Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; Salt and black pepper (to taste); ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 5 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup chicken broth; ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)

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Indulge in the rich, luxurious flavors of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken, a dish that brings comfort and elegance to your table. The juicy pan-seared chicken breasts are perfectly cooked to golden perfection, then bathed in a silky, garlicky Parmesan sauce that clings beautifully to every bite.

This dish is versatile and satisfying, ideal for a cozy family dinner or a weeknight treat. Serve it over your favorite pasta, fluffy mashed potatoes, or steamed rice to soak up every last bit of the luscious sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy chicken breasts paired with a decadent garlic-Parmesan cream sauce for maximum flavor.
Simple ingredients and quick cooking make it perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile enough to serve over pasta, rice, or vegetables for a hearty meal.

Ingredients

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Four medium-sized pieces that cook evenly and stay juicy when seared.
Salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the flavors of the chicken and sauce.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth and a hint of color to the chicken.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that complements the creamy Parmesan and garlic.
Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken, providing a rich base with a healthy fat source.
Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a golden crust on the chicken.
Garlic cloves: Five minced cloves provide a robust and aromatic foundation for the sauce.
Heavy cream: One cup imparts luxurious creaminess and thickness to the sauce.
Chicken broth: Half a cup used to deglaze the pan and infuse savory flavor into the sauce.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Three quarters of a cup offers a nutty, salty kick essential to the sauce’s character.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a mild spicy warmth that can be adjusted according to preference.
Dijon mustard: A teaspoon adds a subtle tang and depth that brightens the cream sauce.
Cornstarch and water slurry (optional): Used as a thickener to achieve a creamier sauce consistency if desired.

Instructions

Season the Chicken Thoroughly: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. This seasoning blend builds a flavorful crust that complements the creamy sauce.
Sear the Chicken to Perfection: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken breasts and cook without moving for 5-6 minutes per side until the exterior is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This locks in juices and creates a deliciously crisp exterior.
Sauté the Garlic in the Same Pan: Remove the chicken and set aside, keeping the skillet on heat. Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, careful to avoid burning. The residual chicken drippings enhance the depth of the garlic flavor.
Build the Creamy Sauce Base: Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen flavorful browned bits. Then add heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes if using. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for 3-4 minutes, thickening slightly and melding the flavors.
Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese slowly until fully melted. If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and continue to simmer until desired consistency is reached. This creates a velvety texture that clings to the chicken beautifully.
Return Chicken to Sauce and Simmer: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb flavors and the sauce to coat every bite richly.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot over your choice of pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables to complete this comforting meal.

You Must Know

Allowing the chicken to rest after searing keeps it juicy and tender.
Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese significantly improves flavor and sauce texture over pre-grated varieties.
Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level to your preference.

Storage Tips

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 chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy chicken pairs wonderfully with al dente pasta, buttery mashed potatoes, or fluffy rice to soak up all the sauce. A light, crisp side salad or steamed green vegetables balance the richness perfectly.

Professional Tips

For extra juicy meat, substitute chicken breasts with boneless skinless chicken thighs.
Add fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less thick.
Adding a teaspoon of lemon zest brightens the flavor and balances the richness beautifully.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?: Yes, ensure that the chicken broth and cornstarch are gluten-free, which most brands are. You can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder as a thickener if preferred.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling when reheating?: Reheat the sauce slowly over low heat and stir frequently. Adding a splash of cream before reheating helps maintain smoothness.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?: Absolutely. You can cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and gently reheat when ready to serve for a convenient meal prep option.
What are good side dishes to serve with this chicken?: Steamed broccoli, green beans, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad complement the rich sauce nicely.
Is it possible to freeze this dish?: Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.