If you are craving a dish that is both indulgent and surprisingly simple, you have to try this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe. It brilliantly combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious, garlicky parmesan cream sauce that is comforting yet elegant. Every bite is packed with rich flavors and creamy textures that feel like a warm hug on a plate, making it an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious balance of flavor and texture. From the savory garlic to the silky cream and sharp parmesan, every component is essential to the success of this dish.
- Chicken breasts: The tender protein base that quickly cooks to juicy perfection when sliced thinly.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that amplify the chicken’s natural flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Used to lightly coat the chicken, giving it a delicate crust that helps thicken the sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and prevents sticking during cooking.
- Butter: Provides richness and helps soften the garlic for a smooth sauce base.
- Garlic: The aromatic star that infuses the dish with deep, savory goodness.
- Dry sherry (optional): Introduces mild acidity and complexity to the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and balances the creaminess of the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously smooth texture of the sauce.
- Dijon mustard: A subtle tang that brightens the sauce without overpowering it.
- Grated parmesan: Sharp, salty, and nutty, it enriches every spoonful.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and refreshing herbal notes as garnish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry, then slice each breast horizontally to create two even fillets. This helps the chicken cook evenly and keeps it tender while allowing more surface area to soak up the sauce.
Step 2: Season and Coat
Generously season both sides of the chicken fillets with kosher salt and black pepper. Then, lightly coat them in all-purpose flour — this step gives the chicken a lovely golden crust and helps thicken your creamy sauce later.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once sizzling, add the chicken fillets and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside, keeping that beautiful crust intact.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining butter in the same pan. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant and softened, about a minute. Stir in any remaining flour from dredging the chicken for that classic velvety thickness. Pour in the chicken broth and dry sherry (if using), letting it simmer briefly before adding heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and freshly grated parmesan. Stir gently until the sauce thickens into a rich, irresistible pour.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return the golden chicken fillets to the pan, spooning sauce over them. Simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors meld perfectly. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, adding a lively touch of green that brightens the whole dish.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice, providing a hint of herbal brightness. You can also sprinkle extra parmesan or a dash of cracked black pepper to heighten both appearance and taste before serving.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Think silky mashed potatoes that soak up the sauce, buttery garlic bread for dipping, or a crisp green salad to complement the richness. Steamed or roasted veggies like asparagus or green beans also bring a fresh crunch to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a restaurant-style presentation, serve the chicken over a bed of creamy risotto or al dente pasta. Drizzle extra sauce artistically around the plate, and add a lemon wedge on the side for a splash of zest that guests can add at will. For a cozy family dinner, simply plating the chicken topped with sauce next to your favorite side is just perfect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover creamy garlic parmesan chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce helps keep the chicken moist, but it’s best enjoyed within this window for optimal flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When freezing, allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely, then cover tightly to avoid freezer burn. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the creamy sauce from separating. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can help restore the sauce’s luscious texture if it appears too thick.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well and add a bit more juiciness due to their higher fat content. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through.
Is dry sherry necessary for the sauce?
Dry sherry adds a nice depth of flavor but is optional. If you’d rather skip alcohol, simply omit it and increase the chicken broth slightly for balance.
Can I use low-fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream is ideal for that rich, thick sauce, but you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk if needed. Keep in mind the sauce may not be as thick or creamy, so you might want to simmer it a little longer to reduce.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
To avoid curdling, cook the sauce on medium to low heat and stir frequently. Adding cream slowly and ensuring the sauce doesn’t boil vigorously helps maintain its smooth texture.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for dredging and thickening. Make sure all other ingredients like broth and mustard are certified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe enough—its comfort-food vibes and decadent flavor always impress. The best part is how quick and straightforward it is, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something special without the fuss. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a beloved classic in your dinner rotation!
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe offers tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and served in a rich, velvety garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Enhanced with a touch of Dijon mustard and dry sherry, this comforting dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner for four.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
Sauce
- 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry (optional)
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and slice each breast horizontally to create two even fillets, ensuring even cooking and a tender texture.
- Season and Coat: Season the chicken fillets with kosher salt and black pepper. Lightly dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, making sure to cover evenly for a nice crust when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken fillets and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the finely chopped garlic. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant and soft, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in any flour left from dredging to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and optional dry sherry, followed by the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer the sauce gently until it thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Finish and Serve: Return the cooked chicken fillets to the pan with the creamy sauce and simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to allow the chicken to warm through and absorb the flavors. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the dry sherry or replace it with an equal amount of additional chicken broth.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and smoother melting in the sauce.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
- Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables to complement the creamy sauce.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
