If you’re craving something comfort food–level delicious but still weeknight-friendly, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe. Juicy, golden chicken breasts get blanketed in the dreamiest garlic Parmesan cream sauce, finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a little herbal lift. Whether you’re piling it over pasta or cozying it up with mashed potatoes, this dish brings bold flavor and pure satisfaction in every bite.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is chosen with flavor in mind. The ingredients are simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating that luscious sauce and perfectly cooked chicken. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why!

Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for juicy meat that holds up to the rich sauce.
Olive Oil: Searing the chicken in olive oil ensures a gorgeous golden crust and adds heart-healthy richness.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with savory aroma and depth—you’ll really taste it in every bite!
Heavy Cream: This is what makes your sauce wonderfully thick, silky, and indulgent.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding sharp, nutty flavor and boosting creaminess.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of dried herbs that gives the sauce complexity and ties all the flavors together.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For those who like a gentle kick, a sprinkle adds a pleasant, subtle heat.
Chicken Broth: This not only deglazes the pan after searing but also layers in savory flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing every flavor in the recipe; season generously but taste as you go!
Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley is the perfect finishing touch, adding a burst of color and a hint of brightness.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by grabbing your chicken breasts and giving them a good sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step locks in flavor right from the start, ensuring every bite of chicken is perfectly seasoned. Don’t be afraid to get in there and pat the seasoning in so it really sticks!

Step 2: Sear for Flavor

Heat that olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it shimmers, place the chicken breasts in the pan—listen for that satisfying sizzle! Sear each side for about 5–6 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and cooked through. This step not only builds a flavorful crust but leaves behind all those delicious browned bits you’ll use in the sauce. Set the chicken aside on a plate to rest.

Step 3: Infuse with Garlic

In the very same skillet, add your minced garlic and let it sauté for about a minute. As soon as you catch that delicious aroma, it’s ready! Be mindful not to let it burn; garlic can go from perfect to bitter quickly.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up all those golden browned bits—this is where the sauce really starts to sing. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you want a little extra warmth. In just 3–4 minutes, the sauce thickens up beautifully and turns irresistibly creamy and smooth.

Step 5: Simmer and Finish

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into that gorgeous sauce. Spoon a little sauce over each one and allow everything to simmer for 2–3 more minutes. This gently reheats the chicken while letting it soak up all that flavor. Finish it off with a shower of chopped parsley, and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Chopped fresh parsley is the classic go-to for color and freshness, but you can also add a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan for an over-the-top finish. A twist of cracked black pepper right before serving brings a subtle bite and looks beautiful on the plate.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe pairs perfectly with almost anything that can soak up that velvety sauce. Serve it over a bed of al dente pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy rice to really enjoy every drop. For something lighter, roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad on the side add balance to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your chicken and fan it out over polenta or toasted garlic bread for a bistro-style presentation. For family-style dinners, serve everything straight from the skillet and let people help themselves, spooning extra sauce over their servings. You can even tuck the chicken and sauce into a toasted sub roll for an irresistible sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), let everything cool to room temperature, then store your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce will thicken as it chills, but it will loosen right back up once reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to two months. For best results, store the chicken separately from the sauce if possible (but both together is fine for convenience). Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to preserve the creamy texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to return the sauce to its silky state. The microwave also works well in a pinch—just go slow and stir every 30 seconds to keep things creamy and prevent the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well in this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe, delivering even juicier results and a touch of extra richness.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the sauce?

While traditional flavor relies on cream and Parmesan, you can try full-fat coconut milk and a favorite dairy-free Parmesan substitute. Expect a different, but still delicious, finish!

Can I lighten up the recipe?

Yes! Swap in half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream for the heavy cream. You’ll get a lighter texture but still plenty of the signature creamy-garlicky goodness.

How do I keep the sauce from curdling?

Lower the heat before adding dairy, and don’t allow the sauce to boil. Stir gently as you combine ingredients, and you’ll be rewarded with a super smooth, creamy sauce every time.

What vegetables can I add?

Sautéed mushrooms and spinach are wonderful additions, but you could also try sun-dried tomatoes, steamed broccoli, or even roasted red peppers for extra flavor and color.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to impress—whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. If you love bold flavor and dreamily creamy sauce, give this recipe a try. You might just find it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen, too!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts smothered in a decadent garlic parmesan sauce, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper

Sauce:

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup chicken broth
Chopped parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute. Add chicken broth, then stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
Combine and simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve.