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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  • 45 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