Quick & Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe: Family-Favorite Comfort

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this garlic parmesan chicken that promises instant comfort.

Crispy golden edges and a rich, velvety sauce create pure magic on your plate.

Tender chicken breasts swim in a luscious coating that whispers elegance and simplicity.

Home cooks adore how quickly this meal comes together without complicated techniques.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory herbs and creamy goodness that feels like a warm embrace.

Fragrant garlic and nutty parmesan cheese meld into a sauce so irresistible you’ll want seconds before finishing firsts.

Grab your skillet and let’s make dinner something special tonight.

Why Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Feels Like Pure Comfort

• Effortless Elegance: This recipe delivers restaurant-quality chicken with minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks looking to impress without stress.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy families needing a satisfying dinner that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Transform classic chicken into a creamy, indulgent dish that combines the richness of Parmesan and garlic with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for various occasions from casual family dinners to date nights, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar yet sophisticated taste.

Ingredients That Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Shine

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the star of the dish, best when fresh and of high quality.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasoning blend that adds depth and warmth to the chicken, enhancing its natural flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice for those who enjoy a subtle heat kick.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that brings a Mediterranean touch to the sauce.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Essential for sautéing and creating a rich, golden cooking surface.
• Minced Garlic: Aromatic base that provides intense flavor to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps deglaze the pan and adds depth to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, silky texture for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that provides a colorful and flavorful finish to the dish.

Steps To Sear And Simmer Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Spice up the Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage the seasonings into both sides of the chicken, ensuring every inch gets some love.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Fire up a large skillet with olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot pan. Let the magic happen – cook each side until it transforms into a beautiful golden-brown masterpiece. You’ll want to watch for that perfect color and ensure the chicken is fully cooked (peek with a meat thermometer – it should hit 165F/74C).

Step 3: Craft the Luxurious Sauce

In the same skillet (hello, flavor bits!), melt butter and welcome minced garlic. Let it dance around for a minute, releasing its aromatic magic. Pour in chicken broth and create a mini flavor party by scraping up those delicious browned bits from the pan bottom. Reduce the heat and invite heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to join the celebration. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Reunite the crispy chicken with the creamy sauce. Let them mingle and soak up each other’s deliciousness for a few minutes. For the grand finale, shower with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Savory Tips For Garlic Parmesan Goodness

• Perfectly Sear Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and creates a delicious crust.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Slowly add heavy cream and stir continuously to prevent separation, achieving a silky-smooth sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, from a mild warmth to a spicier kick that complements the creamy Parmesan base.
• Optimize Garlic Flavor: Use fresh minced garlic instead of powder for a more robust, aromatic taste that elevates the entire dish's complexity.
• Smart Serving Suggestion: Let chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb maximum flavor and ensure every bite is packed with creamy, garlicky goodness.

How To Store Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken The Easy Way

• Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Keep the chicken and sauce together to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to preserve flavor and prevent bacterial growth.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore the sauce's creamy consistency.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the chicken tough and separate the sauce.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, separating the chicken from extra sauce to prevent sogginess when thawing.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F/74C when warming up.

Side Pairings That Fit Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the creamy, garlicky chicken by serving a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These light, refreshing wines cut through the richness of the sauce and complement the dish's savory flavors.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Create a perfect side of roasted asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers. The caramelized vegetables add a delightful contrast to the creamy chicken and soak up the delicious Parmesan sauce.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Prepare a crusty garlic bread to mop up the extra sauce. The additional garlic and crispy texture will elevate the entire dining experience and provide a satisfying crunch alongside the tender chicken.
• Pour Sparkling Water with Lemon: Add a zesty sparkling water with a fresh lemon slice to cleanse the palate between bites. The citrusy notes will help balance the rich, creamy sauce and refresh your taste buds throughout the meal.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken With A Twist

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and oregano, adding a bright Mediterranean flavor profile to the creamy sauce.
• Spicy Jalapeño Parmesan Chicken: Incorporate diced fresh jalapeños into the sauce and increase red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat that complements the creamy base.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken: Mix chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce, creating a tangy and rich dimension that enhances the garlic Parmesan base.
• Mushroom Cream Chicken: Sauté sliced cremini or button mushrooms with the garlic before adding broth, introducing an earthy depth to the classic recipe.

FAQs For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Enthusiasts

• What makes this chicken recipe special?

This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken combines bold flavors with a luxurious sauce that transforms a simple chicken breast into a restaurant-quality meal. The combination of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs creates a rich, comforting dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re typically more forgiving and can be even more flavorful. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through, as thighs might take a few extra minutes compared to chicken breasts.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a very mild heat from optional red pepper flakes. If you’re worried about spice, you can easily skip the red pepper flakes altogether. The dish is more about rich, garlic-forward flavors than heat.

• How can I tell if my chicken is fully cooked?

Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender. Cut into the thickest part of the chicken to verify there’s no pink remaining.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Garlic parmesan chicken delivers rich comfort straight from Italian kitchens, promising ultimate satisfaction. Succulent chicken breasts glazed with smooth parmesan sauce promise delightful dining perfection you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

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

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil or unsalted butter

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter
• 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 0.5 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken breasts with a blend of aromatic spices, ensuring both sides receive an even, flavorful dusting.
2. Activate a skillet with olive oil or butter, creating a sizzling medium-high heat environment. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the pan, allowing each side to transform into a golden-brown masterpiece. Cook until the interior reaches a safe temperature, indicating perfect doneness. Transfer the chicken to a temporary resting plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet’s remnant flavors by introducing minced garlic, releasing its fragrant essence. Pour chicken broth to deglaze, capturing the concentrated pan drippings. Lower the temperature and introduce heavy cream, creating a luxurious base. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes, whisking until the sauce achieves a silky, slightly thickened consistency.
4. Reunite the cooked chicken with the velvety sauce, allowing it to gently bathe and absorb the rich, complex flavors. Let the components meld together briefly, creating a harmonious dish. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley as a vibrant finishing touch, elevating both visual appeal and herbaceous notes. Serve immediately while the sauce remains warm and inviting.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is evenly coated with seasonings for maximum flavor penetration.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown crust.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is fully cooked without overdrying.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half.
• Gluten-free option: Check that chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for spice lovers or mild palates.
• Fresh garlic provides more intense flavor compared to pre-minced jarred garlic.
• Allow sauce to simmer gently to prevent separation and maintain creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 720
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 61 g
• Cholesterol: 195 mg