Quick & Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe for Dinner Magic

The aroma of herbs and garlic parmesan chicken wafts through the kitchen, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

Tender chicken breasts meet a golden, crispy coating that locks in incredible flavor.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of savory seasonings and rich parmesan cheese.

Home cooks adore this simple yet impressive dish that comes together in minutes.

The recipe elevates weeknight dinners from mundane to memorable.

Serve this mouthwatering chicken alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great for this recipe. They’re often more tender and flavorful. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they reach 165F internal temperature.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free chicken broth and ensuring your Parmesan cheese is gluten-free. Be sure to check ingredient labels carefully.

• How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a very mild heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small pinch or skip them entirely. You can always add more to taste.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

It’s challenging to make this specific recipe dairy-free since cream and Parmesan are key ingredients. For a dairy-free alternative, you might need to create a completely different sauce using non-dairy substitutes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 785 kcal

Servings: 4

Parmesan Chicken Ingredient Rundown

• Chicken Breasts: Select plump, even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
• Garlic Powder: Adds deep, aromatic flavor without raw garlic intensity.
• Paprika: Provides subtle warmth and beautiful golden color.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Black Pepper: Brings gentle spiciness and aromatic complexity.

• Olive Oil: Creates perfect golden sear and prevents sticking.
• Butter: Adds rich, luxurious flavor and helps with sauce development.
• Minced Garlic: Releases intense, authentic garlic essence.
• Chicken Broth: Builds layered savory foundation for sauce.

• Heavy Cream: Creates silky, luxurious sauce texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, nutty undertones and creamy consistency.
• Italian Seasoning: Introduces herbaceous Mediterranean complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional touch of subtle heat.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides bright, fresh garnish with vibrant color.

Tools for Cooking Garlic Parmesan Chicken Smoothly

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the creamy sauce.
• Spatula or tongs: Perfect for flipping and moving chicken while cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and spices.
• Cutting board: Used for preparing ingredients and placing cooked chicken.
• Sharp knife: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping fresh parsley.
• Wooden spoon or whisk: Great for stirring and blending the sauce smoothly.

How to Make a Rich, Creamy Chicken Dish

• Seasoning the Chicken

Rub each chicken breast with a blend of zesty spices, ensuring both sides are well-coated for maximum flavor.

• Searing to Golden Perfection

Heat a skillet with a splash of oil and cook the chicken until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust, making sure it’s fully cooked through and reaches the safe internal temperature.

• Crafting the Luxurious Sauce

Create a velvety sauce by sautéing minced garlic in butter, then introducing broth and cream. Whisk in Parmesan cheese and a hint of seasoning, stirring until the mixture transforms into a smooth, rich coating.

• Bringing It All Together

Nestle the cooked chicken back into the creamy sauce, allowing it to soak up all the delicious flavors. Let the chicken and sauce mingle for a few moments, then sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving.

Tips to Keep the Cheese From Separating

• Add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese just before serving for a richer, more intense cheese flavor.
• Prepare the chicken and sauce up to a day in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the skillet when ready to serve.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut cream for a lighter, lower-carb version that still maintains a creamy texture.
• Swap regular Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to create a dairy-free alternative that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference – from a pinch for subtle warmth to a generous shake for bold spice lovers.

Serve With Pasta or Bread

• Elegant Dinner Centerpiece: Plate this creamy chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Salad Companion: Pair with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy sauce and add a fresh, zesty contrast to the dish.
• Vegetable Side Delight: Roast asparagus, broccoli, or green beans with garlic and olive oil as a perfect green accompaniment that complements the chicken's savory flavors and adds nutritional balance.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Serve with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to enhance the creamy Parmesan sauce and elevate the overall dining experience.

Store to Reheat for Another Night

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container, keeping it refrigerated for 35 days. Seal the sauce separately to maintain its creamy texture and prevent sogginess.
• Carefully wrap individual chicken portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm the chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Microwave works in a pinch, but use low power and cover to prevent drying out the meat.
• Prepare chicken and sauce components separately during weekend cooking. Store in individual containers for quick weeknight dinners, allowing flexible meal planning without sacrificing flavor quality.

Succulent Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken blends Italian flavors with comforting home cooking. Tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, garlicky sauce promise a delightful dinner that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts or thighs (6 oz or 170 g)
• 2 tbsps olive oil or unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 45 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• salt and pepper, to taste
• fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Generously coat chicken with a harmonious blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring comprehensive coverage on both sides.
2. Searing Surface: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating an ideal golden-brown cooking environment for the chicken.
3. Chicken Cooking: Sizzle chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side, achieving a caramelized exterior while confirming internal temperature reaches 165F/74C, then transfer to a separate plate.
4. Sauce Foundation: In the same skillet, melt butter and introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom for 1-2 minutes before deglazing with chicken broth to capture pan-rendered flavors.
5. Sauce Development: Reduce heat and incorporate heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes, stirring until the mixture transforms into a silky, luxurious sauce.
6. Final Integration: Return chicken to the skillet, gently immersing it in the creamy sauce and allowing flavors to harmonize for 3-4 minutes.
7. Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley, creating a vibrant visual and aromatic finish, then serve immediately with the velvety sauce generously coating each piece of chicken.

Notes

Optimize Chicken Seasoning: Use freshly ground black pepper and high-quality garlic powder for maximum flavor depth and aromatic intensity.

Control Cooking Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior without burning the chicken, creating a crispy seal that locks in moisture.

Prevent Sauce Separation: Reduce heat when adding cream and cheese, stirring constantly to create a smooth, silky sauce that coats the chicken evenly without curdling.

Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut cream for lower-fat versions, and use gluten-free alternatives like almond flour for coating to accommodate different dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 50 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg