Tender Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Silky Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe: Heavenly Comfort Food

Succulent chicken breasts dance with rich, aromatic garlic parmesan flavors in this irresistible recipe.

Every home cook craves a meal that brings instant comfort and satisfaction.

The tender garlic parmesan chicken emerges as a true culinary champion, promising a delightful blend of crispy exterior and juicy meat.

Layers of parmesan cheese create a golden, crisp coating that seals in incredible moisture.

Minimal ingredients combine to deliver maximum taste in under 30 minutes.

This dish transforms an ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience you’ll want to savor repeatedly.

Prepare to fall in love with a chicken recipe that guarantees smiles around the table.

Ways To Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • Elegant Dinner Plate Presentation: Arrange the golden-brown chicken on a white ceramic plate, generously drizzle the creamy Parmesan sauce over the top, and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
  • Pasta Companion Delight: Serve the chicken over a bed of al dente fettuccine or linguine, allowing the rich garlic Parmesan sauce to coat both the pasta and chicken for a luxurious meal experience.
  • Veggie Side Symphony: Complement the chicken with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a crisp mixed green salad to balance the creamy sauce and add nutritional variety to the plate.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Enhance the meal's flavor profile by serving with a crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio that beautifully matches the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce's richness.

How To Store Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Right

  • Refrigerator Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve sauce consistency.
  • Reheating Magic: Gently warm chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and maintain sauce creaminess.
  • Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare chicken and sauce separately for easier storage. Keep sauce and chicken in different containers to prevent soggy texture. Reheat components just before serving to enjoy the dish's fresh, vibrant flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 5

All The Ingredients For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

For Seasoning:
  • Garlic Powder: Adds deep, roasted garlic essence without raw garlic bite.
  • Paprika: Brings warm, sweet pepper color and mild smokiness to chicken.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances other seasonings.
  • Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and aromatic complexity.
For Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs sauce flavors beautifully, choose fresh, uniform-sized pieces for even cooking.
For Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Provides heart-healthy base for searing with subtle fruity undertone.
  • Butter: Adds rich, golden flavor and helps create beautiful chicken crust.
For Sauce Components:
  • Butter: Creates smooth, velvety sauce base with luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Minced Garlic: Delivers intense, sharp aromatic punch.
  • Chicken Broth: Builds deep savory foundation for sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Ensures silky, luxurious sauce texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Contributes sharp, nutty umami flavor.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blends herbal notes of oregano, basil, and thyme.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for subtle spicy kick.
For Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh finish with vibrant green color.

Gear Needed For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • Large Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the creamy sauce, preferably with high sides.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings for perfect flavor balance.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing chicken and chopping herbs.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping fresh parsley.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring sauce and scraping browned bits from the pan.
  • Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F/74C.

Steps To Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • Season Chicken Magnetize Flavor

Grab chicken breasts and coat them with a powerful blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Massage the spices into every nook and cranny for maximum taste explosion.

  • Sizzle and Brown

Fire up a skillet with olive oil or butter at medium-high heat. Drop the chicken into the hot pan and let it dance until golden brown and perfectly cooked through. Aim for a juicy interior with a crispy exterior.

  • Craft Magical Sauce

In the same sizzling pan, melt butter and toss in minced garlic. Let it whisper its aromatic secrets for a minute. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up those delicious crusty bits. Introduce heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a hint of red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce transforms into a velvety dream.

  • Marry Chicken and Sauce

Gently return the cooked chicken to the pan, bathing it in the creamy sauce. Let the flavors mingle and marry for a few minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and watch everyone swoon.

Flavor Tips For Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • Seasoning Secrets: Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and richer texture compared to pre-shredded cheese.
  • Crispy Chicken Hack: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a golden, crisp exterior when searing.
  • Low-Carb Friendly Option: Replace heavy cream with full-fat Greek yogurt or coconut cream for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains creamy richness.
  • Dairy-Free Swap: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to create a delicious dairy-free version that doesn't compromise on taste.
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Tender Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Tender Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken brings together tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, velvety sauce. Italian-inspired comfort meets weeknight convenience for a memorable meal that delights home cooks and dinner guests alike.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless, about 6 oz/170 g each)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 45 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil or unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsps (30 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Spice Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with a robust spice blend, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage.
  2. Searing Technique: Heat skillet with olive oil or butter at medium-high temperature. Introduce seasoned chicken, developing a rich golden-brown exterior while maintaining internal moisture. Cook until chicken reaches optimal internal temperature. Remove and set aside on resting plate.
  3. Sauce Development: Leverage residual pan flavors by sautéing minced garlic. Deglaze with chicken broth, capturing concentrated drippings. Reduce heat and integrate heavy cream, creating a luxurious foundation. Whisk in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes until sauce transforms into a silky, slightly thickened consistency.
  4. Final Integration: Return cooked chicken to sauce, allowing mutual flavor absorption. Let ingredients harmonize briefly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to enhance visual presentation and introduce bright herbaceous undertones. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and inviting.

Notes

  • Optimize Chicken Coating: Use a mix of flour and spices for a crispier exterior that locks in moisture and adds extra flavor depth.
  • Prevent Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature, ensuring it reaches 165°F without becoming dry or tough.
  • Enhance Sauce Consistency: Gradually add Parmesan cheese while whisking continuously to prevent clumping and create a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter versions, and use gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly alternative.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 25 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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