Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
You know those dinners that feel like an instant exhale after a long day? This is one of them. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is cozy, rich, and quietly dramatic in the best way — the kind of meal that makes the whole kitchen smell like garlic and butter and good decisions.
The chicken gets a golden sear on the outside, then it’s tucked into a silky Parmesan sauce that’s creamy without being heavy, with just enough herbs to keep everything tasting warm and savory. And when that cheese melts into the sauce? It turns into this velvety blanket you’ll want to spoon over everything on your plate.
It’s perfect for weeknights when you want comfort food fast, and it’s also dinner-party friendly because it tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes — basically anything that can soak up sauce is invited.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps you get that beautiful golden crust.
Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2. Sear Until Golden
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and sear for about 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F / 74°C inside).
Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. Don’t worry — it’ll be back for the best part.
3. Start the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Melt the butter in the same skillet.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. You want “wow, that smells amazing,” not “oops, I browned the garlic.”
4. Make a Quick Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute.
It’ll look like a thin paste — that’s exactly what you want. This is what makes the sauce creamy and smooth.
5. Add the Broth and Cream
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking. Go steady here so you don’t get lumps.
Then add the heavy cream and stir until everything looks silky and combined.
6. Melt in the Parmesan
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly and turns glossy and creamy.
7. Bring the Chicken Back
Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top like you’re tucking it in.
Simmer for 3–4 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken warms through.
8. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot — preferably with something that can catch every drop of sauce.
Presentation Tips
Slice the chicken on a slight angle and fan it out on the plate, then spoon the sauce over the top. It instantly looks restaurant-y.
Finish with a little extra Parmesan and a pinch of cracked black pepper.
Serve over pasta or mashed potatoes, and add a simple green side (steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a crisp salad) for balance.
If you’re feeling fancy, a tiny sprinkle of lemon zest on top can brighten the whole dish — totally optional, but lovely.
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
🔥 Kcal: Approximately 580 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 4 servings
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is one of those recipes that’s almost impossible not to love. It’s comforting, flavorful, and comes together fast — but it tastes like you spent way longer on it than you did.
If you’ve got chicken, garlic, and Parmesan, you’re already halfway to a cozy dinner that everyone will remember. Make it soon… and don’t be surprised if someone asks for the sauce recipe before they even finish their plate.