Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that brings together creamy indulgence and rich flavor in one pan. The juicy chicken breast paired with a silky garlic-Parmesan sauce feels both fancy and down-to-earth, making it a versatile dish fit for a quick family dinner or a cozy night in. Its appeal lies in the perfect balance of the creamy sauce with the garlic’s savoriness and the Parmesan’s sharpness, creating a meal that feels both hearty and a touch gourmet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Effortlessly Impressive: Perfect for when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Rich and Hearty: The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce is decadent and flavorful.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, this dish pairs well with just about any side.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite herbs or add extra veggies to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – tender, juicy, and easy to cook.
- Salt and pepper – for seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – adds depth to the chicken flavor.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour – helps achieve a golden crust.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for a beautiful sear.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – adds a rich, creamy flavor and aids in browning.
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – brings a lovely, aromatic depth.
- 1 cup chicken broth – adds savoriness and helps deglaze the pan.
- 1 cup heavy cream – the base of our sauce, making it rich and luscious.
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated – provides that perfect, slightly nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs to round out the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped – a garnish to brighten the dish and add a pop of color.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is cooked entirely on the stovetop, making it easy to manage and relatively quick to prepare.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This helps them brown better in the pan. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Then, dredge the chicken in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. The flour gives the chicken a lovely golden crust and thickens the sauce slightly as it cooks. - Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should be tender and juicy with a golden, crisp exterior. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. - Sauté the Garlic
Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute or until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Garlic can go from golden to burnt very quickly, so keep a close eye on it. - Make the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are full of flavor and will enrich your sauce. Then, add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the Italian seasoning and let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes or until it has slightly thickened. - Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has reached your desired thickness, turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and a hint of color. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Tips:
- For a Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes, or add a teaspoon of flour mixed with water to thicken it more.
- Adding Vegetables: Try adding spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Keep Chicken Warm: If you’re serving a bit later, keep the chicken warm by covering it with foil while it rests.
Helpful Tips:
- Ideal Pairings: Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice to soak up the sauce.
- Herb Variations: Swap out Italian seasoning with fresh thyme or basil for a fresh twist.
- Perfect Searing: Make sure your skillet is well-heated before adding the chicken to get a good sear without sticking.
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I Use Chicken Thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute. They’ll add a bit more richness to the dish and may require a few extra minutes to cook through.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
Half-and-half can work if you’re looking for a lighter option, though the sauce will be thinner. You can also use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative, though the flavor will be different.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately, then reheat it gently before adding freshly seared chicken.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the chicken and sauce on low heat to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can help maintain its creamy consistency.
Related Recipes:
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love:
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a delicious, comforting meal that’s bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen. The creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce is a show-stopper, adding a rich, savory element that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every bite of this delectable, creamy dish!
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that brings together creamy indulgence and rich flavor in one pan. The juicy chicken breast paired with a silky garlic-Parmesan sauce feels both fancy and down-to-earth, making it a versatile dish fit for a quick family dinner or a cozy night in. Its appeal lies in the perfect balance of the creamy sauce with the garlic’s savoriness and the Parmesan’s sharpness, creating a meal that feels both hearty and a touch gourmet.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – tender, juicy, and easy to cook.
- Salt and pepper – for seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – adds depth to the chicken flavor.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour – helps achieve a golden crust.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for a beautiful sear.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – adds a rich, creamy flavor and aids in browning.
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – brings a lovely, aromatic depth.
- 1 cup chicken broth – adds savoriness and helps deglaze the pan.
- 1 cup heavy cream – the base of our sauce, making it rich and luscious.
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated – provides that perfect, slightly nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs to round out the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped – a garnish to brighten the dish and add a pop of color.
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This helps them brown better in the pan. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Then, dredge the chicken in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. The flour gives the chicken a lovely golden crust and thickens the sauce slightly as it cooks. - Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should be tender and juicy with a golden, crisp exterior. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. - Sauté the Garlic
Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute or until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Garlic can go from golden to burnt very quickly, so keep a close eye on it. - Make the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are full of flavor and will enrich your sauce. Then, add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the Italian seasoning and let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes or until it has slightly thickened. - Return the Chicken to the Pan
Carefully place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, turning them to coat them in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes, allowing it to soak up all the rich flavors. This will also help the chicken stay moist and tender. - Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has reached your desired thickness, turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and a hint of color. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is thicker than desired, add a bit more chicken broth or cream to thin it out. For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer a little longer.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread, which helps to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce.
- Flavor Boost: For added depth, mix in a dash of crushed red pepper or extra garlic for a spicier kick, or add fresh basil for an herbal note.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.