Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken – A Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home!

by

This ultra-rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce coats tender pan-seared chicken for a decadent yet easy dinner that tastes like it came from a fancy bistro. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect over pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Quick & Impressive – Fancy enough for date night, easy enough for weeknights
✅ Creamy, Cheesy Goodness – Packed with garlic and Parmesan flavor
✅ Versatile – Pair with pasta, veggies, or rice
✅ Kid-Friendly – Mild but flavorful (adjust garlic to taste)

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Cream Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For Serving (Optional):

  • Cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread
  • Steamed broccoli or asparagus

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

  1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F/74°C). Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn!).
  3. Pour in heavy cream, stirring to scrape up browned bits.
  4. Simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and lemon juice until smooth.

Step 3: Combine & Serve

  1. Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over it.
  2. Garnish with parsley and serve hot over pasta, potatoes, or veggies.

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken

🔹 Juicy Chicken – Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
🔹 Extra Garlicky? Add ½ tsp garlic powder to the sauce.
🔹 Thicker Sauce? Simmer longer or add 1 tsp cornstarch slurry.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio.
  • Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a restaurant-worthy dish you can make at home—luxuriously rich, garlicky, and packed with cheesy flavor.

Buon appetito! 🧄🍗🧀

Leave a Comment