Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a rich and comforting dish perfect for any night of the week. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and simmered in a luscious garlic and Parmesan cream sauce. It’s an easy recipe that feels indulgent and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4–5 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or thyme for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the chicken breasts dry to ensure a good sear. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder, pressing the seasoning into the meat for even coverage.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 30–40 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the pan to loosen browned bits.
4. Step 4: Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, chili flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir gently until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
5. Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 8–10 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened further.
6. Step 6: Spoon the sauce over the chicken and garnish with chopped parsley or thyme. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce before serving.
• If you prefer, swap the chicken broth for white wine for a more complex sauce.
• Use grated Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper taste.
• Serve with steamed vegetables or over pasta or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ from the original recipe.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 74 reviews

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a rich and comforting dish featuring seared chicken breasts cooked in a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. This restaurant-quality recipe combines aromatic spices, tender chicken, and a velvety sauce perfect for an elegant weeknight dinner or special occasion meal.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter

For the Sauce

• 4–5 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or thyme for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare and Season the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect sear. Generously season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder, rubbing the spices in for even coverage.
2. Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil and butter. Place chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 5–6 minutes on each side until a deep golden crust forms. Remove chicken and set aside; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
3. Create the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–40 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir gently until smooth and slightly thickened.
4. Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce: Return seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8–10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce thickens, turning chicken once during cooking for even flavor absorption.
5. Finish and Serve: Spoon sauce generously over each chicken breast. Garnish with chopped parsley or thyme. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the rich aroma and flavors.

Notes

• Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is crucial for a beautiful sear.
• Don’t discard the browned bits in the pan; they add deep flavor to the sauce.
• For a spicier kick, include the optional chili flakes.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and smooth sauce texture.
• Serve with your favorite sides like steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or pasta to complete the meal.

Keywords: Creamy garlic Parmesan chicken, seared chicken breasts, garlic cream sauce, easy dinner recipe, Italian chicken, stovetop chicken recipe