Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

If there’s one dinner that feels like a warm hug (and will have your whole family scraping their plates), it’s this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken. Imagine tender, golden chicken nestled in a silky sauce fragrant with fresh garlic and melting parmesan—this truly is comfort food at its most irresistible.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken unforgettable is the perfectly balanced blend of everyday ingredients. Each one plays a starring role—adding richness, savoriness, or zest to every bite.

• Chicken breasts: The star of the show—choose large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts so you get juicy results after pan-searing and simmering.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning your chicken and really bringing out every savory note.
• All-purpose flour: Lightly coating the chicken gives it a delicate crust and helps thicken the luscious sauce later on.
• Olive oil: Gives the chicken golden, crisp edges while adding extra flavor during searing.
• Butter: A touch (or three!) of butter deepens the richness in both the chicken and that dreamy parmesan sauce.
• Fresh garlic: You’ll want a full six cloves—garlic is what makes this dish delightfully aromatic and seriously mouthwatering.
• Dry sherry (optional): Adds a gourmet boost and a bit more complexity to the sauce, but feel free to swap for white wine, marsala, or skip it if you prefer.
• Chicken broth: Provides a savory backbone that brings the creamy sauce together without making it feel too heavy.
• Heavy cream: Your ticket to that ultra-silky, restaurant-style sauce that clings perfectly to every piece of chicken.
• Dijon mustard: Just a dab brightens the sauce and rounds out the richness without tasting mustardy.
• Grated parmesan: The secret to a truly cheesy, nutty, melt-in-your-mouth finish you’ll crave again and again.
• Fresh parsley: For a fresh, pretty finishing touch that wakes up all the flavors (and makes your plate look gorgeous!).

Variations

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is incredibly adaptable, so you can absolutely tailor it to your mood, dietary needs, or whatever’s in your fridge. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—the possibilities are deliciously endless!

• Swap the Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, slightly richer twist (you’ll just need to cook them a bit longer for perfect tenderness).
• Lighten It Up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or go half cream/half milk for a sauce that’s still luscious but a little lighter.
• Add Veggies: Toss in baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms right before simmering the sauce—they make the meal heartier and extra tasty.
• Change the Cheese: Replace some of the parmesan with asiago or pecorino for a new flavor profile, or sprinkle fresh mozzarella on top and broil for a melty finish.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Slice the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry (this helps them brown beautifully). Then, carefully slice each one in half, horizontally, so you have four thinner pieces. This not only helps them cook evenly but also means every serving is perfectly coated in sauce.

Step 2: Season and Dredge

Season both sides of your chicken with kosher salt and black pepper. Dredge each fillet lightly in flour, shaking off the excess—this step gives your chicken a subtle, golden crust and helps create velvety body in the sauce later on.

Step 3: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and let it cook, undisturbed, for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until it’s golden and just cooked through. Set the chicken aside on a plate—you’ll finish it in the sauce soon!

Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Build the Flavor

Add the remaining butter to the pan, then toss in your chopped garlic. Stir frequently until the garlic is soft and fragrant, but not browned. Now, sprinkle in any leftover flour from dredging—this will help thicken your creamy sauce later.

Step 5: Make That Dreamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and sherry (if using). Let it bubble and reduce slightly, then stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and parmesan. Whisk and simmer for several minutes, until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and smells downright heavenly.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Return your golden chicken to the pan and gently simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. Spoon plenty of sauce over each piece, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve right from the skillet for maximum wow factor.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Garnishes

Brighten the rich, creamy sauce with a generous shower of chopped fresh parsley—it makes each plate pop with color and adds a delicate, herbal lift. For even more flavor (and a restaurant-inspired look), finish with a sprinkle of extra parmesan or a few shavings right before serving.

Side Dishes

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken practically begs to be served over fluffy mashed potatoes, tender pasta, or buttery rice—those sides soak up the sauce like a dream! Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a big green salad add a refreshing, crisp contrast and balance out all that glorious richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving individual chicken fillets over small nests of pasta on wide plates, ladled with sauce and topped with microgreens. Or, slice the chicken and arrange over toasted crostini for elegant appetizers. For a family-style comfort feast, bring the whole skillet to the table and let everyone dive in together—because nothing says cozy like sharing Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken straight from the pan!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Stored like this, it’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days—and trust me, the sauce gets even more flavorful as it sits!

Freezing

You can freeze this dish—just cool it completely and portion into freezer-safe containers. The sauce may separate a bit upon thawing, but a gentle reheat (with a splash of cream or broth stirred in) will help bring everything back together.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring between, but watch closely so the creamy sauce stays silky and doesn’t overcook the chicken.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dive into this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken—it’s comfort food with just the right touch of elegance. Whether you surprise your crowd on a busy weeknight or make it for a special occasion, this dish is bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking!

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