Have you ever craved a comfort meal that feels like a restaurant indulgence but is surprisingly easy to make at home? This creamy garlic parmesan chicken breast recipe checks all the boxes. It’s rich, flavorful, and comes together quickly—making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend meal. The marriage of garlic, parmesan, and a touch of cream creates an irresistible sauce that perfectly coats tender, juicy chicken. Let’s walk through each step of this crowd-pleasing recipe so you can master it in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets or pound them to even thickness.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chicken cutlets and sear each side until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the skillet and incorporate browned bits.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and remaining Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Return chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce.
- Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to reheat and blend flavors.
Variations
- Use boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and texture.
- Incorporate a dash of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Cooking Note
- Ensure the chicken is not overcooked to maintain tenderness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting consistency.
- Let the sauce simmer just enough to thicken but not curdle.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy garlic parmesan chicken breast pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For a low-carb version, serve it alongside steamed green beans or over a bed of zucchini noodles. Spoon extra sauce generously over your sides—trust us, you’ll want every drop.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce. You can also freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months, though cream-based sauces may slightly change texture upon thawing.
Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 490
Protein: 35g
Sodium: 580mg
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Swap the heavy cream with evaporated milk or coconut milk for a lighter sauce. Opt for reduced-fat Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast to maintain that cheesy depth. Serve the chicken over cauliflower mash or spiralized veggies instead of mashed potatoes to reduce carbs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken – it dries out quickly, so monitor closely.
- Adding Parmesan too early – wait until the cream is warm to prevent clumping.
- Using pre-grated cheese – it often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Skipping the seasoning step – seasoning the chicken first makes all the difference.
Conclusion
This creamy garlic parmesan chicken breast is a true weeknight hero—simple, fast, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing an elegant dinner for two, this recipe will not disappoint. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us so we can admire your delicious masterpiece!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful. Just adjust cooking time slightly.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, store in the fridge and gently reheat with a splash of cream to refresh the sauce.
Q3: What if I don’t have heavy cream?
A: You can substitute with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
Q4: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as your Parmesan and cream are gluten-free, the recipe qualifies.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy garlic parmesan chicken breast recipe is rich, savory, and ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Includes tips, variations, and storage advice.
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally or pound to even thickness. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through, 4–5 minutes per side.
3. Remove chicken. Lower heat, add butter and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
4. Pour in cream and stir to deglaze. Add Parmesan and simmer until thickened.
5. Return chicken to skillet. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through and coat with sauce.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best results.
Adjust seasoning to your taste before serving.
Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or over zucchini noodles for low-carb.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 135mg