Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a luscious, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. This dish combines golden-browned chicken breasts with a rich, silky sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of herbs. In just a few simple steps, you can elevate everyday ingredients into something indulgent yet approachable. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, every bite delivers comfort and elegance. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy families, casual dinners, or even an impressive date-night meal.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- A silky, indulgent sauce crafted with garlic, Parmesan, and rich heavy cream.
- Classy enough for entertaining guests, yet simple enough to enjoy on a quiet weeknight.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need, rephrased for clarity:
- Chicken Breasts – 4 boneless, skinless (about 1½ lb), pounded to ½” thickness
- All‑Purpose Flour – ½ cup, for dredging
- Seasoning Blend – 1 tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp dried oregano + ½ tsp salt + ¼ tsp black pepper
- Olive Oil – 3 tbsp, for searing
- Unsalted Butter – 3 tbsp, to enrich the sauce
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced, for aromatic flavor
- Dry White Wine – ¼ cup (optional), for deglazing
- Chicken Broth – 1 cup, the base of your sauce
- Heavy Cream – 1 cup, for a creamy texture
- Parmesan Cheese – 1 cup, freshly grated, for cheesy richness
- Fresh Parsley – ¼ cup, chopped, for garnish
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Flatten chicken breasts to a uniform ½-inch thickness using plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Lightly dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Lower heat to medium. Add butter and melt. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- (Optional) Pour in white wine, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese, whisking until fully melted and sauce is creamy.
- Return chicken to pan, coat thoroughly in sauce, and warm through.
- Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.
Helpful Tips
- Even cooking: Flattening chicken ensures consistent doneness.
- Sauce fix: If too thick, add a splash of broth. If too thin, simmer longer.
- Fresh cheese matters: Grate your own Parmesan for smoother melting.
- Mind the garlic: Cook gently to avoid bitterness.
- Leftovers: Reheat gently with a little broth or cream to refresh.
Substitutions And Variations
- Cream substitute: Use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Cheese alternatives: Pecorino Romano adds a sharper edge.
- Flavor boosts: Mix in pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Herb swaps: Try basil or thyme in place of parsley.
- No wine? Use extra broth or a squeeze of lemon instead.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy texture.
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)
- Calories: 500–600 kcal
- Fat: 35–40 g
- Protein: 30–35 g
- Carbohydrates: 10–15 g
- Sodium: Moderate to high
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with mashed potatoes or a bed of creamy polenta to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Pair with pasta like fettuccine or linguine.
- Add a fresh green salad or roasted veggies for balance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work well. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
Q: How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Let the sauce simmer a few extra minutes so it naturally reduces and thickens.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the chicken, make the sauce, and refrigerate separately.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free or lower-fat?
Use non-dairy cream alternatives and vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free version. For less fat, try half-and-half or milk.
Q: Is this dish good for meal prep?
Definitely—divide portions, store airtight, and reheat within 3–4 days.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for spending time with this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe. I absolutely love how the garlic and Parmesan come together to form a silky, flavorful sauce that feels both comforting and a bit indulgent. It’s one of those dishes you can easily make any night of the week, yet it always feels special. From the delightful aroma filling your kitchen to the warm, satisfying dinner at the table—you’re in for a treat. I hope this recipe brings joy to your home and becomes a go-to favorite. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite, and happy cooking—and I’m so grateful to have you as part of our food-loving community!
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a quick and comforting dinner made with seared chicken breasts in a rich, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. Perfect over pasta, potatoes, or rice—this recipe brings elegance and ease to your dinner table.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ½” thickness)
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup dry white wine (optional)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Flatten chicken breasts to a uniform ½-inch thickness using plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Lightly dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Lower heat to medium. Add butter and melt. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- (Optional) Pour in white wine, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese, whisking until fully melted and sauce is creamy.
- Return chicken to pan, coat thoroughly in sauce, and warm through.
- Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half.
Use fresh Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
Great with pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Protein: 34 g