Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Irresistibly Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe for Dinner Joy

Whipping up a mouthwatering creamy garlic parmesan chicken dish promises pure culinary delight.

Savory aromas will fill your kitchen with warmth and comfort.

Tender chicken breasts melt beneath a rich, velvety sauce that speaks to classic comfort food.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet spectacular solutions like this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this elegantly straightforward meal.

Pantry staples combine effortlessly to create something seriously delicious.

She craves a recipe that impresses without complicated techniques – this is it.

Storing Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken The Right Way

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep sauce and chicken together to maintain moisture and flavor.
  • Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Warm chicken in 30-second intervals, stirring sauce between each interval. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. Stop heating when internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Gently warm chicken in a skillet over low heat. Add a few tablespoons of broth or cream to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQ About Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work perfectly and can make the dish even more tender and flavorful.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is gluten-free, but always check your specific ingredient labels to ensure no hidden gluten sources.

  • How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water or let the sauce simmer longer to reduce and concentrate.

  • What type of Parmesan cheese should I use?

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture, avoiding pre-grated cheese which often contains anti-caking agents.

Why Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stands Out

  • Conquer Flavor Complexity: Achieve restaurant-quality taste with minimal cooking skills, blending simple ingredients into a sophisticated dish that impresses everyone at the table.
  • Master One-Pan Magic: Streamline your cooking process by using a single skillet from start to finish, reducing cleanup time and making meal preparation incredibly convenient for busy households.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Adapt the recipe easily by swapping proteins or adding vegetables, creating a versatile meal that suits different dietary preferences and hunger levels.
  • Indulge in Creamy Richness: Enjoy a luxurious sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into a decadent dinner, perfect for date nights, family gatherings, or when you crave something special.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Ingredient Rundown

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender, juicy meat that serves as the main protein for this creamy dish.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a base for sautéing and adds a subtle, rich flavor to the chicken.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and aromatic complexity to the sauce.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Garlic: Adds a pungent, bold flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, smooth texture for the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides additional depth and moisture to the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright finish to the dish and provides a pop of color.

Steps To Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Sizzle the Skillet

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a perfect cooking surface for your chicken.

Step 2: Season and Sear Chicken

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper, then place into the hot skillet. Cook until each side develops a beautiful golden-brown crust, approximately 5-6 minutes per side. The goal is to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

Step 3: Temporarily Remove Chicken

Transfer the seared chicken to a clean plate, keeping it warm and ready for later.

Step 4: Awaken the Garlic

In the same skillet with remaining chicken drippings, quickly sauté minced garlic. Let it dance in the pan for about 30 seconds until its aroma fills your kitchen.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour these ingredients into the skillet:
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Parmesan cheese

Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and silky.

Step 6: Enhance with Seasoning

Sprinkle Italian seasoning into the sauce, allowing it to blend and develop a rich flavor profile. Let the sauce gently thicken.

Step 7: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Carefully return the chicken to the skillet, generously coating each piece with the luxurious sauce.

Step 8: Final Simmer

Allow the chicken to simmer for 5 minutes, ensuring it’s completely cooked through and thoroughly infused with the creamy sauce.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately while the dish is warm and inviting.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Helpful Tips

  • Choose Quality Chicken: Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts of equal thickness for even cooking and tender results.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce gently to prevent separation and achieve a perfectly smooth, creamy texture.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast Parmesan cheese briefly in the skillet to develop a richer, nuttier taste before adding cream.
  • Prevent Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F without becoming dry or tough.
  • Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley just before serving to add brightness and fresh aromatics to the dish.

Different Takes On Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • Mediterranean Herb Swap: Replace Italian seasoning with za'atar spice blend for a Middle Eastern flavor profile, adding more depth and earthiness to the chicken dish.
  • Low-Carb Creamy Version: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use almond flour instead of traditional flour for coating chicken, creating a keto-friendly alternative.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese, swap heavy cream for unsweetened cashew cream, maintaining the rich, creamy texture while eliminating dairy ingredients.
  • Spicy Garlic Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for heat lovers, creating a zesty version that amplifies the original recipe's flavor complexity.

Best Pairings For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • Enhance Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Perfect Pairings
  • Roast Creamy Herb Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary and thyme complement the rich, creamy chicken sauce beautifully, absorbing the delicious flavors while providing a textural contrast.
  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creamy sauce, its bright acidity balancing the richness of the parmesan and heavy cream.
  • Fresh Green Salad Burst: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, adding a zesty freshness that cleanses the palate between bites of the decadent chicken dish.
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent chicken embraces rich garlic parmesan flavors in this mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired dish. Crispy, golden exterior gives way to juicy, tender meat that promises pure culinary comfort with each delectable bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)

Garnish:

  • Chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and ripples.
  2. Generously coat chicken with salt and pepper, then sear each side until a rich golden-brown crust develops, approximately 5-6 minutes per surface.
  3. Transfer chicken to a clean plate, preserving the flavorful pan remnants.
  4. Reduce heat and quickly toast minced garlic for 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without burning.
  5. Create a luxurious sauce by whisking heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese until silky and uniform.
  6. Sprinkle Italian seasoning into the sauce, allowing it to gently simmer and slightly condense.
  7. Carefully nestle seared chicken back into the skillet, cascading the creamy sauce over each piece.
  8. Cover and allow chicken to finish cooking, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F, which typically takes 5-7 minutes.
  9. Scatter freshly chopped parsley across the dish for a vibrant finish and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Choose bone-in or boneless chicken breasts for varied texture and cooking times, ensuring even golden-brown searing.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent steaming instead of browning.
  • Reduce heavy cream with low-fat milk or coconut milk for a lighter, healthier version without compromising creamy richness.
  • Add red pepper flakes for subtle heat or swap Italian seasoning with herbs like thyme or rosemary for different flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 17 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 45 g
  • Cholesterol: 160 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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