Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe, a luscious dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, velvety sauce bursting with garlic and Parmesan flavors. It’s the perfect blend of creamy indulgence and savory goodness that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re looking for a weekday dinner that’s quick yet impressive or a special meal to share, this recipe hits all the marks for flavor, texture, and satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe plays a crucial role, from building depth of flavor to creating that irresistible creamy texture. These simple yet essential components come together to create a dish that feels gourmet but is easy enough for any home cook to master.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The centerpiece providing juicy, tender protein that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings essential for boosting the natural flavor of the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps create a golden crust on the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses classic Mediterranean herbs for warm, aromatic notes.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Packs a fragrant punch, essential for that signature garlic flavor in the sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Builds the flavorful base of the creamy sauce and keeps it light yet savory.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess that makes the sauce rich and smooth.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers sharp, nutty richness that perfectly complements the garlic.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Lends a subtle earthy aroma enhancing the overall depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor for more intensity layered in the sauce.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Adds a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness at the end.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the chicken
Start by giving your chicken breasts a generous seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to build an irresistible base flavor that will shine through after cooking.
Step 2: Sear the chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step locks in juices and creates that beautiful crust that will contrast wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Remove chicken and sauté garlic
Take the chicken out and set it aside before adding minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic just until fragrant—this is where your kitchen starts smelling like heaven.
Step 4: Make the sauce base
Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits from the skillet’s bottom. This step infuses the sauce with deep savory notes.
Step 5: Add cream and cheeses
Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and garlic powder, cooking gently until the cheese melts and the sauce transforms into a rich, creamy masterpiece.
Step 6: Return chicken and simmer
Place the chicken back into the skillet, spooning that heavenly sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the chicken soaks up even more flavor and stays moist.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness and visual appeal. Serve it warm immediately to enjoy the ultimate creamy garlic Parmesan experience.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh herby lift that balances the richness of the dish, making each bite more vibrant and inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides like buttery garlic mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or even a bed of al dente pasta. Steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus also complement it beautifully by adding texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the chicken atop a nest of sautéed spinach or creamy risotto. You can also drizzle some extra sauce over a bed of garlic bread or crostini for dipping. Presentation-wise, layering the chicken slices and spooning extra sauce over the top while garnishing with herbs makes your plate look like it came from a restaurant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce helps keep the chicken moist, but make sure to consume it relatively quickly to enjoy peak freshness and flavor.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. Place cooled chicken breasts and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of cream or broth while reheating can refresh the sauce’s creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for their tenderness and quick cooking time, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, slightly richer flavor. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is this dish very heavy because of the cream?
Though it is creamy and rich, the dish balances flavors well with the acidity and depth from the garlic and chicken broth. You can also lighten it up by substituting half-and-half for heavy cream or using less cheese, but do so carefully to retain that signature creamy texture.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free unless you add any sides that contain gluten. Just double-check that your chicken broth and seasoning blends don’t include hidden gluten or additives.
What is the best way to get a golden crust on the chicken?
Make sure your skillet and olive oil are hot enough before adding the chicken. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and avoid moving the chicken too soon—letting it sear undisturbed for 6-7 minutes builds that perfect golden crust.
Can I add vegetables directly into the sauce?
Yes, you can! Adding quick-cooking vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes toward the end of the sauce preparation adds flavor, texture, and nutrition without sacrificing the silky smooth nature of the sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe that makes it a go-to for comfort and elegance all rolled into one dish. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and creamy sauce with juicy chicken is downright irresistible. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner that everyone at the table will rave about!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts cooked to perfection and smothered in a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor into the meat.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant to develop the base flavor for the sauce.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all the flavors.
- Make Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and garlic powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to warm through and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm alongside pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melt.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh parsley enhances presentation and adds a pop of color but can be omitted.
- Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded dinner.
