Creamy garlic Parmesan chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Tender chicken is cooked in a creamy garlic sauce with Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious meal that pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and indulgent: The creamy garlic sauce is packed with flavor and texture.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Versatile: Pair with a variety of sides for a complete meal.
- Family-friendly: A dish that’s guaranteed to please even picky eaters.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- All-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
Directions
Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce
- Sauté the garlic:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Create the creamy sauce:
- Stir in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Thicken the sauce (optional):
- If the sauce is too thin, whisk in a small amount of flour or cornstarch dissolved in water. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until thickened.
Combine and Serve
- Return the chicken:
- Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes. Serve hot with your choice of sides.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 4 servings
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Herb-infused: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil to the sauce for extra depth.
- Mushroom addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for added texture.
- Spicy kick: Stir in a dash of cayenne or chili flakes.
- Lemon twist: Add a splash of lemon juice or zest for brightness.
- Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s texture.
- Freezing: Freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and remain juicy in the creamy sauce.
2. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, half-and-half or coconut cream can be used for a lighter or dairy-free alternative.
4. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Use a cornstarch slurry or whisk a small amount of flour directly into the sauce.
5. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions.
6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, then reheat gently before serving.
7. What sides pair best with this dish?
Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
8. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, replace flour with cornstarch to thicken the sauce, or omit it entirely.
9. How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
Whisk continuously while adding cream and Parmesan, and avoid overheating the sauce.
10. How do I enhance the flavor?
Deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding the chicken broth.
Conclusion
Creamy garlic Parmesan chicken is a decadent and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The rich, velvety sauce and tender chicken create a comforting meal that’s both elegant and easy to make. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner at home!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce. Perfect for serving over pasta, mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted vegetables, this one-pan meal is an indulgent dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 3–4 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter option, but note the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.