Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food that feels a little fancy yet comes together in just 30 minutes, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet. Golden-seared chicken smothered in a velvety parmesan sauce bursting with garlic flavor—this dish is like a warm hug after a long day, and it’s about to become your new go-to!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet comes from simple, straightforward ingredients that work together to create absolute magic. Each piece brings its own flavor or texture to the table, resulting in a dish that’s so much more than the sum of its parts.

• Chicken breasts: Slicing them in half creates thinner cutlets, which cook quickly and stay juicy.
• Salt & pepper: Trusty seasonings that ensure every bite pops with balanced flavor.
• Garlic powder: Adds background savory goodness to season the chicken itself.
• Olive oil & butter: The combo gives gorgeous browning plus a touch of richness as your cooking base.
• Flour: Just a bit thickens the sauce so it coats every forkful.
• Fresh garlic: Three big cloves—because nothing beats the aromatic punch of real garlic in a creamy sauce.
• Chicken broth or dry white wine: Both options deglaze your skillet and deepen the sauce flavor. (Choose wine for a bistro vibe!)
• Heavy/whipping cream: The hero behind that luscious, dreamy texture.
• Freshly grated parmesan: Melts seamlessly for the nutty, cheesy finish this skillet is famous for.
• Fresh parsley: A pop of color and freshness right at the end for the final flourish.

Variations

One of the joys of the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet is how easily you can make it your own. Feel free to play with the ingredients or tailor the dish for dietary needs—swapping here, adding there, and really letting your creativity shine!

• Lighten It Up: Use half-and-half or a splash of milk instead of cream, keeping things lighter while still creamy.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the flour with a gluten-free blend or a spoonful of cornstarch.
• Try Different Proteins: Boneless thighs, pork chops, or even shrimp play beautifully with this garlicky parmesan sauce.
• Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or chopped mushrooms for a colorful, veggie-packed skillet.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by carefully slicing your chicken breasts lengthwise, creating four thin cutlets. Lay them out and give them a generous seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides. This not only flavors the chicken all the way through but also helps form that gorgeous seared crust when they hit the skillet.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Warm the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken cutlets and let them cook undisturbed for about 5-6 minutes per side. They should be deeply golden and cooked through (a thermometer should read 165°F in the thickest part). Transfer the chicken to a plate and loosely tent with foil to keep warm while you work on the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

With the skillet still hot, add in the minced garlic and sprinkle over the flour. Stir constantly for about a minute, letting the garlic become fragrant and the flour form a quick roux. Pour in your chicken broth or wine, whisking well to dissolve all those browned bits and thicken the sauce base as it reduces by half.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Assemble

Lower the heat and stir in that luxurious heavy cream. Let it bubble gently until it thickens to your liking—just a few minutes does the trick. Once the sauce is creamy and glossy, remove the pan from the heat and add the freshly grated parmesan. Stir until the cheese has melted seamlessly, then nestle the chicken (and any juices from the plate) back into the skillet. Spoon sauce generously over the chicken and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet

Garnishes

This dish is nothing short of stunning with a final finishing touch. A shower of freshly chopped parsley not only adds color but also brings a subtle, fresh bite. For extra flair, a sprinkle of extra parmesan or even a few shavings of lemon zest can make your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet pop with flavor and beauty.

Side Dishes

This skillet begs to be paired with sides that soak up every last drop of that velvety sauce. Pile the chicken and sauce over buttery mashed potatoes, nestle alongside creamy polenta, or keep it simple with a loaf of crusty bread for dunking. Steamed green beans or a crisp salad round out the meal for a perfect balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your everyday dinner into something special with a little presentation magic! Serve this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet family-style, right from the pan, for a rustic feel. Or, plate each chicken breast atop a swirl of creamy polenta or mashed potatoes, spoon the sauce generously, and garnish with parsley and parmesan. Tiny cast iron skillets make for impressive individual servings at a dinner party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), stow them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet stays delicious for up to three days and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Freezing

While you can freeze this skillet dish, creamy sauces sometimes separate after thawing. For the best experience, freeze only the cooked chicken, then whip up a fresh sauce when reheating—or, if you freeze the sauce, thaw slowly in the fridge and stir well as you rewarm.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of extra cream or broth to help the sauce return to its silky consistency. Avoid high heat or microwaving if possible to prevent the sauce from breaking.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet truly hits that perfect balance of fancy and fuss-free, making any night feel a little more special. I hope you give it a try—pour yourself a glass of wine, grab your favorite skillet, and get ready to fall hard for this quick, cozy classic. Enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!

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