauce to prevent soggy texture and maintain crispness.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with damp paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring sauce midway.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in baking dish, add small amount of broth or sauce. Cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pairings

• Complementary Wine Selection: Opt for a crisp Chardonnay with buttery notes that harmonizes perfectly with the creamy parmesan sauce, cutting through the richness while enhancing the garlic's depth.
• Ideal Side Dish Pairing: Roast some garlic-infused asparagus or create a light lemon risotto to complement the chicken's creamy texture and provide a fresh vegetable contrast.
• Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic focaccia to soak up the luxurious sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor and helping to balance the dish's richness.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Choose a light, citrusy white wine like Pinot Grigio or a sparkling water with a lemon twist to cleanse the palate and refresh between bites of the creamy chicken.

Ways to Switch Up Parmesan Chicken

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace flour with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version. Use cauliflower steaks instead of chicken breasts to create a vegetarian alternative with similar creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Version: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. This option works great for lactose-intolerant individuals while maintaining rich, creamy consistency.
• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Style: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Add kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a Mediterranean flavor profile that transforms the original recipe.
• Spicy Southwest Adaptation: Incorporate chipotle powder or cayenne into the seasoning mix. Replace Parmesan with pepper jack cheese and add roasted green chiles to create a zesty southwestern-inspired chicken dish with a kick of heat.

FAQs

• Why should I dredge the chicken in flour?

Flour creates a golden-brown crust on the chicken and helps thicken the sauce. It also prevents the chicken from becoming too wet during cooking, ensuring a crispy exterior.

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?

Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a unique flavor, you can substitute with Romano or Asiago cheese. Each will bring a slightly different taste to the dish but will still create a delicious creamy sauce.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – it should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• What if my sauce is too thin?

Continue simmering the sauce uncovered to reduce and thicken it. The Parmesan cheese will also help naturally thicken the sauce as it melts and combines with the cream.

What Makes Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stand Out

• Elevate ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Adapt the recipe by swapping Parmesan for other cheeses or adding vegetables to create personalized variations that suit your taste preferences.
• Minimize cleanup with this streamlined cooking method that uses the same skillet for chicken and sauce, saving time and reducing dishes.
• Deliver a creamy, indulgent meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken brings Italian-inspired comfort directly to dinner tables with rich, indulgent flavors. Crispy chicken breasts nestled in a luxurious sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring an even coating. Lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess to prevent a gummy texture.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter bubbles and oil shimmers. Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, creating a golden-brown exterior. Avoid moving chicken while cooking to develop a perfect crust.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Keep the skillet with remaining browned bits for added flavor.
4. Add minced garlic to the same skillet, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Carefully avoid burning. Pour in chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to deglaze and scrape up browned bits. Simmer briefly to reduce slightly.
5. Incorporate heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until cheese melts and sauce becomes smooth. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6. Return chicken to the skillet, submerging in the creamy sauce. Spoon sauce over chicken and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing chicken to absorb flavors. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Always pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat without overcooking.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter version that still maintains the creamy texture and rich taste.
• Customize the dish by adding roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli directly into the sauce for extra nutrition and a complete one-pan meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 660
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 50 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg