Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken – A Rich and Flavorful Dinner

When it comes to easy dinner recipes that are both comforting and indulgent, this Chicken with Parmesan Garlic Sauce is a must-try! Tender, juicy chicken is cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas for the week, an elegant yet simple fancy dinner idea, or a quick meal to impress your family, this dish checks all the boxes.

Perfectly balanced with bold garlic, nutty Parmesan, and a velvety cream sauce, this chicken with cream sauce is sure to become one of your go-to meat dinner recipes. Plus, it pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a side of roasted veggies.

Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe and learn how to make it step by step!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich and creamy – A luxurious sauce made with garlic, Parmesan, and heavy cream.
• Family-friendly – A dish that both kids and adults will love.
• Great for meal prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day!
• Pairs with everything – Serve it with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts (or 1 lb diced chicken for a faster version)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Parmesan Garlic Cream Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• ¼ cup (60ml) chicken broth (or white cooking stock)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets (or use diced chicken for a bite-sized version).
2. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter.
2. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
5. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
2. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
3. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

This chicken with sauce pairs perfectly with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or sautéed vegetables.

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Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Use fresh garlic and Parmesan – Fresh ingredients enhance the flavor of the sauce.
• Don’t overcook the chicken – Remove it from the skillet once fully cooked to keep it juicy.
• Adjust thickness of the sauce – If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk.
• Want extra crunch? Try making garlic Parmesan crusted chicken by coating the chicken in breadcrumbs before cooking.

Variations & Substitutions

Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken Version:

1. Coat the chicken in a mix of Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning before cooking.
2. Pan-fry or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Low-Carb/Keto Version:

• Swap heavy cream for coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
• Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.

Diced Chicken Recipes Version:

• Use 1 lb diced chicken instead of whole breasts for quicker cooking.
• Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until cooked through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using pre-shredded Parmesan – It doesn’t melt as well as freshly grated cheese.
• Overheating the sauce – Keep it on medium heat to prevent curdling.
• Skipping the deglazing step – Scraping up the browned bits from the pan adds depth to the sauce.

How to Serve & Presentation Tips

• Serve in a shallow dish with extra Parmesan shavings on top.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.
• Pair with roasted asparagus or garlic bread for an elegant touch.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months in a sealed container.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Pasta – Fettuccine, penne, or angel hair pasta.
• Mashed potatoes – Creamy potatoes soak up the sauce beautifully.
• Steamed vegetables – Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
• Cauliflower rice – A low-carb alternative.

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FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and reheat before serving.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce won’t be as rich. For best results, use half-and-half as a substitute.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free broth and pair it with gluten-free pasta or rice.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the perfect mix of comfort, elegance, and ease. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas for the week, a fancy dinner idea, or a quick yet indulgent chicken with cream sauce, this recipe will not disappoint.

Try this dish today and let us know how you liked it! Don’t forget to share your favorite diced chicken recipes and tag us when you make it. Happy cooking!

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