Savory Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Craving a dish that’s both incredibly comforting and remarkably easy to prepare? Look no further than this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken! This culinary masterpiece, made with everyday ingredients, delivers an explosion of flavor in every bite. Imagine perfectly cooked, tender chicken breasts enveloped in a rich, velvety Parmesan and garlic-infused sauce – it’s a recipe guaranteed to become an instant family favorite and a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.

This creamy chicken recipe is specifically designed for those busy evenings when time is precious but you still desire a wholesome, satisfying meal. It comes together swiftly, often in under an hour, and can be prepared in a single pan, minimizing cleanup. Rich, hearty, and undeniably comforting, this dish is your ideal solution for those moments of indecision about dinner. Its versatile flavor profile pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes, ensuring everyone at the table will find something to love.

Quick and straightforward chicken recipes are invaluable, especially on demanding weeknights when you’re balancing countless tasks. This creamy Parmesan chicken stands out for its simplicity and deliciousness. If you’re searching for more convenient dinner options, consider exploring other fantastic recipes like Chicken Scampi Pasta, Easy Chicken and Gravy, or Chicken Swedish Meatballs.

Why You’ll Absolutely Adore This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

There are countless reasons why this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken will quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection:

• Explosively Flavorful: Despite using just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this creamy chicken dish is packed with an incredible depth of flavor. The blend of savory garlic, aromatic Italian seasonings, and rich Parmesan cheese creates a symphony for your taste buds. Most likely, you already have the majority of these essential ingredients stocked in your pantry and refrigerator, making it incredibly accessible for spontaneous cooking.
• An Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Sauce: The heart of this recipe is its dreamy, luxurious sauce. The harmonious combination of heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese creates a silken, deeply savory coating that is simply divine. Your family will undoubtedly clamor to savor every last drop, whether they’re soaking it up with warm, crusty bread, fluffy mashed potatoes, perfectly cooked pasta, or a bed of fragrant rice. This sauce is truly the star that brings the entire dish together.
• Remarkably Fast Preparation: Say goodbye to lengthy cooking sessions. You can have a delectable and impressive dinner on the table in under 40 minutes with this simple creamy chicken recipe. The actual cooking time for the chicken and sauce hovers around 30 minutes, making it the quintessential choice for those incredibly busy weeknights when you need efficiency without sacrificing taste or quality.
• One-Pan Wonder: For those who dread a pile of dishes, this recipe is a lifesaver. Everything, from searing the chicken to simmering the luscious sauce, happens in a single skillet. This not only streamlines your cooking process but also makes cleanup a breeze, giving you more time to enjoy your meal and less time scrubbing.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s something inherently comforting about a warm, creamy chicken dish. This recipe embodies that feeling, offering a hearty and satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or any time you need a little culinary pick-me-up.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Chicken Masterpiece

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this unforgettable Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips for optimal results:

• Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Slicing them lengthwise into thinner cutlets ensures quicker, more even cooking and helps them absorb more of that glorious sauce.
• Seasoning: To achieve that signature flavor, you’ll need a blend of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This combination beautifully complements the creamy sauce.
• Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil is essential for searing the chicken to a perfect golden-brown. Feel free to use your preferred cooking oil if you have another favorite.
• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you precise control over the overall saltiness of your dish. It forms the base of your roux and adds a rich, desirable flavor to the sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: A small amount of all-purpose flour is crucial for creating a light roux, which thickens the sauce to its ideal creamy consistency.
• Fresh Garlic: This ingredient is non-negotiable for “Garlic Parmesan Chicken.” We highly recommend using freshly minced garlic for its vibrant, pungent flavor that truly elevates the sauce. Pre-minced garlic won’t deliver the same aromatic punch.
• Chicken Broth: Choose a low-sodium chicken broth whenever possible. This helps prevent the dish from becoming overly salty, allowing you to season to taste.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: The secret to that incredibly luxurious and creamy sauce. Heavy whipping cream provides the richness and body that makes this dish so indulgent.
• Parmesan Cheese: For the best melting and flavor, always opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting.
• Fresh Parsley: A final sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.

Crafting Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these straightforward steps to create a show-stopping Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken that will impress without the stress:

• Prepare and Season the Chicken: Begin by patting your chicken breast halves dry with paper towels. This helps ensure a beautiful sear. Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasonings, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Ensure an even coating for maximum flavor.

• Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection: Heat a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron or heavy-bottomed is ideal) over a medium flame and add the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot pan. Cook for approximately 5-6 minutes per side, or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate, tent loosely with foil, and set aside, allowing it to rest and its juices to redistribute.

• Build the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Using the same skillet (don’t clean it, those browned bits add flavor!), reduce the heat slightly if needed and add the unsalted butter. Once the butter is melted and slightly foaming, add the freshly minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Immediately sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for about one minute to create a light roux. This step helps thicken your sauce.
• Simmer with Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to begin thickening and the flavors to meld beautifully.

• Incorporate the Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy whipping cream. Continue to gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to visibly thicken to your desired consistency. This usually takes another 3-5 minutes. Then, remove the skillet from the heat. This is crucial for preventing the cheese from seizing. Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring diligently until the cheese is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings (salt and pepper) as needed.

