★★★★★ (5 from 17 votes)

Chicken with a Garlic Parmesan Sauce

By: Julia Pacheco

Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of this incredible Garlic Parmesan Chicken. Perfectly cooked chicken breasts are bathed in a luscious, creamy sauce infused with abundant garlic and sharp Parmesan cheese. This dish is not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a delicious weeknight dinner. It pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from classic pasta to fluffy rice or fresh steamed vegetables.

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Ingredients

(Adjust servings: 0.5x | 1x | 2x | 3x)

• 1 ½ lbs chicken breast: For best results, slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This ensures quicker, more even cooking and helps the chicken absorb the sauce beautifully. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, adjusting cooking time as needed.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Essential for searing the chicken to a golden brown perfection and building the flavor base of our dish.
• 1 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a beautiful crust on the chicken. It also contributes significantly to the velvety texture and depth of flavor in the sauce.
• 1 tsp salt: A fundamental seasoning to enhance all the flavors in the dish. Start with this amount and adjust to your personal taste at the end.
• 1 tsp pepper: Provides a subtle kick and complements the savory notes. Freshly ground black pepper is always recommended for a more vibrant flavor.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: Offers an earthy, aromatic undertone that pairs wonderfully with chicken and creamy sauces, giving it a classic Italian-inspired twist.
• 1 tsp onion powder: A pantry staple that adds a concentrated, sweet onion flavor without the moisture or texture of fresh onion, seamlessly blending into the seasoning.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Deepens the overall garlic flavor profile, working in harmony with fresh minced garlic to create a truly robust garlic experience.
• 1 tbsp minced garlic: Fresh garlic is crucial here, providing a pungent, aromatic burst that forms the heart of the “garlic parmesan” experience. Don’t skimp on this!
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour: Used to create a roux, which acts as the primary thickening agent for our rich and creamy sauce, ensuring it coats the chicken perfectly.
• ½ cup chicken broth: Forms the liquid base of the sauce, adding savory depth and helping to deglaze the pan, picking up all the delicious browned bits left from searing the chicken.
• 1 ½ cup heavy cream: The star ingredient for achieving that luxurious, velvety, and indulgent texture in the sauce. It transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is key for its sharp, salty, and nutty flavor, which melts into the sauce, making it incredibly irresistible. Avoid pre-shredded varieties as they often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce gritty.

Instructions

1. Prepare and Season the Chicken: Start by patting your 1 ½ lbs of chicken breast completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps ensure a beautiful sear. Carefully slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets; this allows for faster and more even cooking. Generously season both sides of the chicken cutlets with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp garlic powder, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated for maximum flavor penetration.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (such as cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. Once the butter has melted and is lightly bubbling and the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken cutlets into the pan in a single layer. Be mindful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. Cook for approximately 5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is beautifully golden brown and completely cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Remove the cooked chicken to a clean plate and set it aside, loosely covered, while you prepare the sauce.
3. Build the Creamy Sauce Base: Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. The browned bits left in the pan (known as fond) are packed with flavor and will contribute immensely to the sauce. Add 1 tbsp of minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Immediately sprinkle in 1 tbsp all-purpose flour. Stir continuously with a whisk or wooden spoon for 1-2 minutes until the flour forms a golden-colored paste (this is your roux). Cooking the flour for this duration helps to cook out the raw flour taste and prevents a pasty texture in your sauce.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Gradually pour in ½ cup chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, continuing to stir often for 1-2 minutes until the chicken broth has visibly thickened. Next, slowly stir in 1 ½ cups heavy cream. Continue to simmer the sauce, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes or until the heavy cream has slightly thickened to your desired consistency. The sauce should be rich and creamy but still pourable.
5. Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat or reduce to very low heat. Stir in ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it completely melts into the sauce, creating a smooth, luscious, and incredibly flavorful consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed (you might find it needs a pinch more salt or pepper depending on the saltiness of your broth and cheese). Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the pan, nestling them into the creamy sauce to coat them thoroughly. Serve immediately over your favorite sides and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this delightful meal!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide array of side dishes. For a truly satisfying meal, consider serving it over:

• Pasta: Classic egg noodles, fettuccine, linguine, or penne are excellent choices to soak up every last bit of the rich, creamy sauce.
• Rice: Fluffy white rice, brown rice, wild rice pilaf, or even a simple lemon herb rice can provide a wonderful and absorbent base.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes or even a lighter cauliflower mash make for an incredibly indulgent pairing, perfectly absorbing the decadent sauce.
• Roasted or Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli florets, asparagus spears, green beans, or a medley of roasted root vegetables (like carrots and parsnips) can add a fresh, healthy balance and vibrant color to the meal.
• Garlic Bread or Crusty Ciabatta: Don’t forget a side of warm garlic bread or a slice of crusty ciabatta—it’s perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
• Fresh Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cream sauce.

To complement the flavors, consider pairing this dish with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or an unoaked Chardonnay.

Tips for Success & Variations

Achieving restaurant-quality creamy garlic parmesan chicken at home is easy with these simple tips:

• Even Chicken Thickness: Slicing chicken breasts evenly is paramount for uniform cooking. If your chicken pieces are too thick or uneven, they might cook at different rates, leading to some dry spots. Aim for cutlets about ½ to ¾ inch thick.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing chicken, ensure there’s enough space between pieces in the skillet. Overcrowding significantly lowers the pan’s temperature, causing the chicken to steam rather than develop a beautiful, golden-brown crust. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Quality Ingredients Matter: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and a good quality block of Parmesan cheese, grating it yourself just before use. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting and result in a gritty sauce.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Always taste your sauce before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remember that chicken broth and Parmesan cheese can contribute significant sodium, so season gradually.
• Gentle Simmer for Sauce: When adding heavy cream, keep the heat at a gentle simmer. Boiling cream too vigorously can cause it to curdle or separate. Patience is key for a silky-smooth sauce.

Recipe Variations:

• Add Vegetables: Enhance the dish with extra nutrition and flavor by sautéing some fresh spinach, sliced mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even roasted red peppers with the garlic before adding the flour.
• Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the minced garlic can introduce a pleasant warmth without overpowering the dish.
• Herb Alternatives: Experiment with different fresh herbs. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or a blend of Italian herbs can be used instead of or in addition to dried oregano for a different aromatic profile.
• Lemon Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest at the very end can brighten the rich sauce and add a lovely tang, cutting through the richness.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Alternatively, you can use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken the sauce; add the slurry after the chicken broth has simmered and whisk until thickened.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much during refrigeration, you can add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to restore its creamy consistency. Microwaving is also an option, but do so in short bursts, stirring in between to prevent the sauce from separating or becoming oily.

Recipe Video

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Here’s an approximation of the nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious dish:

• Calories: 621kcal
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Protein: 44g
• Fat: 46g
• Saturated Fat: 26g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0.1g
• Cholesterol: 226mg
• Sodium: 1136mg
• Potassium: 769mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Vitamin A: 1560IU
• Vitamin C: 3mg
• Calcium: 234mg
• Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

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