Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe That Truly Wows

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy garlic parmesan chicken recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Tender chicken breasts bathe in a luxurious sauce that whispers pure indulgence.

Each bite promises rich, velvety flavors that dance across your palate with delightful complexity.

The combination of garlic and parmesan creates a magical harmony that elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Crispy edges and a silky sauce make this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this chicken promises to become a staple in your culinary rotation.

Savor every moment and let this recipe transform your evening meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken: What Makes It So Creamy

  • Whip Up Quickly: This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal prep work, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredient options let you swap or adjust components based on pantry availability, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken create a universally loved dish that satisfies both adults and picky eaters at family dinners.
  • Impress Without Stress: Looks and tastes sophisticated but requires basic cooking skills, allowing even novice chefs to create a memorable meal that seems professionally prepared.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Ingredient Rundown

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein in this creamy dish.
Seasoning and Coating:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates a light, crispy coating that helps seal in moisture and provides texture.
Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce.
  • Garlic: Provides a deep, aromatic flavor that complements the chicken.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth and liquid base for the sauce.
  • Sherry: Introduces a subtle, complex flavor to the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture for the sauce.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy, sharp note to balance the richness.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and visual appeal to the dish.

Preparing Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Slice and Prepare Chicken

Cut each chicken breast horizontally to create two even fillets.

Use a sharp knife and work carefully to ensure uniform thickness for even cooking.

Step 2: Season and Dredge Chicken

Sprinkle salt and black pepper over both sides of the chicken fillets.

Gently coat each piece with flour, shaking off any excess to create a light, even layer.

Step 3: Sear Golden Chicken

Warm a skillet with a blend of oil and butter over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken fillets in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 4: Create Aromatic Garlic Base

Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic in butter until it becomes fragrant and softens, releasing its delightful aroma.

Step 5: Build Luxurious Cream Sauce

Sprinkle remaining flour from dredging into the garlic butter.

Gradually pour in chicken broth and sherry, stirring continuously.

Add heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and grated parmesan cheese.

Simmer and whisk until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Return chicken fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce.

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the rich flavors.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Tips for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Perfection

  • Cut chicken breasts horizontally for even, tender pieces that cook quickly and consistently.
  • Lightly dust chicken with flour to create a delicate golden crust that helps seal in moisture and adds delicious texture.
  • Sauté garlic gently in butter to release its rich, aromatic flavors without burning, which can make the sauce bitter.
  • Let the sauce reduce gradually to develop a luxurious, creamy consistency that coats the chicken perfectly.
  • Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce.

Chicken Parmesan Variations for Creamy Lovers

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a lactose-free version.
  • Keto-Friendly Feast: Swap flour for almond flour or crushed pork rinds, keeping the creamy sauce low-carb and high-fat.
  • Mediterranean Makeover: Use olive oil instead of butter, add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for a Mediterranean-inspired chicken dish.
  • Spicy Southern Style: Incorporate cajun seasoning into the flour coating and add a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a zesty kick.

Serving Up Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • Elegant Dinner Centerpiece: Place the golden chicken on a large white platter surrounded by fresh herb sprigs for a restaurant-quality presentation.
  • Pasta Companion: Serve over creamy fettuccine or buttery angel hair pasta to soak up the rich, velvety parmesan sauce and create a complete meal.
  • Fresh Side Harmony: Pair with roasted asparagus or a crisp mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the chicken's creamy, indulgent flavors.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the dish with a crisp chardonnay or sauvignon blanc that cuts through the sauce's richness and enhances the garlic and parmesan notes.

Storing Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken for Later

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the sauce separate from chicken to maintain its crispy texture.
  • Cool chicken completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Wrap tightly and freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm gently in skillet over medium-low heat to prevent sauce from separating. Add splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
  • Always cover chicken when storing to prevent moisture loss and protect from refrigerator odors. Let chicken cool to room temperature before sealing container to prevent condensation.

FAQs

  • What cuts of chicken work best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook quickly and evenly, absorbing the creamy sauce perfectly.

  • Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have some on hand?

Yes, you can replace sherry with white wine or extra broth, and use heavy cream or half-and-half instead of cream. Dijon mustard can substitute for regular mustard.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure no pink remains.

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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Garlic Parmesan chicken delivers an irresistible Italian-inspired dinner that promises rich, comforting flavors in every delectable bite. Succulent chicken breasts bathed in a luxurious sauce will transport you straight to a charming countryside kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 chicken breasts

Seasonings and Flour:

  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) black pepper
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) Dijon mustard

Cooking Liquids and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons (45 g) butter, divided
  • 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) dry sherry (optional)
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated parmesan
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create two evenly thick fillets, ensuring uniform cooking and tenderness.
  2. Generously season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then delicately dust with a light flour coating for a crisp exterior.
  3. Warm a skillet with oil and butter over medium-high heat, creating a golden searing environment for the chicken.
  4. Cook chicken fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a rich, caramelized surface and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Reduce heat and sauté minced garlic in remaining butter until fragrant and translucent, releasing its aromatic essence.
  6. Sprinkle reserved flour into garlic mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth, roux-like base for the sauce.
  7. Gradually pour in broth and sherry, whisking to prevent lumps and develop a rich, complex flavor profile.
  8. Introduce heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and grated parmesan cheese, stirring until sauce transforms into a luxurious, velvety consistency.
  9. Gently return chicken to the pan, allowing it to simmer in the creamy sauce for 2-3 minutes, ensuring complete heat integration.
  10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch, then serve immediately while sauce remains warm and luscious.

Notes

  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
  • Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and better flour adherence.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan for richer flavor and smoother sauce texture compared to pre-packaged cheese.
  • Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version without compromising the creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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