If you are on the hunt for a dish that combines rich flavors with comforting creaminess, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and then smothered in a luscious sauce bursting with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of Italian seasoning. Every bite feels like a warm hug—simple to prepare yet impressive enough for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Trust me, this is one recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is wonderfully straightforward, and each one plays an essential role in creating that irresistible balance of flavor and texture. From the creamy richness of the heavy cream to the savory boost from the Parmesan, these staples come together to delight your taste buds.
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: Your main protein star, best when sliced or pounded for even cooking and tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a mild fruitiness and helps achieve a golden sear on the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Brings richness and depth to the creamy sauce.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with that signature aromatic kick.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The foundation of the sauce’s indulgent, velvety texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers salty, nutty flavor that melds perfectly into the cream.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that rounds out and lifts the overall taste.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and mild herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts horizontally or pounding them to an even thickness—this ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy. Season generously with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning, which provides a fragrant herbal note that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Place the chicken breasts carefully in the pan and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown crust that locks in juices. Once cooked through, remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base
Reduce the heat to low and add butter to the same skillet. As it melts, add the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant and lightly golden. This step infuses the butter with garlic’s warm aroma, making the sauce incredibly flavorful right from the start.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream to deglaze the pan—scraping up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt slowly into the cream. Let the sauce simmer just until it thickens slightly, becoming luscious and velvety.
Step 5: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet and coat them thoroughly with the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes, so the flavors meld and the chicken absorbs a touch of that garlicky, cheesy goodness before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the perfect garnish for this dish, adding a burst of vibrant green and a fresh, mild herbal note that lightens the rich cream sauce. Sprinkle it generously over each serving to create a beautiful presentation that’s as inviting to look at as it is to eat.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic bread soak up the sauce beautifully, while steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans introduce a fresh, crisp contrast. For an even heartier meal, serve alongside creamy risotto or a bed of buttered pasta to let the sauce shine.
Creative Ways to Present
For a touch of elegance, slice the chicken breasts before plating and drizzle extra sauce over the top. Serve in shallow bowls with your chosen sides artfully arranged around and add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes for color and a hint of spice. A lemon wedge on the side can also provide a lovely citrusy brightness just in case you want a little tang.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy garlic Parmesan chicken breast keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to allow it to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind the texture of the creamy sauce may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works too; just do it in short intervals to avoid overcooking the chicken and stirring in between to keep the sauce smooth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add a slightly richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through but remain tender.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan to keep the cheesy flavor.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water while stirring constantly until your desired thickness is achieved.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce separately then combine and reheat before serving. Just make sure to keep everything refrigerated until you’re ready to warm it gently.
What’s the best way to slice chicken breasts for even cooking?
Lay the chicken breast flat and slice it horizontally to create thinner cutlets, or pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin for consistent cooking throughout.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast Recipe is an absolute joy to make and share. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together around the table, sparking smiles with each delicious bite. Whether you’re a weeknight cook or enjoying a relaxed weekend dinner, this recipe promises a comforting, flavorful experience that’s always worth making again. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken breast recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich and velvety sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic garlic. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients for a flavorful Italian-inspired meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets or pound them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Lower the heat, then add the butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Create Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and coat them evenly with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors and heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken before serving to add a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor in the sauce.
- Serve this dish with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- To keep the chicken moist, avoid overcooking it; remove from heat as soon as the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
