If you’ve ever craved a dish that wraps you in a warm, savory hug with every bite, you need this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe in your life. Succulent chicken breasts get a golden sear before being smothered in a garlicky, silky Parmesan sauce that tastes like something you’d only find at a dreamy bistro, but is stunningly easy to make at home. It’s a crowd-pleaser that always disappears fast around my table, and I know you’ll fall for it too!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is its simple list of ingredients, each playing a key role in building bold flavor and rich texture. Here’s what you’ll need—don’t skip a thing, because every element brings a little magic!

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts cook up tender and juicy, making them the perfect canvas for the creamy sauce.
Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon is enough to get those edges crispy and delicious when searing your chicken.
Butter: Adds the indulgent, buttery flavor needed for a rich sauce—don’t be shy!
Garlic (fresh cloves): Minced garlic infuses the whole dish with irresistible aroma and bite.
Heavy Cream: This is your ticket to a lusciously rich sauce that clings beautifully to every bite.
Chicken Broth: Lends depth and balances out the tang of the dairy in the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan melts into the sauce for deep, nutty, umami flavor—freshly grated is best!
Garlic Powder: A sprinkle enhances the garlic punch without overpowering the sauce.
Salt: Season to highlight every nuance in this blissful mix (taste as you go!).
Black Pepper: Just the right touch of pepper balances the creamy tones beautifully.
Italian Seasoning: This blend ties together all those Mediterranean undertones for ultimate comfort.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle over the top adds color, freshness, and a hint of brightness.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry, then generously sprinkle them with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides. Taking just a minute for this step ensures every bite is packed with flavor, and the simple seasoning forms a delicious crust once seared.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat that olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then lay in the chicken breasts. Let them sizzle for 4 to 5 minutes per side—resist the urge to move them! You want that deep golden-brown color for maximum flavor and juiciness. Once they’re cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F), set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Turn the heat to medium and drop in the butter, letting it melt and bubble gently. Add the minced garlic next; cook just 30 seconds until it smells absolutely heavenly and releases all its aroma. The garlic should just soften, not brown—that’s how you keep the flavor sweet and mellow.

Step 4: Deglaze and Creamify

Pour in the chicken broth first, using your spoon to scrape up all those tasty browned bits from the pan (they hold so much flavor!). Next, add the heavy cream, stirring both together to form the lush base of the sauce.

Step 5: Add Parmesan and Seasonings

Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, then stir it constantly for 3 to 5 minutes as the sauce thickens slightly and transforms into creamy perfection. The cheese will melt right in, creating that signature silky texture that makes this dish unforgettable.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon plenty of sauce over the top, and let everything gently simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. This is where the flavors all come together and the chicken becomes incredibly juicy and flavorful. Finish with a shower of freshly chopped parsley, then serve hot and watch everyone swoon!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

This dish deserves a sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving—it adds a burst of color and a hint of fresh flavor that balances the rich sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, try an extra dusting of grated Parmesan over the top right at the table!

Side Dishes

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is begging for something cozy to soak up that luscious sauce. I love it over twirls of al dente pasta or creamy mashed potatoes. Rice, couscous, or even steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans also work beautifully, keeping things both simple and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! Slice the chicken and fan it on a platter over a bed of pasta, or serve individually in shallow bowls with plenty of sauce for dunking crusty bread. Turn it into a hearty sandwich filling by layering it on toasted ciabatta with greens, or even thinly slice leftovers to top salads for lunch the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe will keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to preserve all that glorious flavor and prevent the sauce from picking up any stray fridge odors.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish! Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. The sauce may separate a little upon thawing, but a good stir while reheating will bring it back together nicely.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce as needed. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals for even warmth.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Chicken thighs will add even more moisture and flavor. Just be sure they’re boneless and skinless for the best texture, and adjust the cook time as needed since thighs can take a little longer to cook through.

Is there a way to lighten up the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe?

Of course! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter sauce. You can also use less butter or choose a reduced-fat Parmesan to further cut down on calories while keeping the dish delicious.

How can I tell when the chicken is cooked perfectly?

The most reliable way is with a meat thermometer: your chicken is ready when the internal temperature hits 165°F. Don’t have one? Check that the juices run clear and there’s no pink inside when you slice into the thickest part.

Can I add vegetables to the skillet?

Yes, tossing in baby spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes near the end of cooking is a great way to sneak in some veggies and add more color and flavor to your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe.

What’s the best way to make the sauce extra thick?

If you want a thicker sauce, just simmer it a little longer before returning the chicken to the pan, or add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Make sure to stir constantly, and you’ll be rewarded with the most luscious, clingy sauce imaginable!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for your next family favorite, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is the one to try. It’s guaranteed to turn even an ordinary weeknight into something special. I hope you love it as much as we do—don’t forget to share your own delicious twists and serve it with plenty of that dreamy sauce!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 26 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in this decadent Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe that features tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich and creamy sauce with hints of garlic and Parmesan. This dish is a perfect blend of flavors for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to deglaze. Add Parmesan and Italian seasoning, stirring until smooth.
Combine and Simmer: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.