If you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and elegantly simple, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe. This dish brings together juicy, tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, garlicky parmesan cream sauce that clings to every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend treat. With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, you’ll create something truly special that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe comes down to quality ingredients that each play an essential role. From the savory punch of garlic to the richness of parmesan and cream, every component elevates the dish to irresistible heights.
- Chicken breasts: Using chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise ensures quick, even cooking and tender results.
- Salt & pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the natural flavor of the chicken perfectly.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of garlic flavor that complements the fresh garlic beautifully.
- Olive oil: Provides a fruity base for searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create that silky, luscious sauce texture.
- Flour: Acts as a thickening agent for the creamy sauce, making it delightfully velvety.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for that aromatic, zesty kick.
- Chicken broth or dry white wine: Adds depth and balances the richness of the cream.
- Heavy/whipping cream: The star ingredient of the sauce, giving it that creamy, indulgent feel.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Brings in a nutty, salty punch that is signature to this skillet dish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A bright, herbal finish that turns the skillet into a colorful, inviting plate.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. This step will help your chicken cook evenly and more quickly. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to build that foundational flavor everyone will love.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat up the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, place the chicken cutlets into the pan and cook until golden brown on each side and cooked through, usually about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t rush here — you want a nice, caramelized crust that adds to the flavor and texture. When cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add the flour along with the minced garlic. Stir constantly to cook out the raw flour taste and coax the garlic’s aroma to bloom. Next, slowly whisk in the chicken broth or dry white wine, ensuring no lumps form. Then pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce begins to thicken. Finally, fold in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, letting it melt fully into the sauce for that iconic creamy, cheesy finish.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them gently into the sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over each piece to coat them beautifully. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top to add a vibrant pop of color and a fresh herbal note. Simmer everything together for a couple more minutes so all the flavors meld perfectly.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley isn’t just pretty, it brightens up the rich sauce and adds a hint of freshness that balances the dish perfectly. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a mild spicy kick or some lemon zest for a zesty contrast.
Side Dishes
This chicken skillet pairs beautifully with simple sides like fluffy garlic mashed potatoes, creamy risotto, or even buttered pasta to soak up all that lovely sauce. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or roasted asparagus add a nice crisp texture and vibrant color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the chicken on a large platter with sauce drizzled artistically and garnish with extra parmesan shavings and parsley sprigs. You could also place the chicken over a bed of sautéed spinach or creamy polenta for an elegant presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken will remain tender, and the sauce will keep its creamy texture. For best results, try to consume the leftovers within this time frame.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the dish, it’s best to separate the chicken from the sauce or freeze them together in a freezer-safe container. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for even reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring it back to the perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor, especially with the creamy parmesan sauce. Just adjust cooking times slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a little flour to thicken the sauce, but the texture won’t be as rich and silky. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream works well and adds a unique twist.
Is it necessary to use parmesan cheese?
Yes, parmesan cheese is key to achieving the signature flavor and the silky thickness of the sauce. You can try other hard cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano, but the taste will vary slightly.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce. Be sure to whisk it in well to avoid lumps.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe is not spicy at all by default, making it family-friendly. If you want some heat, consider sprinkling red pepper flakes or adding a dash of hot sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely comforting and satisfying about this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe that makes it a true keeper in any home cook’s repertoire. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to serve guests. The combination of tender chicken and rich, garlicky parmesan sauce is simply irresistible — I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own classic!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a luscious garlic and parmesan-infused cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners, combining rich flavors with an easy stovetop cooking method.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 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 the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring even coverage on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the seasoned chicken breasts until they are cooked through and golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the flour and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth or white wine followed by the heavy cream. Simmer gently, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, approximately 3-5 minutes. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Finish the Dish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic parmesan sauce over the top. Allow everything to warm together for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook it a bit longer to reduce or add a touch more flour when making the roux.
- Chicken broth or dry white wine can be used interchangeably depending on your taste preferences.
- Grate the parmesan cheese fresh for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or garlic bread.
