Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

When it comes to weeknight dinners, we all crave recipes that are fast, flavorful, and comforting. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken delivers on every front. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, then smothered in a luxurious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce that feels indulgent but is easy enough for any day of the week.

What Makes This Dish So Good?

This recipe hits the sweet spot between comfort food and simple elegance. The flavors are deeply satisfying—garlic and Parmesan are a match made in heaven—and the rich cream sauce brings everything together beautifully.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Quick: Ready in under 40 minutes

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• One-pan: Fewer dishes, more flavor

• Family-friendly: Kid-approved and easy to adjust

• Elegant enough for guests but made with simple pantry ingredients

• Low-carb friendly (great over cauliflower rice or zoodles!)

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets if using whole breasts.

• Pat dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).

• Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

• Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed.

• Sauté minced garlic for 30–60 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn.

• Deglaze the pan with chicken broth or wine, scraping up browned bits.

• Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

• Gradually add the Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then stir into the simmering sauce.

• Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened to your liking.

Step 5: Return Chicken to the Pan

• Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.

• Finish with chopped parsley or basil, and serve hot!

Cooking Tips & Tricks

1. Pound the Chicken

If the chicken is uneven, lightly pound it to a uniform thickness. This ensures even cooking and better sear.

2. Use Fresh Garlic and Parmesan

Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Fresh garlic and cheese make all the difference.

3. Don’t Overheat Cream

Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer, not a boil. High heat can cause cream to curdle.

4. Season in Layers

Taste as you go and adjust seasoning. Garlic and Parmesan bring saltiness, so don’t over-salt early on.

Sauce Secrets: Getting It Perfect

This sauce is the star of the dish. Here’s how to nail it:

• Texture: Use heavy cream for a rich, thick base. For a lighter option, use half-and-half and a bit of cornstarch.

• Balance: The salty Parmesan, creamy dairy, and sharp garlic should be well-balanced. Adjust by adding more broth or cream if it’s too strong.

• Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, reduce it slightly or use the cornstarch slurry.

Variations and Add-Ins

With Mushrooms

Sauté sliced mushrooms in the pan before making the sauce for an earthy depth.

Spinach Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Stir in a few handfuls of baby spinach after adding the cream—it wilts beautifully and adds nutrition.

Bacon Garlic Chicken

Add crumbled bacon to the sauce or use bacon fat in place of olive oil for searing.

Cajun Twist

Season chicken with Cajun seasoning instead of Italian herbs for a spicy, Southern-inspired version.

What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This dish is wonderfully versatile. Pair it with:

Classic Sides

• Mashed potatoes

• Garlic bread

• Rice or risotto

Low-Carb Options

• Cauliflower mash

• Zucchini noodles

• Roasted broccoli or asparagus

Pasta

• Linguine or fettuccine works great to soak up that delicious sauce.

Storing and Reheating

Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing

• Not ideal, as cream sauces can separate. If freezing, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with added cream or broth.

Reheating

• Reheat in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work perfectly and add extra richness.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can try using a non-dairy cream alternative like coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, though flavor will change.

What if I don’t have Parmesan?

Use Romano, Asiago, or a combination of hard cheeses. Avoid soft cheeses—they don’t melt the same way.

Can I double the sauce?

Yes! This sauce is delicious over pasta or rice. Double it if you want extra to drizzle.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the kind of dish that earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. It’s elegant enough to serve at a dinner party, but so simple and quick you can make it on a weeknight with minimal effort.