✨ Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken 🧄🧀🍗
✨ Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken 🧄🧀🍗
If you’re craving something rich, comforting, and full of flavor, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is going to be your new go-to dinner! With juicy chicken breasts simmered in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, it’s a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home in under 40 minutes.
This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes — making it the perfect weeknight dinner that still feels special.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4–5)
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for a better sear)
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or double cream)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- ½ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for a thicker sauce)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides (4–5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- Garlic base: Melt the remaining 1 tbsp butter in the same pan. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. (Whisk in flour at this stage if you want the sauce thicker.)
- Simmer with chicken: Return chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer gently for 6–8 minutes until fully cooked (165°F internal temp).
- Finish: Garnish with parsley or basil. Serve hot!
🍽️ What to Serve With It
- Over fettuccine or linguine for a creamy pasta dish.
- With garlic mashed potatoes and green beans for comfort food heaven.
- With rice pilaf or roasted veggies for a lighter dinner.
🔄 Variations & Add-Ins
- Spicy kick: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes.
- Mushrooms: Sauté 1 cup mushrooms along with the garlic.
- Spinach: Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach at the end until wilted.
- Extra cheesy: Add shredded mozzarella for a gooier sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
✔️ Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor (not the powdered kind).
✔️ Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for faster, even cooking.
✔️ Don’t boil the sauce hard — simmer gently to keep it creamy and smooth.
❄️ Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Sauce may separate if frozen, so not recommended.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
🤔 FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead?
A: Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Substitute coconut cream + nutritional yeast, but flavor will differ.
Q: Can I bake instead of pan-cooking?
A: Yes — sear chicken first, then bake at 375°F (190°C) in the sauce for 20 minutes.
👉 This dish is always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for busy nights when you still want something special.
