Let’s talk about pure comfort on a plate: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken. This is the kind of dish that instantly lifts your spirits, even after the longest of days. Imagine juicy seared chicken enveloped in a silky garlic-Parmesan sauce—rich, savory, and utterly satisfying. Every bite is so decadent yet so achievable, you’ll want to put this one on weekly repeat. Plus, with its golden, garlicky aroma filling your kitchen, you’ll have your family peeking around asking, “Is dinner ready yet?”

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s a beautiful simplicity to the ingredients in this recipe—each plays a starring role, whether it’s flavor, creaminess, or aroma. As you gather what you need for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken, notice how even the smallest addition makes all the difference.

Chicken breasts: Lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up all that creamy sauce.
Olive oil: Adds richness to the sear and gives each bite a hint of fruitiness.
Salt: Essential for bringing out the chicken’s natural flavors.
Black pepper: A peppery kick that balances the richness of the sauce.
Smoked paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a gorgeous golden hue.
Garlic: The backbone of the sauce—freshly minced for maximum flavor.
Chicken broth: Deepens the savory flavor and helps loosen all the yummy browned bits from the pan.
Heavy cream: Delivers unbeatable creaminess for that luscious sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Gives the sauce its savory, nutty backbone—grate it fresh for best results.
Italian seasoning: Brings an herby lift that ties everything together.
Unsalted butter: Adds silkiness and rounds out the edges of the sauce.
Fresh parsley: A bright finishing touch, adding color and a fresh, herby flavor as garnish.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, then generously sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This quick seasoning step infuses the chicken with a subtle smokiness and savory goodness, setting a tasty foundation for the dish.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, lay the chicken breasts in gently. Sear them for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, aiming for that irresistible golden crust. The outside will be beautifully crisp, while the inside stays juicy—just make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. When done, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Start the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter directly into the skillet. When it’s melted and bubbling, stir in the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about 30 seconds—just enough to become fragrant but not browned. This is where the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken magic begins to build!

Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, and as it bubbles up, use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These are pure flavor! Next, add in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan along with Italian seasoning. Stir well, and let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens just a bit, creating that dreamy, velvety sauce.

Step 5: Return Chicken and Finish

Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, gently spooning the sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer together for a final 2 minutes, so the flavors meld and the chicken gets extra juicy. Right before serving, sprinkle over that fresh chopped parsley for brightness and visual flair. Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is ready to take center stage!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Garnishes

A shower of fresh parsley is always a winner, adding both color and a fresh herbal note. If you want to jazz things up further, consider a dusting of extra Parmesan—it never hurts! A pinch of cracked black pepper on top gives a final contrast against the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken truly shines alongside buttery mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or pasta that eagerly soaks up the luscious sauce. For a lighter touch, roasted asparagus or green beans add vibrant crunch and balance. Don’t forget a chunk of crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and fanning it over a pool of sauce for a restaurant-worthy look. For family style, serve straight from the skillet at the table—it’s cozy and inviting. This dish also makes lovely sliders for parties: just pile the saucy chicken onto mini buns with a sprinkle of parsley or arugula.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors intensify overnight, making for even tastier leftovers the next day.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this dish! Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to two months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Gently warm until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The flavors will be just as irresistible as the first time!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work just as well, offering extra juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, since thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through.

How can I make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken sauce even thicker?

If you love an ultra-thick sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. Alternatively, whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a splash of water for extra body.

Is it okay to use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

While pre-grated works in a pinch, I highly recommend grating Parmesan fresh if possible. The flavor and melting quality are unbeatable, resulting in a richer, silkier Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken sauce.

What vegetables go best with this dish?

Roasted broccoli, sautéed spinach, or crisp-tender green beans make fabulous companions. Their freshness cuts through the richness of the sauce and adds vibrant color to your table.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes! For more depth, splash in a bit of dry white wine when deglazing the pan with chicken broth. It lifts the flavors and adds a subtle sophistication to your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let another night go by without treating yourself to Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken. It’s quick enough for any weeknight, but sensational enough to impress friends and family. Once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why it’s one of my most requested recipes—cozy, creamy, and downright irresistible!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and flavorful Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal. Tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Sauce:

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Season chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear chicken until golden and cooked through.
Prepare sauce: Cook garlic in butter, add chicken broth, cream, Parmesan, and seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
Combine: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, simmer briefly.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.