Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup chicken broth; ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon butter; Chopped parsley or basil

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 83 reviews

If you are looking for a dish that brings together creamy, cheesy, and savory all in one warm hug of flavor, the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightful meal features tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious garlic cream sauce, perfectly melted Parmesan, and just the right balance of herbs and spices to elevate every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or aiming to impress guests without the fuss, this dish delivers comfort and sophistication in equal measure.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five white dishes on a white marbled surface. One large white plate holds two raw chicken fillets, pale pink with smooth texture and slight shine. A medium white bowl contains cooked curly pasta, light orange-yellow with soft texture. In a small white bowl, there is a creamy white sauce, thick and smooth. A small white bowl holds a mix of dried spices in separate piles—brown, yellow, red, green, and white powders, each with fine to grainy texture. A single clove of garlic lies beside the bowls. A woman's hand holds a white bowl with the spices. The lighting is soft and natural. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you—each one plays a crucial role in creating the rich taste and inviting texture that make this dish shine. From aromatic garlic to the nutty depth of fresh Parmesan, these essentials come together to create something truly special.

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): The main protein that stays juicy and tender when cooked just right.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity flavor and helps in searing the chicken to a golden crust.
Salt, to taste: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
Black pepper, to taste: Brings a mild heat and depth to the seasoning.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that provides that classic Italian flair.
4 cloves garlic, minced: The aromatic star that infuses the sauce with warmth and zest.
1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce a rich, velvety consistency that’s absolutely indulgent.
½ cup chicken broth: Balances the creaminess and adds subtle savory notes.
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Use fresh for the best melt and that irresistible nutty flavor.
1 tablespoon butter: Adds silkiness and rounds out the sauce’s flavor.
Optional garnish: chopped parsley or basil: Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat is key to achieving that perfect golden crust on both sides. Sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side, allowing it to develop a beautiful color and lock in moisture. Then, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for the sauce step.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter directly in the skillet. Adding minced garlic at this stage amps up the flavor—cook it just for 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant but not browned, which keeps it from turning bitter. Next, pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan; those are flavor gold! Stir in the heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Add Parmesan and Simmer with Chicken

Now it’s time to stir in that freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it fully melts and the sauce thickens into a silky, rich coating. Return the chicken back to the skillet, nestling it in the sauce, and let it simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes. This step ensures the chicken finishes cooking perfectly while soaking up that luscious sauce. Taste the sauce towards the end, adjusting salt or pepper if needed for that balanced flavor.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Finishing touches like a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil can brighten the plate and add a refreshing contrast to the creamy dish. A light dusting of extra Parmesan never hurts either, especially for those who want to double down on cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic rice will soak up every bit of that divine sauce. If you want to keep things lighter, steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad bring balance and color to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a bit of flair, try serving the chicken over a bed of pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs, effectively turning this into a one-pan pasta feast. Alternatively, plating the chicken alongside roasted vegetables and a lemon wedge adds a vibrant, fresh note to the presentation that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your leftover garlic Parmesan chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays delicious for up to four days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy leftovers.

Freezing

If you want to prep in advance, this dish freezes well. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to two months without losing that creamy flavor or tender texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth. Avoid microwaving at high power as the sauce can separate; slow, gentle heat preserves the creamy texture and keeps the chicken tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative because they stay juicy and tender, especially when simmered in creamy sauces like this one. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese, but keep in mind the sauce might be a bit less rich and thick.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Making it dairy-free would require some swaps like using a dairy-free cream alternative and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, but the flavor and texture will differ from the classic Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t use any wheat-based ingredients. Just be sure your chicken broth and seasonings are gluten-free certified.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer uncovered to reduce and concentrate, or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water towards the end to thicken quickly without altering flavor.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting and satisfying about this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, yet elegant enough to serve to friends and family when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. I encourage you to try it—once you do, it might just become your go-to for effortless, delicious dinners.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need