Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken – Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe

There’s something comforting about tender chicken in a silky, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce.

This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken has been my go-to when I need a quick but luxurious dinner.

It’s easy enough for a weeknight, but rich and fancy enough for guests—and that sauce? I could honestly eat it by the spoonful!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, creamy, garlicky sauce that’s pure comfort

Quick 30-minute stovetop dinner

Perfect over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes

No complicated ingredients—just pantry staples

Always a crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters!

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Chicken breasts: Halved to cook faster and stay juicy

Garlic: Freshly minced for bold, savory flavor

Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh for melty richness

Heavy cream: Makes the sauce decadently smooth

Chicken broth or white wine: Adds depth to the sauce

Butter + olive oil: For that perfect golden sear

Fresh parsley: Brightens everything up at the end

Pro Tips Before You Start

Don’t skip halving the chicken—it helps them cook evenly and quickly.

Use freshly grated Parmesan if possible; it melts better than pre-shredded.

Deglaze the pan with broth or wine to capture all the flavor from the seared chicken.

Let the sauce reduce gently—you want a creamy texture, not a runny one.

Taste before serving; Parmesan can be salty, so adjust seasoning last.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1. Prepare and season the chicken

Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to make four thinner cutlets.

Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 2. Sear the chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.

Remove and set aside under foil.

Step 3. Make the garlic roux

Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sprinkle the flour.

Stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste.

Step 4. Deglaze the pan

Pour in chicken broth or white wine.

Whisk to combine and simmer until the liquid reduces by half, scraping up the brown bits from the pan.

Step 5. Make the creamy sauce

Pour in the heavy cream. Let it bubble gently for a few minutes, stirring often, until thickened.

Step 6. Finish the sauce

Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan until smooth and melted.

Step 7. Bring it all together

Return the chicken (and juices) to the pan.

Spoon the sauce over each piece.

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.

What to Serve It With

Buttered pasta or fettuccine

Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta

Steamed broccoli or green beans

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette

Garlic bread to soak up that dreamy sauce

Variations / Substitutions

Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for more flavor

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce

Add spinach or mushrooms for extra texture

Sub the broth with dry white wine for a deeper flavor

Try Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper bite

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days

Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of cream if needed.

Freeze: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, just skip the searing step and add the cooked chicken into the sauce to warm through.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of flour or cornstarch can work, but the sauce won’t be as rich.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can make the sauce and sear the chicken a few hours ahead.

Reheat gently before serving.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C), or the juices should run clear.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a larger skillet or work in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Is this gluten-free?
It contains flour, but you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to thicken the sauce.

Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions to the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken is the kind of dish that feels like a restaurant meal—but it’s made in your own kitchen, in under 30 minutes.

The rich sauce, the golden chicken, the comforting aroma of garlic… it always hits the spot.

I hope it brings the same cozy joy to your table as it does to mine!