If you’re looking for a dinner that’s quick enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough for guests, Creamy Parmesan Chicken absolutely delivers. Imagine tender, golden-seared chicken breasts nestled in a rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce with a hint of garlic and Italian herbs. This dish is pure comfort, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to win over anyone lucky enough to snag a forkful. Creamy Parmesan Chicken is a true kitchen hero—simple to prepare, yet spectacular in every bite.

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen. Each component plays a starring role, from juicy chicken breasts to the lush Parmesan sauce that brings the whole dish together.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless pieces make for quick cooking and soak up all the creamy goodness.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to a beautiful golden color and adds richness to the dish.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and depth.
Heavy cream: The base of the sauce, giving it that signature creamy texture and luxurious mouthfeel.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and balances the richness of the cream.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The heart of the sauce—use high-quality cheese for the best flavor and melt.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings warmth and classic Italian flair.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick, add a pinch—totally up to your heat preference.
Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a fresh pop of color and brightness.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and seasoning both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken and let it sear undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes per side. You want a golden crust and juicy center—don’t rush this part! Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a plate and keep it warm.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

With the chicken set aside, reduce the heat to medium. Toss the minced garlic into the skillet, letting it sizzle for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells incredible—just be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to deglaze the pan and lift up all those tasty brown bits. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you love a little heat. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring until it thickens to a dreamy consistency and the cheese melts perfectly.

Step 4: Return Chicken to the Sauce

Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the luscious sauce over each piece, letting everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes. This final step ensures the chicken is piping hot and infused with all that creamy Parmesan flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Chicken

Garnishes

Finish your Creamy Parmesan Chicken with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Not only does it add vibrant color, but it also offers a hint of freshness that brightens up the rich sauce. If you want to get fancy, a few shavings of extra Parmesan on top never hurt either!

Side Dishes

This dish is a total star with pasta—think fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne—but it’s equally delightful over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. The sauce is so good, you’ll want something to soak up every last drop. Roasted or steamed veggies, like green beans or broccoli, make for a colorful and wholesome plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Creamy Parmesan Chicken into a showstopper by slicing the chicken and fanning it over pasta before drizzling with sauce. Or, serve it family-style in a big skillet, letting everyone help themselves. For a lighter twist, toss in a handful of baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and extra flavor right before returning the chicken to the pan.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Creamy Parmesan Chicken (lucky you!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, but the flavors only get better.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, though the cream sauce may separate slightly when thawed. To freeze, let everything cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It’ll stay good for about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Warm Creamy Parmesan Chicken slowly over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the sauce can get too hot and separate. Stir gently for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They tend to be even juicier and more flavorful—just adjust the cooking time as needed, since thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.

What kind of Parmesan cheese is best?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the way to go for Creamy Parmesan Chicken. It melts smoothly into the sauce and provides the richest flavor. Pre-shredded varieties often contain additives that can make the sauce grainy, so grab a wedge and grate it yourself if you can!

Can I make Creamy Parmesan Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then gently reheat and combine just before serving for the freshest results.

Is there a way to lighten up the sauce?

If you’d like a lighter version, you can swap half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be a bit less rich. You can also increase the chicken broth slightly, but keep in mind that the consistency will change.

How can I add more veggies to this dish?

Adding a handful of baby spinach or a few sun-dried tomatoes right before you return the chicken to the pan is a delicious way to bump up the nutrition and add color. Mushrooms or chopped bell peppers also work great—just sauté them with the garlic before adding the liquids.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about bringing a pan of Creamy Parmesan Chicken to the table—everyone’s eyes light up at that first whiff of garlicky, cheesy goodness. If you give this recipe a try, I promise it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, too. Happy cooking and enjoy every single creamy, savory bite!

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Recipe

4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken recipe is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a luscious parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it’s packed with flavor from garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes, making it a satisfying main course that pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor during cooking.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, which will release the garlic’s rich aroma.
Prepare the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2–3 minutes until it slightly thickens and becomes creamy.
Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the flavors meld together.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while hot with your choice of sides, such as pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Notes

Serve this creamy chicken over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.
For added flavor and nutrition, stir in a handful of fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes just before returning the chicken to the pan.
You can adjust the spiciness by increasing or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American