As a home cook who adores simple yet indulgent dinners, I can’t wait to share this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe with you. Tender chicken breasts coated in a luscious, velvety sauce made from heavy cream, fresh garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese create a symphony of flavors that sing on your plate. Every bite brings a delightful contrast between the savory garlic notes and the nutty, salty Parmesan undertones, all balanced by a hint of Italian seasoning that wraps everything up in a warm, comforting hug. This dish strikes that magical balance between approachable and elegant—perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat.
There’s a reason this recipe has become a fast favorite in my kitchen: it’s an easy recipe that feels far more sophisticated than the time it actually takes. With a quick 10-minute prep and just 20 minutes of cooking time, you’ve got a rich, restaurant-quality meal that pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. I love how the creamy garlic sauce clings to the chicken, turning each forkful into a decadent experience. No matter your skill level—this beginner-friendly recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dinner game.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN
Every standout recipe begins with high-quality ingredients, and this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is no exception. In this section, we’ll explore the stars of the show and how each one contributes to that dreamy, creamy texture and bold flavor.
- Chicken breasts
These boneless, skinless pieces provide a lean, tender base that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully. When cooked properly, they stay juicy and create a satisfying protein-packed meal.
- Olive oil
A drizzle of olive oil in the skillet ensures a golden-brown sear on the chicken, developing flavor through the Maillard reaction and preventing sticking.
- Salt
Simple yet essential, salt enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and cheese, ensuring every bite tastes balanced and savory.
- Black pepper
A twist of black pepper adds a gentle heat and aromatic depth that complements the creamy sauce without overpowering it.
- Garlic powder
This pantry staple builds a foundational garlic flavor in the chicken, ensuring each bite carries that signature zesty note.
- Chicken broth
A cup of chicken broth provides a savory liquid base that deglazes the pan, lifts browned bits, and adds layers of rich umami to the sauce.
- Heavy cream
The star of the creamy aspect, heavy cream brings a silky mouthfeel and luxurious thickness that transforms this into comfort food royalty.
- Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, lending a sharp, nutty tang and helping the sauce emulsify to perfection.
- Garlic
Minced garlic in the pan releases a punch of fresh, aromatic flavor that elevates the sauce to new heights.
- Italian seasoning
A blend of herbs like oregano and basil, Italian seasoning adds warmth and complexity, tying all the flavors together in classic Mediterranean style.
- Fresh parsley
Chopped fresh parsley brightens the dish with a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness when sprinkled on top.
HOW TO MAKE CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN
Let’s dive into the cooking process and transform these simple ingredients into a sensational dinner. Follow these steps closely to achieve tender chicken and a silky, flavorful sauce that clings perfectly.
1. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This simple rub ensures each piece is well-flavored before it even hits the pan.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until beautifully golden brown on each side and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to let it burn—this quick step infuses the oil with savory garlic notes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, using a spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the broth simmer and reduce by half, about 3–4 minutes, concentrating the flavor.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, cooking over medium heat until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened, approximately 5 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
6. Add the Italian seasoning, return the chicken breasts to the skillet, and coat them generously with the creamy sauce. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
7. Serve chicken breasts topped with extra sauce and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a final burst of color and freshness.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN
When it comes to presenting this comforting Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken, the right accompaniments can take the meal from delicious to absolutely show-stopping. Whether you’re serving this for a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering, these ideas will help you plate and pair like a pro.
- Over pasta
Spoon the chicken and creamy sauce over a bed of al dente fettuccine or penne. The pasta serves as the perfect vehicle for soaking up every drop of that luxurious garlic-parmesan goodness.
- With mashed potatoes
Fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes provide a neutral canvas that lets the robust sauce shine. Use Yukon Gold potatoes for extra creaminess, and stir in a touch of butter and cream.
- Alongside steamed vegetables
Brighten your plate with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. The crisp, fresh veggies cut through the richness and add a healthy crunch to every bite.
- Paired with crusty bread
A warm slice of crusty artisan bread is irresistible for sopping up leftover sauce. Look for a baguette or sourdough loaf, slice it thick, and toast it lightly if you like a bit of crunch.
HOW TO STORE CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN
Proper storage will keep your leftovers tasting just as incredible as the moment they came off the stove. Whether you’re saving dinner for tomorrow’s lunch or planning to freeze for a future quick meal, follow these tips to preserve flavor and texture.
- Refrigerate promptly
Transfer cooled chicken and sauce into an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days, reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave to prevent the cream from separating.
- Freeze for later
For longer storage, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Separate components
If possible, store the chicken and sauce separately to maintain optimal texture. Reheat the sauce slowly and add the chicken just until warmed through.
- Reheat gently
Use a low heat setting and stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from breaking. Adding a splash of extra cream or broth can help restore its silky consistency if it thickens too much.
CONCLUSION
It’s been a joy guiding you through this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe, which brings together succulent chicken breasts, a rich, dreamy sauce, and the perfect blend of garlic and Parmesan. From the crisp sear on the chicken to the velvety texture of the sauce, every element works in harmony to create a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. This beginner-friendly dinner takes just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, making it an ideal pick for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Don’t forget that you can print this article or save it for later, so you’ll always have this easy-to-follow, flavorful recipe at your fingertips. Feel free to scroll down to find a FAQ section that answers common questions and provides extra tips to ensure your success.
I hope this article sparks your excitement to roll up your sleeves and whip up a plate of creamy, garlicky goodness. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out—drop a comment below with your thoughts, questions, or any twists you added. Your feedback helps me improve and inspires other home cooks to dive in with confidence. Happy cooking, and here’s to many delicious dinners ahead!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a perfect blend of tender chicken, rich cream, and zesty garlic, creating a dish that's both comforting and elegant.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on each side and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
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Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the broth to simmer and reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
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Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking over medium heat until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened, approximately 5 minutes.
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Add the Italian seasoning and return the chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them with the creamy sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
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Serve chicken breasts topped with sauce, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Note
- This dish pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
- For a richer flavor, consider using freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less chicken broth, to get your desired consistency.
