Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (butterflied into 4 thinner cutlets); Salt & pepper, to taste; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine); 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, creamy garlic‑Parmesan sauce—this dish is everything I crave on a chilly night or when I want something satisfying and indulgent. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to for how quick, flavorful, and versatile it is. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how easy this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken comes together, yet it feels fancy enough to serve when I want to impress someone. The sauce is luxuriously smooth with the bold punch of garlic and the salty depth of Parmesan. I also appreciate that I can serve it over whatever I have on hand—pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even roasted vegetables. It’s a total comfort meal made with simple ingredients I usually already have stocked.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (butterflied into 4 thinner cutlets)
Salt & pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

directions

I start by cutting the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to get four thinner pieces. I season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
In a skillet, I heat olive oil and butter over medium‑high heat. Once it’s hot, I sear the chicken for about 5‑6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, then transfer it to a plate and loosely cover it with foil.
In the same skillet, I add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. If I want a thicker sauce, I sprinkle in a bit of flour, otherwise, I move straight to deglazing the pan with chicken broth or wine, scraping up the browned bits for extra flavor.
I whisk in the heavy cream, let it come to a gentle bubble, then stir in the Parmesan until it melts and the sauce thickens to my liking.
I return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it, letting it warm through for another minute. I taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Before serving, I garnish it with chopped parsley.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

When I want to switch things up, I sometimes add a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for more depth. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives it a spicy kick. If I’m out of cream, I’ve had good results with a mix of milk and a little cream cheese. .

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I do it gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave at 50% power to keep the sauce from breaking. If it gets too thick, I just stir in a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

I cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If I don’t have a thermometer, I cut into the thickest part to make sure it’s no longer pink.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

I prefer freshly grated Parmesan because it melts better and has a richer flavor. Pre-grated can work in a pinch but might result in a grainier sauce.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

I’ve had success using half-and-half, or a mix of milk and cream cheese. The sauce won’t be quite as rich but still delicious.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but I sometimes make the sauce ahead and store it separately. I reheat and add freshly cooked chicken before serving.

What sides go well with this dish?

I usually serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. Steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach also make great additions to balance the richness.

Conclusion

Creamy garlic Parmesan chicken is one of those meals I rely on when I want something that feels indulgent but doesn’t take a ton of time or effort. It’s rich, comforting, and endlessly versatile—everything I need in a go-to dinner recipe. Whether I’m making it for myself or for company, it never disappoints.