Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving something indulgent yet delightfully simple, you’re going to love this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside — rich, garlicky, and utterly comforting. Once you try my version, I promise this will become a go-to dinner whenever you want something that feels fancy but comes together in no time.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe comes together with ingredients that complement each other perfectly, giving you a luscious sauce and tender chicken. Here’s a quick peek at why each one makes this dish shine, plus tips for shopping smart.

• Chicken breasts: Choose larger, evenly sized breasts for easy slicing and quick, even cooking.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances all the flavors without overwhelming.
• All-purpose flour: Used to lightly coat the chicken and thicken the sauce, giving it that perfect velvety texture.
• Olive oil & butter: Together they create the perfect sear and add richness.
• Garlic: Six cloves give plenty of aromatic punch and depth to the sauce.
• Dry sherry (optional): Adds a subtle complexity — white wine works too, or skip it for a non-alcoholic option.
• Chicken broth/stock: Builds a savory base for the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Key to making the sauce decadently creamy and luscious.
• Dijon mustard: Just a small bit cuts through the richness and adds a lovely tang.
• Grated parmesan: Melts into the sauce for that signature cheesy, nutty flavor.
• Fresh parsley: For garnish and a fresh burst of color and flavor.

Make It Your Way

This recipe is a blank canvas! I often tweak the type of mustard I use or swap out the dry sherry for white wine depending on what’s in my cabinet. Just like you, I love making it my own, and I encourage you to do the same—it’s all about what you like!

• Variation: Sometimes I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture; just cook them a bit longer, about 15-20 minutes.
• Dietary tweak: For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half—though the sauce won’t be quite as thick, it still tastes incredible.
• Extra veggie bonus: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for some greens that soak up all that garlicky creaminess.
• Make it spicy: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic if you’re up for a little heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Slice the Chicken

First, lay your chicken breasts flat on a cutting board and pat them dry — this helps keep things steady when you slice. Using a big sharp knife, carefully slice each breast horizontally to create two thinner fillets. If they’re uneven in thickness, a quick tap with a meat mallet or heavy pan evens them out, so they cook evenly. I like this technique because it cuts my cooking time and gives me nice, tender pieces.

Step 2: Season and Flour the Chicken

Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper — don’t be shy here, seasoning is key! Then, coat the fillets lightly but evenly in all-purpose flour. This flour coating not only helps create a lovely golden crust but also starts the thickening process for your sauce, so don’t toss out that leftover flour just yet!

Step 3: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add butter for richness, then the chicken fillets. Let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side without moving them too much — patience here yields that beautiful golden crust. Once done, transfer them to a plate and tent with foil to rest while you make your sauce.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same pan (no need to wash it out — all that flavor will go right into your sauce), turn the heat to low and add butter. Toss in finely chopped garlic and sauté gently for about 2 minutes until fragrant and softened but definitely not browned. Next, stir in two tablespoons of that leftover dredging flour to coat the garlic — this starts thickening the sauce.

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and optional dry sherry, letting the sauce come together smoothly. Let it simmer for a minute before stirring in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Bring it back to a simmer, then add your grated parmesan and stir until it melts into a decadent, silky sauce.

Step 5: Finish Cooking and Serve

Return chicken to the pan with any juices on the plate, letting it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken finishes cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan and fresh parsley for that vibrant finishing touch.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle some extra grated parmesan right before serving, along with a handful of chopped fresh parsley. The parsley adds a fresh, herby brightness that balances the creaminess beautifully, and that little bit of extra cheese? Totally irresistible.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up the luscious sauce. I also love serving it alongside roasted asparagus or steamed green beans to add a bit of crunch and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I sometimes serve the chicken sliced over a bed of buttered noodles, drizzled generously with sauce, and topped with microgreens or edible flowers for a wow factor. It’s a fun way to elevate a simple favorite without much extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so you may want to loosen it with a little splash of milk or broth when reheating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! I freeze the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove, stirring often to keep the sauce smooth.

Reheating

Reheat gently on low heat in a skillet or saucepan. Adding a splash of broth or cream helps restore that freshly made creaminess. Avoid microwaving if you can—as tempting as it is—because slow reheating maintains better texture and flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it’s both elegant and easy; it somehow feels special without requiring any fancy ingredients or strange techniques. It’s the kind of recipe I’ll make on a busy weeknight when I want some comfort food that doesn’t disappoint. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — and that it brings a little extra delicious warmth to your table.

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