Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Heavenly Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe For Dinner

Weeknight dinners become magical when you add this creamy garlic parmesan chicken to your menu.

Every bite promises rich, velvety flavors that dance across your palate.

Tender chicken breasts absorb the luxurious sauce like delicate sponges of deliciousness.

Garlic and parmesan create a symphony of comfort that feels both elegant and approachable.

Several simple ingredients come together in less than thirty minutes to craft something extraordinary.

Home chefs appreciate how quickly this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques.

Each forkful promises a delectable journey through creamy, savory landscapes that spark culinary excitement.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing dish that transforms an ordinary evening into a memorable meal.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken with a Creamy Touch

  • Transform simple chicken breasts into a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques or expensive equipment.
  • Deliver a creamy, cheesy chicken recipe that satisfies both adults and kids with its rich, savory sauce and tender meat.
  • Pair this chicken with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete dinner that adapts to your pantry and preferences.

What to Buy for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base for the dish, best when fresh and uniform in thickness for even cooking.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasoning mix that adds depth and warmth to the chicken, enhancing overall flavor profile.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps achieve golden-brown chicken surface, butter offers extra richness.
Sauce Components:
  • Minced Garlic: Provides intense aromatic base for the creamy sauce, fresh garlic preferred for stronger flavor.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates liquid foundation for sauce, helps deglaze pan and add extra savory notes.
  • Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, silky texture to the sauce, full-fat version recommended for best consistency.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken sauce, freshly grated cheese melts most smoothly.
Optional Flavor Enhancers:
  • Italian Seasoning: Provides herbal complexity to sauce, dried herb blend works perfectly.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Offers optional subtle heat and depth, can be adjusted to personal spice preference.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and fresh herb note, enhances visual appeal and provides light flavor contrast.

Cooking Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Spice Up Your Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and shower them with a magical blend of seasonings:
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Massage these flavors into every nook and cranny of the chicken.

Step 2: Sizzle and Golden Perfection

Fire up a large skillet with your choice of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Drop those seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan and let them dance until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Cook each side for about 5-6 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F/74°C. Once done, rescue the chicken and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Craft the Dreamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and welcome minced garlic. Let it sizzle and release its aromatic magic for 1-2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to capture all those delicious browned bits stuck to the pan. Allow the liquid to simmer and reduce slightly.

Step 4: Creamy Cheese Transformation

Lower the heat and invite these delightful ingredients to the party:
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Stir gently until the sauce transforms into a smooth, slightly thickened wonderland of flavor.

Step 5: Final Flavor Fusion

Reunite the chicken with the sauce, letting it bathe and absorb all those incredible flavors for 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure culinary joy!

Tips for Nailing That Parmesan-Garlic Blend

  • Slice Chicken Evenly: Cut chicken breasts to uniform thickness for consistent cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer for a thicker texture or adding extra broth for a lighter consistency.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast minced garlic briefly to release deeper, richer aromatics before adding liquid ingredients.
  • Choose Quality Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for superior melting and more intense flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
  • Customize Spice Levels: Modify red pepper flakes to match personal heat preferences, adding more for kick or omitting for milder taste.

Keep Garlic Parmesan Chicken Delicious Later

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
  • Warm individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stopping halfway to stir the sauce and prevent uneven heating. Drizzle a little extra chicken broth or cream to restore moisture.
  • Gently reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to distribute warmth evenly. Add a splash of broth to keep the meat juicy and prevent drying out.
  • Package cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers, separating sauce from meat. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Favorite Sides for Creamy Garlic Chicken

  • Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
  • Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, creamy sauce. These light, acidic wines cut through the dish's richness and enhance the garlic and Parmesan notes.
  • Prepare honey-glazed roasted carrots or garlic-infused asparagus to add color and nutrition. These vegetables provide a sweet and earthy contrast to the savory chicken, creating a balanced meal.
  • Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery angel hair pasta. These soft, mild starches absorb the luxurious sauce perfectly, allowing each bite to be wonderfully indulgent.
  • Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or additional parsley on top. These bright green herbs add a fresh, aromatic layer that lightens the dish's richness and provides a beautiful visual appeal.

Flavor Twists for Garlic Parmesan Lovers

Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, lactose-free alternative.

Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap chicken broth with bone broth and serve the chicken over cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavors.

Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add chopped kalamata olives, increase red pepper flakes, and sprinkle za’atar seasoning for a bold Mediterranean-inspired profile.

Herb-Infused Wellness Option: Use fresh thyme and rosemary instead of Italian seasoning, and incorporate ground turmeric for an anti-inflammatory boost that enhances the dish’s nutritional value.

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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: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent garlic parmesan chicken delivers rich Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate. Crisp herb-crusted chicken paired with silky sauce promises comfort and elegance in one delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 6 ounces or 170 grams each)

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Fat:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 45 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken by generously coating both sides with a blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring even seasoning coverage.
  2. Warm olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a golden searing surface for the chicken.
  3. Cook the chicken breasts for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side, developing a rich golden-brown exterior and ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165F/74C.
  4. Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm while preparing the sauce.
  5. In the same skillet, melt butter and introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, creating a flavorful liquid that lifts the caramelized bits from the pan’s surface.
  7. Reduce heat and introduce heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes, stirring until the sauce transforms into a smooth, luxurious consistency.
  8. Gently return the chicken to the skillet, bathing it in the creamy sauce and allowing the flavors to meld together for 3-4 minutes.
  9. Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh parsley over the top, adding a vibrant touch of color and fresh herb flavor.
  10. Serve immediately, ensuring each plate receives a generous coating of the rich, velvety sauce.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are evenly pounded to promote uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
  • Use a meat thermometer to accurately check internal temperature, avoiding overcooking which can make chicken tough.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a golden-brown exterior with better flavor development.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, adjusting sauce consistency as needed.
  • For gluten-free option, replace regular Parmesan with certified gluten-free cheese and skip any potential wheat-based seasonings.
  • Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat or omit completely for a milder taste profile.
  • Fresh garlic provides more robust flavor compared to garlic powder, consider mincing 23 fresh cloves instead.
  • Allow sauce to simmer gently to prevent separation and maintain smooth, creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 785
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 54 g
  • Saturated Fat: 25 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 57 g
  • Cholesterol: 190 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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