Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken – Irresistibly Delicious Comfort Food
There’s something magical about a plate of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken — tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered in a velvety sauce infused with garlic, parmesan, and cream. This recipe is one of those reliable comfort food dishes you can make in under 30 minutes, yet it tastes like something from your favorite bistro. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, this dish is a guaranteed hit. I often serve it with simple sides, but it’s also perfect with pasta, rice, or even roasted veggies. If you enjoy creamy, indulgent meals like my Italian Sausage Zucchini Boats, you’ll love this recipe. And for those who want to explore more creamy dinner ideas, you can check this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta for another delicious inspiration.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This recipe is the ultimate weeknight hero — quick, easy, and full of flavor. You’ll love how simple it is to transform basic chicken breasts into a rich, satisfying meal that feels special. The sauce is perfectly balanced: creamy but not heavy, garlicky without being overpowering, and enhanced with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. It’s also a flexible recipe — serve it over pasta for a hearty dinner, with mashed potatoes for pure comfort, or alongside a fresh salad for a lighter option. Plus, unlike some cream-based recipes, this one comes together in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze. If you’re in the mood for another comforting recipe that’s also veggie-packed, don’t miss my Cauliflower Feta Baked Salad — it’s a healthy but still flavorful alternative.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have four thinner cutlets. Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This ensures every bite is flavorful.
Step 2 – Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and butter. Let it heat for a couple of minutes until the butter is melted and sizzling. Cook the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until nicely golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and loosely tent with foil to keep warm.
Step 3 – Start the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the flour and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir constantly for about one minute to cook the flour and release the garlic’s aroma.
Step 4 – Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the chicken broth or white wine, whisking well to dissolve the flour. Allow it to simmer and reduce by half — this step intensifies the flavor of the sauce.
Step 5 – Add the Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream and let it bubble gently for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the parmesan cheese until fully melted.
Step 6 – Finish and Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet, along with any juices from the plate. Spoon the sauce generously over the chicken, season with extra salt and pepper if needed, and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Don’t overcook the chicken — thin cutlets cook quickly, so watch the heat to keep them juicy.
- Use freshly grated parmesan — it melts better and gives a smoother sauce compared to pre-grated varieties.
- White wine adds depth — if you opt for wine, choose a dry white like Sauvignon Blanc.
- Make it gluten-free — swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
Variations & Substitutions
- Protein Swap: Try boneless pork chops or shrimp for a twist.
- Herb Boost: Add fresh basil or thyme for a different aroma.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
- Mushroom Addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding the cream for an earthy depth.
What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Buttered pasta or fettuccine Alfredo
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed broccoli or asparagus
- Freshly baked bread to soak up the sauce
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months (sauce may separate slightly after thawing).
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well and stay juicy.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can swap the cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative, though the flavor will be slightly different.
What’s the best wine to use?
A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creaminess without overpowering it.
Nutrition Facts Table
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Fat | 36g |
| Saturated Fat | 18g |
| Cholesterol | 160mg |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 1g |
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that deserves a spot in your weeknight dinner rotation. The rich, velvety sauce turns simple chicken into something special — and it’s versatile enough to serve with a variety of sides. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again. Whether paired with pasta, rice, or veggies, this dish is pure comfort in every bite.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken – Irresistibly Delicious Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts sliced in half lengthwise, yielding 4 pieces
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of each chicken piece with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden-brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Create the roux: Keep the heat at medium-high. Sprinkle flour into the skillet, stir in the garlic, and cook for about a minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze & reduce: Pour in chicken broth (or wine), whisking until smooth. Cook until the liquid has reduced by half.
- Build the sauce: Stir in the cream and let it bubble gently until thickened to your liking (reduce heat if boiling too rapidly), then remove from heat.
- Finish with Parmesan: Stir in the Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Reunite chicken and sauce: Add the chicken (and any collected juices) back to the skillet. Spoon sauce over top. Adjust seasoning if needed, and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For an optional flavor boost, try using white wine in place of chicken broth.
- Ensure the skillet remains hot when adding flour for a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
