This easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is creamy, savory, and full of rich, cheesy flavor your whole family will love. With juicy pan-seared chicken smothered in a buttery garlic Parmesan sauce, this dish is so good—your kids will be asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This dish is a weeknight winner. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, pasta, or your favorite roasted veggies, the rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce takes it to another level. With minimal prep, it’s easy enough for busy nights but fancy enough for guests!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally
- Salt & pepper, to season
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese (grated from a block for best results)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Cut chicken breasts in half to create thinner cutlets (2–3 pieces per breast).
- Place between plastic wrap and gently pound to ½ inch thickness.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, and parsley.
Step 2: Sear to Perfection
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- Lower heat and pour white wine (or broth) into the skillet.
- Use a spatula to scrape up brown bits—these add flavor!
- Let the wine simmer and reduce by half (2–3 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook for 1–2 more minutes.
- Stir in butter and sprinkle in flour. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the flour taste.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce
- Slowly pour in the cream while stirring.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Let melt and combine into a velvety sauce.
Step 5: Combine & Serve
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
- Let everything warm together for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot!
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs perfectly with:
- 🥔 Creamy mashed potatoes
- 🥦 Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
- 🍝 Pasta or orzo for a creamy, indulgent dinner
- 🥖 Crusty garlic bread to soak up that sauce!
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Recipe Variations
- 🧀 Swap cheeses: Try Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a different cheesy flavor.
- 🍗 Use chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and are just as tasty.
- 🔥 Add spice: Mix in red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- 🍷 No wine? Use chicken broth instead—it’s still packed with flavor!
- 🍝 Want pasta? Check out our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe for a cheesy, dreamy dinner.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Grate your own cheese – It melts better and tastes richer than pre-shredded.
- Use a large skillet (12-inch) – It helps the sauce reduce evenly.
- Deglaze well – Those browned bits add depth to the sauce.
- Simmer gently – Avoid boiling the sauce once the cream is in to keep it silky smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully and stay juicy.
Can I make it without wine?
Definitely—use low-sodium chicken broth for a delicious alcohol-free version.
What’s the best Parmesan for this recipe?
Use a block of Parmesan and grate it fresh—BelGioioso or Parmigiano-Reggiano are excellent.
Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes while the sauce simmers or drizzle with hot sauce when serving.
How do I freeze garlic parmesan chicken?
Cool it completely, then store in an airtight freezer-safe container. It’s best used within 2–3 months.
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken is a simple yet elegant dish that never fails to impress. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.