Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a quick, creamy, and flavorful dish featuring tender boneless chicken cooked with aromatic garlic and rich parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect family-friendly meal that combines cheesy indulgence with ease and versatility, suitable for weeknights or special occasions.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Searing and Simmering (can also be baked)
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or fresh thyme, rosemary, basil as variations)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¾ cup heavy cream (or milk; substitute coconut or cashew cream for dairy-free)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (ensure gluten-free if needed)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Additional grated parmesan cheese
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat dry the chicken breasts or thighs. Season evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to maximize flavor absorption.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and shimmering. Add the chicken pieces and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, locking in the juices.
- Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant but not burnt, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly, then sprinkle in grated parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Simmer to Finish: Return the chicken to the pan if removed. Spoon sauce over each piece. Let simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil and additional parmesan on top before serving to add color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Pat dry the chicken before seasoning for a better sear and to prevent steaming.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if necessary to maintain crispy edges and even cooking.
- Use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor impact.
- Adjust sauce thickness by varying cream or parmesan amounts and add a splash of chicken broth if needed.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken, creamy chicken, quick dinner, family-friendly, easy chicken recipe, low carb, gluten free