chicken with gravy sauce is being served in a white bowl

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken – Rich, Flavorful & Easy!

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This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a decadent, restaurant-quality dish made with tender pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. It’s quick to make in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions!

Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies for a delicious, comforting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

the Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
  • ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
  • ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

  1. Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner pieces.
  2. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

2. Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 75°C).
  3. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
  4. Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens.

4. Assemble & Serve

  1. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
  2. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to absorb flavors.
  3. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve warm!
chicken with gravy sauce is being served in a white bowl Save

Expert Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Use freshly grated Parmesan – It melts better and enhances the sauce’s flavor.
Don’t overcook the chicken – Thin slices cook quickly, so check for doneness early.
For extra depth, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the broth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the sear – A golden crust locks in the chicken’s juices.
Overheating the sauce – Simmer gently to keep it smooth and creamy.
Using pre-shredded Parmesan – It won’t melt as well as freshly grated cheese.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

  • Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a hearty meal.
  • Pair with roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans for a balanced plate.
  • Garnish with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for a gourmet touch.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storage:

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

  • Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing:

  • Not recommended, as dairy-based sauces may separate when thawed.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Make it low-carb – Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash.
  • Try different cheeses – Swap Parmesan for gruyère or Asiago for a unique twist.
  • Add veggies – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • Garlic butter pasta or fettuccine Alfredo
  • Crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the sauce
  • Roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed broccoli

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great, but may need a few extra minutes of cooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the sauce separately and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. To thicken, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon milk before adding.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a rich, indulgent, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion! Whether you serve it over pasta, potatoes, or veggies, the velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce makes every bite unforgettable.

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more creamy, comforting recipes!

Calories Per Serving

Approximate Calories: 450 kcal per serving (based on 4 servings).

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Serves: 4
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chicken with gravy sauce is being served in a white bowl Save

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken – Rich, Flavorful & Easy!

  • Author: Elisa
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is tender, juicy, and smothered in a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce! A quick and easy 30-minute meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
  • ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
  • ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

  1. Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner pieces.
  2. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

2. Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 75°C).
  3. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
  4. Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens.

4. Assemble & Serve

  1. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
  2. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to absorb flavors.
  3. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve warm!

Notes

✔ Use freshly grated Parmesan – It melts better and enhances the sauce’s flavor.
✔ Don’t overcook the chicken – Thin slices cook quickly, so check for doneness early.
✔ For extra depth, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the broth.

  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Category: DINNER
  • Cuisine: AMERICAN

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450

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