• Reunite Chicken with Sauce: Carefully transfer the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet with the creamy sauce, along with any accumulated juices from the resting plate. Gently spoon the sauce over the chicken to ensure it’s fully coated. Allow it to gently simmer with the sauce for a couple of minutes, just to warm through and allow the chicken to fully absorb the flavors.
• Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is perfectly nestled in its creamy blanket, remove from heat. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley and a final sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an exquisite finish. Serve your creamy chicken immediately over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, alongside a vibrant green salad, or with your favorite steamed vegetables.

Pro Tips for Crafting the Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Achieving restaurant-quality results with your creamy chicken breast recipe is easier with these expert tips:

• Lighter Sauce Option: If you prefer a slightly lighter sauce without sacrificing too much creaminess, you can substitute heavy whipping cream with half-and-half. However, be cautious: avoid boiling the sauce on high heat, as half-and-half is more prone to curdling than heavy cream. Keep it at a gentle simmer.
• Evenly Cooked Chicken: If you opt not to slice the chicken breasts lengthwise, it’s highly recommended to pound them to an even thickness (about ½ to ¾ inch). This ensures that all parts of the chicken cook uniformly and prevents dry spots. If using thicker breasts, you might also consider doubling the quantity to make four thinner pieces from two large breasts.
• The Parmesan Difference: The quality of your Parmesan cheese significantly impacts the sauce. Always prioritize freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain cellulose or other anti-caking agents that can give the sauce a grainy texture and prevent the cheese from melting as smoothly and lusciously as fresh Parmesan.
• Quality Butter Matters: Butter is more than just a fat in this recipe; it’s a flavor enhancer and a crucial component of the roux. Opt for a high-quality unsalted butter for the best taste and texture in your sauce.
• Fresh Garlic, Always: For an unparalleled burst of aromatic flavor, use freshly minced garlic. Jarred, pre-minced garlic simply cannot compare in terms of potency and brightness, and often has a slightly metallic or bitter undertone.
• Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can quickly become tough and dry, detracting from the dish’s appeal. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once it hits this mark, remove it from the heat immediately to preserve its juiciness. Remember, it will continue to cook slightly as it rests.
• Don’t Rush the Roux: When making the roux with butter and flour, cook it for at least a minute, stirring constantly. This cooks out the raw flour taste, ensuring your sauce has a smooth, rich flavor rather than a floury one.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Here are answers to some common questions about this delicious creamy chicken recipe:

Expand Your Culinary Horizons: More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and flavor of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken, you’ll be thrilled to discover more of my favorite chicken creations. From hearty stews to zesty Mediterranean flavors, there’s something for every palate and occasion:

• Easy Chicken Stew
• Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken
• Creamy White Chicken Chili
• Paneer Pasanda (While not chicken, this is a highly recommended flavorful Indian dish!)
• Sweet and Spicy Asian Chicken
• Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

I genuinely hope you enjoy exploring all the recipes I share with you, and this exquisite Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is no exception. Give it a try tonight, savor every bite, and if you love it, please consider rating it and sharing your experience with your friends and family!

If you make this recipe and find it as delightful as I do, please take a moment to leave a star rating and a comment below. Don’t forget to use my hashtag to share your delicious recreations with me on Instagram – I love seeing your culinary masterpieces! For all my latest social posts, fresh recipes, and kitchen inspiration, be sure to follow Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK |INSTAGRAM |PINTEREST. Happy cooking!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

The ultimate comfort dish, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is perfect for dinner tonight. Made with simple ingredients, this creamy chicken recipe is full of flavor. Tender chicken coated in a rich parmesan and garlic sauce, this recipe will become a household favorite.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasonings
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Season the chicken breasts halves with garlic powder, Italian seasonings, salt and pepper.
2. Heat a large skillet with oil on a medium flame, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes until they turn golden. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
3. To the same skillet add the butter. Once the butter is melted add the minced garlic and sprinkle the flour. Cook for a minute.
4. Add the chicken broth and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the whipping cream and let it cook until the sauce begins to slightly thicken.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is completely melted. Check for seasonings.
7. Transfer the chicken back to the skillet along with the juices from the chicken and cook for a couple of minutes.
8. Once done, garnish the creamy chicken with parsley and parmesan cheese.
9. Serve the chicken over a plate of mashed potatoes and greens on the side.

Notes

• You can use half and half if you’d like to lighten up the sauce, but be careful not to boil on high heat to prevent curdling.
• If you don’t want to cut the chicken lengthwise, you can pound the chicken breasts into even thickness.
• Freshly shredded parmesan cheese is preferred. Pre-shredded cheeses have an anti-caking agent added that prevents them from melting as well.
• Butter is an integral part of this sauce, so choose high quality butter.
• Use freshly minced garlic. It brings out so much flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.
• Be careful not to overcook the chicken as it’ll become tough. Once the chicken has hit 165°F (74°C), pull it off the heat so it doesn’t overcook.

Nutrition

Calories: 493 kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 172mg | Sodium: 647mg | Potassium: 539mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1283IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 199mg | Iron: 1mg