Description

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a quick and indulgent dish perfect for a comforting family dinner or entertaining guests. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and then smothered in a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce, made with fresh garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and freshly grated parmesan. With just one skillet and less than 30 minutes, this flavorful meal pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

2 chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise (4 thinner pieces)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking Fat & Flour

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Sauce Ingredients

3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Prepare and Season Chicken: Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner pieces. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance flavor.
Heat Pan with Oil and Butter: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil and butter. Allow the pan to heat thoroughly for a few minutes until the butter melts and starts to foam.
Sear Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the hot skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until they are nicely seared and cooked through. Once done, transfer chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm. Turn off the heat at this stage.
Create Roux and Sauté Garlic: Reheat the skillet on medium-high heat. Sprinkle the flour and minced garlic into the pan. Stir continuously for about one minute to cook the flour and release the garlic’s aroma, ensuring the flour turns a light golden color but does not burn.
Add Liquid and Reduce: Pour in the chicken broth or dry white wine while whisking to dissolve the flour completely. Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce by half to thicken and concentrate flavors.
Add Cream and Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce bubble gently for a few minutes until it thickens to your preferred consistency. Lower the heat if needed to prevent rapid boiling. Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken pieces to coat them well. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if necessary. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for better melting and flavor.
Adjust the thickness of the sauce by simmering longer for a thicker consistency or adding a splash more cream or broth for a thinner sauce.
This dish pairs exceptionally well with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To keep the chicken moist, avoid overcooking during the searing process; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Chicken & Poultry
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan chicken, easy chicken dinner, skillet chicken, garlic parmesan sauce, quick chicken recipe