If you’re looking for a dish that’s rich, comforting, and downright irresistible, you’ve got to try this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe. It combines tender, golden chicken breasts with a luscious sauce made from garlic, parmesan, and cream that clings beautifully to every bite. This recipe offers an elegant yet easy-to-make meal perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, making it a fast favorite you’ll want to keep coming back to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role. From the crispy coating on the chicken to the rich sauce, every component adds layers of flavor, texture, and color that elevate this dish beyond ordinary.
- 2 chicken breasts: The star protein, sliced into fillets for even cooking and tenderness.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overwhelming.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and spice.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Helps create a delicate crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a flavorful base for browning the chicken perfectly.
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided: Adds richness to both the chicken and the luscious sauce.
- 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped: Delivers that signature aromatic punch that defines the dish.
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry (optional): Brings a subtle depth and complexity to the sauce.
- ¾ cups chicken broth: Adds savory flavor and moisture to the sauce.
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream: Creates the signature creamy texture that coats the chicken in decadence.
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brightens the sauce with a gentle tang.
- ½ cup grated parmesan: Provides nutty, salty richness that’s essential to the recipe.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of green and freshness to finish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry — this step is crucial to getting a nice sear later on. Then, slice each breast horizontally into two equal fillets. This not only helps the chicken cook quicker and more evenly, but it also creates a perfect surface area to soak up that amazing sauce.
Step 2: Season and Coat
Season each chicken fillet evenly with kosher salt and black pepper. Next, lightly dredge them in the flour, shaking off any excess. This thin coating is the secret to both a golden crust and a sauce that thickens beautifully with no clumps.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil and half of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn golden and develop a slight crust. This step locks in juices and layers flavor, so don’t rush it. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate—it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter. Cook the finely chopped garlic until fragrant and soft, which takes about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in a bit of the leftover flour from dredging to help thicken. Then, pour in the chicken broth and optional dry sherry, scraping up any brown bits from the pan—they add wonderful depth. Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and grated parmesan, simmering gently until the sauce thickens to a perfect velvety consistency.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return the chicken fillets to the pan and spoon some sauce over them. Let everything cook together for 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken absorbs mighty flavor and stays tender. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top to add color and freshness before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of brightly chopped fresh parsley not only makes the plate pop visually but cuts through the richness of the sauce with its fresh, herbal notes. For a touch of extra indulgence, a few shavings of parmesan on top work beautifully as well.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with light, simple sides that soak up the tantalizing sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery noodles, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans make impeccable accompaniments. Even a fresh green salad provides a crisp contrast to the creamy chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, try plating the chicken over a bed of garlic-infused rice or risotto, then drizzle the sauce generously on top. Alternatively, serve in shallow bowls garnished with parsley and a lemon wedge for a bright twist. For a casual dinner, serve the chicken sliced for easy family-style sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken as it chills, so it’s a good idea to add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to bring back its silky consistency.
Freezing
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe freezes well if you want to batch cook. Store chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove to avoid curdling the cream.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the chicken slowly over low heat in a covered skillet, stirring the sauce occasionally and adding a little broth or cream if it’s too thick. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the sauce to separate and the chicken to dry out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and add extra juiciness, though you might need to adjust cooking time slightly as thighs can take longer to cook through.
Is the dry sherry necessary in the sauce?
The dry sherry is optional, but it does add a lovely depth of flavor that complements the garlic and parmesan beautifully. If you prefer, you can leave it out or substitute with a splash of white wine or extra chicken broth.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free butter alternative. Nutritional yeast can replace the parmesan for a cheesy flavor, making this recipe accessible to more dietary needs.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be rich and creamy but still pourable, enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it feels too thin, simmer a little longer; if it’s too thick, thin with a splash of broth or cream.
What’s the best way to get golden chicken every time?
Patting the chicken dry before seasoning and using a hot pan with a good balance of oil and butter are key steps. Resist the urge to move the chicken too often so it develops that beautiful golden crust.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is a treasure for anyone who loves quick, indulgent meals packed with flavor and comfort. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a dish that feels just as special on a busy weeknight as it does on a cozy weekend. I truly hope you give it a try and find it becoming one of your go-to recipes for satisfying, crave-worthy dinners.
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce with a hint of Dijon mustard and optional sherry for depth. Finished with fresh parsley, this comforting meal pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
Sauce
- 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry (optional)
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and cut each breast horizontally into two even fillets to ensure even cooking and quicker preparation.
- Season and Coat: Season both sides of the chicken fillets with kosher salt and black pepper. Lightly dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to avoid a heavy coating.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken fillets and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same pan. Sauté the finely chopped garlic until fragrant and softened, about 1 to 2 minutes, taking care not to burn it. Stir in any residual flour left from dredging in the pan to help thicken the sauce. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and dry sherry (if using), stirring constantly to combine. Then, add the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy consistency, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Return the cooked chicken fillets to the pan, spooning the sauce over them. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to warm through and meld flavors. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Pair with your choice of sides such as pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Dry sherry is optional but adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce. You can substitute with white wine or extra chicken broth if desired.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smoother melting.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of chicken broth or cream.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
