Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Discover the ultimate weeknight hero with this incredible Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe! Imagine tender chicken bathed in a rich, velvety sauce brimming with fragrant garlic and savory Parmesan cheese. This dish delivers big on flavor while keeping preparation quick and incredibly simple. Best of all, it comes together beautifully in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze for busy parents and beginner cooks alike.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights!

• One-Pan Simplicity: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup and less kitchen stress.
• Fast Cooking Time: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Irresistibly Creamy, Garlicky, and Cheesy Sauce: The rich sauce is the star, making every bite utterly divine.
• Adaptable with Various Side Dishes: It pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or your favorite vegetables.
• Proven Family Favorite: This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe consistently earns rave reviews and happy plates!

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your next family-favorite meal. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe uses fresh, flavorful components for the best taste.

• 4 small-medium chicken breasts, or 2 large halved
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup light cream, or heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, or oregano
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)

Notes & Substitutions

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken cutlets also work wonderfully in this recipe. Adjust cooking time slightly for thinner cuts.
• Cream: For a richer, more indulgent sauce, opt for heavy cream. If you prefer a lighter option, half-and-half or even whole milk can be used, though the sauce will be less thick.
• Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of Italian seasoning or oregano to your personal taste. You can also add a pinch of dried thyme.
• Garlic: Always use fresh minced garlic for the most vibrant flavor. Jarred minced garlic works in a pinch but fresh is best.
• Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, preventing clumps. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
• Additions: Elevate this creamy garlic chicken by stirring in sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for brightness.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful dish.

• Large heavy-bottomed skillet or pan (cast iron or stainless steel works great)
• Tongs or spatula
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your delicious Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe. This simple method ensures a flavorful meal with minimal effort.

1. Prepare Chicken: Season your chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This initial seasoning builds flavor from the start.
2. Sear Chicken: Heat the olive oil in your large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully add the seasoned chicken to the hot pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the outside develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.
3. Cook Chicken Through: Continue cooking, flipping occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for all poultry to ensure it is safely cooked. Cooking times will vary based on thickness. A meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken.
4. Remove Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a plate and loosely tent them with foil. This allows the chicken to rest, keeping it juicy, while you prepare the sauce for this delicious creamy garlic chicken.
5. Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to low-medium. Add the minced garlic to the same pan, stirring for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Watch carefully to prevent the garlic from burning, which can make it bitter.
6. Make Sauce: Pour in the light cream (or heavy cream), add the Italian seasoning, and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Simmer Sauce: Stir the mixture constantly as it comes to a gentle simmer. Continue stirring until the Parmesan cheese melts completely and the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes. The sauce will coat the back of a spoon.
8. Add Spinach: If using, stir in the chopped spinach now. Cook for another minute or two, just until the spinach wilts into the creamy sauce.
9. Combine & Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Simmer for one more minute to allow the flavors to meld. Turn off the heat. Spoon plenty of the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce over each chicken breast before serving immediately with your favorite sides.

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Achieve restaurant-quality results with these helpful tips for your next creamy garlic chicken dish.

• Even Cooking: Pound chicken breasts to a uniform thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and prevents thinner parts from drying out.
• Golden Brown: Do not overcrowd your pan when searing the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to allow proper browning and a delicious crust.
• Don’t Burn Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly. Sauté it for only 30-60 seconds until fragrant to prevent bitterness.
• Smooth Sauce: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the smoothest, most luxurious sauce. Pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce clumpy.
• Thicken Sauce: Simmer the sauce gently until it reaches your desired consistency. If it needs a little extra thickening, whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then slowly stir into the simmering sauce.
• Deglazing: After cooking the chicken, add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to the hot pan. Scrape up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom; these bits add incredible depth of flavor to your sauce.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations

Make this amazing Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe a regular in your meal rotation with these ideas.

Serving Ideas

• Pasta Perfection: Serve the creamy garlic chicken over a bed of al dente fettuccine, linguine, or penne pasta for a hearty meal.
• Grain Companions: Pair it beautifully with fluffy white rice, quinoa, or even creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious sauce.
• Vegetable Boost: Complement the richness with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple side salad.
• Crusty Bread: Don’t forget some crusty bread to mop up every last drop of that amazing creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover creamy garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Gently warm the leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
• Freezing: Freezing cream-based sauces is generally not recommended, as they can separate and become grainy upon thawing. Food science explains that water expansion during freezing can cause emulsions to break, leading to an undesirable texture.

Recipe Variations

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, sliced bell peppers, or tender-crisp broccoli florets into the sauce for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic to give your creamy garlic chicken a delightful subtle heat.
• Lemon Herb: Finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for brightness.
• Different Proteins: This versatile sauce works well with other proteins like pan-seared shrimp or sliced pork tenderloin for variety.
• Keto/Low-Carb: Serve this rich dish with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or steamed green vegetables to keep it low-carb friendly.

Nutrition Information

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe offers a satisfying and protein-rich meal. It contains a good amount of protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the cream and olive oil. The exact calorie count will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Opting for light cream and adding extra vegetables can help make this creamy garlic chicken a healthier option. When you cook at home, you have complete control over the quality and quantity of ingredients, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about making this fantastic Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe.

• How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling? To prevent curdling, use a lower heat and stir the sauce continuously as it simmers. Avoid bringing the cream to a rapid boil.
• Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe? Always thaw frozen chicken breasts completely before cooking them for the best results and even cooking. Pat them dry before seasoning.
• What can I use instead of Italian seasoning? If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a combination of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a pinch of garlic powder works well.
• Can I prepare any part of this recipe in advance? You can mince your garlic and grate your Parmesan cheese ahead of time. However, it is best to cook the chicken and sauce just before serving.
• Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping? While delicious, cream sauces don’t always hold up perfectly when reheated multiple times. It is best enjoyed fresh or within a day or two of preparation.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe proves that incredible flavor doesn’t have to come with a complicated process. It’s a quick, easy, and undeniably delicious meal that will quickly become a favorite in your household. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a versatile base for many side dishes, making it a reliable choice time and again. Give this easy creamy garlic chicken a try tonight and discover the magic for yourself! We’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to leave a comment or rate the recipe below.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

A delicious and easy recipe for creamy garlic parmesan chicken, featuring pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce, with optional spinach.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 17 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 500

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 breasts chicken small-medium, or 2 large halved
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3-4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup cream light cream, or heavy cream
• 1 tablespoons Italian seasoning or oregano
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
• 1 cup spinach chopped (optional)

Equipment

• Large heavy skillet or pan

Method

 

Preparation & Cooking

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
2. Remove the chicken, then reduce heat and add minced garlic to the pan, stirring for 30 seconds. Stir in cream, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese, then add chopped spinach if desired and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
3. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and simmer for another minute before turning off the heat. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and serve immediately with pasta or vegetables.

Notes

Serve this creamy chicken with your favorite pasta or vegetables for a complete meal.