Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken : A Rich Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally (or use 4 small fillets); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup chicken broth; ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a must-try! Juicy chicken is cooked in a rich, velvety Parmesan garlic sauce, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or even a fancy dinner idea. The best part? This dish is easy to make in just 30 minutes, and it pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Whether you need dinner ideas for the week, a creamy chicken with sauce recipe, or a garlic Parmesan crusted chicken variation, this dish is versatile, comforting, and packed with flavor. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
✔️ Rich & Creamy Sauce – Made with garlic, butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan.
✔️ Versatile – Serve it with pasta, rice, or veggies.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully.
✔️ Family-Friendly – A comforting dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients Needed

To make this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally (or use 4 small fillets)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce:

3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

✔️ Large skillet – To cook the chicken and sauce.
✔️ Cutting board & knife – For prepping the chicken.
✔️ Measuring cups & spoons – For accurate seasoning and sauce preparation.
✔️ Tongs – To flip the chicken easily.
✔️ Whisk – To blend the creamy sauce smoothly.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking to combine. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Return the Chicken to the Skillet

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and fully coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately with your favorite sides!

Best Sides for Chicken with Parmesan Garlic Sauce

This creamy dish pairs well with a variety of sides, including:

🍝 Pasta: Serve over fettuccine, penne, or angel hair pasta.
🥔 Mashed Potatoes: The sauce is perfect for spooning over creamy potatoes.
🥦 Roasted Vegetables: Try asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts.
🍚 Rice or Quinoa: A great option for a lighter meal.

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken With Sauce

✔️ Use Fresh Parmesan – Pre-grated Parmesan won’t melt as smoothly in the sauce.
✔️ Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Cook until it reaches 165°F (75°C) to keep it juicy.
✔️ Simmer, Don’t Boil – Boiling can cause the sauce to separate.
✔️ Thin the Sauce if Needed – Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce is too thick.
✔️ Want Extra Crispy Chicken? – Lightly coat the chicken in flour before searing for a slight crust.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

🐔 Diced Chicken Recipes: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for a faster cooking time.
🧀 Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Coat the chicken in a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and garlic powder before frying.
🌿 Add Spinach or Mushrooms: Sauté with the garlic for extra veggies.
🥩 Make It with Another Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, pork chops, or tofu.
🥛 Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Overcrowding the Pan – Cook the chicken in batches to get a nice sear.
🚫 Skipping the Chicken Broth – Helps balance the richness of the sauce.
🚫 Using Low-Quality Parmesan – Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds more flavor.
🚫 Not Resting the Chicken – Letting the chicken sit for 5 minutes before slicing keeps it juicy.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storing:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months (without pasta).

Reheating:

Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent curdling.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

🥖 Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
🥗 Side Salad: A light Caesar or arugula salad balances the richness.
🍋 Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon brightens the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Store the cooked chicken and sauce separately, then reheat when ready to serve.

❓ Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich. Add 1 teaspoon of flour to help thicken it.

❓ What’s the best way to make this low-carb?

Serve with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a simple green salad.

❓ Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time since bone-in chicken takes longer to cook.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a rich, flavorful, and easy dinner recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or need a fancy dinner idea, this dish is sure to impress!

If you tried this recipe, leave a comment below and share your experience! Don’t forget to pin this recipe and subscribe for more easy meat dinner recipes.