There’s something special about Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken — it’s simple, comforting, and completely irresistible. Juicy, golden-browned chicken breasts simmer in a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce that’s perfectly rich without being heavy. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant, yet it’s easy enough for a weeknight.
The first time I made this, it was one of those nights when I wanted something delicious but didn’t want to deal with a ton of dishes. I had chicken, cream, and a wedge of Parmesan in the fridge — and in about 30 minutes, dinner was done. My family cleaned their plates in silence, the best compliment a home cook can get. Now it’s a staple, right next to my Fajita Chicken Casserole and Poor Man’s Husband Casserole when we want something hearty but fast.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Stir in flour and cook for 30 more seconds to make a roux.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth and cream. Stir constantly until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is creamy. Adjust salt and pepper.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Spoon sauce over each piece and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with pasta, mashed potatoes, or bread.
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken delivers the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. It’s buttery, garlicky, and creamy, yet comes together quickly with minimal prep. The sauce clings beautifully to the chicken and pairs perfectly with pasta, mashed potatoes, or even roasted veggies.
If you enjoy cozy, flavorful dishes like my Million Dollar Soup or Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Casserole, this recipe is going to earn a spot on your weekly rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
It’s the same simple, no-fuss approach that makes my One-Pan Chicken Gallaba Skillet so satisfying — easy ingredients that turn into something restaurant-worthy.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for another 30 seconds to form a roux.
Step 3: Add the Liquids
Slowly whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 4: Stir in Parmesan and Seasoning
Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir until melted and creamy, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Return the Chicken
Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a slice of Christmas Bread Recipe.
This easy one-pan style reminds me of my Cheesy Tortilla Quiche: creamy, quick, and made with love in under an hour.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Sear until just done — it’ll finish in the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts smoother and adds richer flavor.
- Balance the sauce: If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth; if too thin, simmer a few extra minutes.
- Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale for color and nutrition.
Just like my Cottage Cheese and Veggie Bake, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create something indulgent.
Flavor Variations
- Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken: Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms when sautéing garlic.
- Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Add lemon juice and zest for a tangy twist.
- Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Version: Stir in chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for a bistro-style upgrade.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash.
Like my Cheesy Quinoa Chicken Burrito, this dish is endlessly adaptable — creamy comfort with a creative twist every time.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze the sauce and chicken separately for best texture.
Reheating: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
This reheats beautifully — much like my Fajita Chicken Casserole — creamy dishes just seem to get better the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay juicy and work perfectly in this recipe.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
You can use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan.
3. Can I add pasta directly to the sauce?
Yes, just add cooked pasta to the skillet before serving for a full meal.
4. What should I serve it with?
It’s amazing over rice, mashed potatoes, or a side of roasted vegetables.
The Final Bite
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is everything a cozy dinner should be — rich, comforting, and full of flavor in every bite. The creamy garlic sauce coats the tender chicken perfectly, creating a meal that feels special but is secretly so easy to make.
Serve it with a crisp salad, buttery bread, or your favorite pasta for a dinner that will make any night feel like a celebration.