ULTIMATE CREAMY GARLIC CHICKEN

Imagine sinking your fork into perfectly seared chicken, coated in a luscious, creamy sauce bursting with garlic and parmesan. Forget complicated recipes and hours in the kitchen – we’re about to make the best creamy garlic parmesan chicken you’ve ever tasted, and it’s easier than you think! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality dish that’s secretly simple to make.

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (or more, if you’re a garlic lover like me!)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step to Creamy Garlic Parmesan Perfection

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is so straightforward, you’ll be enjoying a delicious dinner in no time.

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear.
2. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing lightly to adhere.

Searing and Cooking the Chicken:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the pan hot enough to get a nice sear, but not so hot that the chicken burns.
2. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy!
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm.

Making the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

1. In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out – those browned bits add flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Bringing It All Together:

1. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
2. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
3. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through and the flavors to meld together.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Secrets to the Most Sensational Sauce

This sauce is the star of the show, so let’s make sure it’s absolutely perfect!

• Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Burnt garlic is bitter and can ruin the whole dish. Keep the heat at medium and watch it carefully.
• Use Good Quality Parmesan: Pre-shredded Parmesan often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated is always best!
• Adjust the Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or cream. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce.
• Season to Taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken is incredibly versatile! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

• Over Pasta: Toss the chicken and sauce with your favorite pasta shape for a comforting and satisfying meal. Think about adding some sauteed spinach or asparagus for extra nutrients! You might even consider a CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA!
• With Rice: Serve over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
• Alongside Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to the rich and savory chicken.
• In a Sandwich or Wrap: Slice the chicken and pile it onto a toasted roll or wrap with some lettuce and tomato for a quick and easy lunch.

Variations to Make It Your Own

Feel free to get creative and customize this recipe to suit your preferences! Here are a few ideas:

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Make It Cheesy: Stir in some mozzarella or provolone cheese along with the Parmesan for an extra cheesy sauce.
• Use Different Herbs: Substitute the parsley with basil, oregano, or thyme.
• Try Different Proteins: While this recipe is fantastic with chicken, you could also use pork chops or shrimp. You could try GARLIC PARMESAN PORK PERFECTION!

Can I Make It Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This creamy garlic parmesan chicken is great for meal prepping. You can cook the chicken and sauce separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You could also prepare it in a slow cooker! If you are looking for a crockpot version of this recipe, consider trying CROCKPOT GARLIC PARMESAN HEAVEN.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions

Even the best cooks encounter occasional hiccups! Here’s how to handle a few potential problems:

• Chicken is Dry: Make sure you don’t overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If the chicken is already cooked and dry, try adding a little more chicken broth to the sauce to help rehydrate it.
• Sauce is Too Thin: Simmer the sauce for a longer period of time to allow it to reduce and thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the sauce to help thicken it.
• Sauce is Too Thick: Add a little more chicken broth or cream to thin the sauce.
• Sauce is Grainy: This can happen if the Parmesan cheese is not melted properly. Make sure to stir the cheese constantly while it’s melting, and use freshly grated Parmesan for best results.

Why This Will Be Your New Favorite Chicken Dish

Honestly, this recipe is a winner. It’s quick, easy, and delivers incredible flavor. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can easily adapt it to your own tastes and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a special occasion, this creamy garlic parmesan chicken is sure to impress. Next time you are looking for other recipes with similar flavors, check out CREAMY CHICKEN PASTA or maybe even GARLIC CHICKEN CHEESE WRAPS. I promise, you’ll be making it again and again!

Ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This recipe delivers perfectly seared chicken coated in a luscious, creamy garlic parmesan sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve over pasta, rice, or with roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 6-8 oz each
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish optional

Equipment

• Large Skillet
• Small bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer
• Paper towels
• Plate
• Foil

Method

 

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing lightly to adhere.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm.
7. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
8. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
9. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
10. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
11. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
12. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
13. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
14. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through and the flavors to meld together.
15. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese, as pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly. To prevent the garlic from burning, keep the heat at medium and stir frequently. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin it out. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.