If your weeknight dinners have slipped into a bit of a rut, let this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe swoop in and save the day! Imagine juicy, golden chicken breasts simmering in a silky blend of garlic, Parmesan, and cream—deliciously rich but still delightfully easy to make. This is one pan magic that brings together comforting Italian-American flavors, ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking to impress or just treating yourself, this recipe is pure happiness on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this recipe is how each ingredient truly counts, building layers of irresistible flavor without fuss. Every element—from the bright parsley to the savory Parmesan—plays a starring role in shaping that signature Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe taste and texture.
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for quick, even cooking and ultra-tender results; pounding them out a bit helps too!
- Olive oil: Adds depth and helps get a beautiful golden crust on the chicken.
- Unsalted butter: For extra richness and that luxury mouthfeel in the sauce.
- Garlic (minced): The heart of the dish, bringing robust aroma and flavor—no shortcuts here!
- Chicken broth: Deglazes the skillet and adds savory backbone to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce lush, creamy, and utterly craveworthy; don’t swap for milk unless you want a thinner sauce.
- Italian seasoning: Brings herby warmth and classic, cozy character to every bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken perfectly and balancing the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Delivers nutty, salty depth; always grate fresh if you can for meltier results.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): A pop of color and freshness to finish—plus it just looks gorgeous on top!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken
Begin by patting your chicken breasts dry; this helps them sear beautifully. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Taking a minute for this step ensures you build that essential savory base everyone loves in the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the chicken breasts, being careful not to crowd the pan. Let them sizzle untouched—this forms that irresistible golden crust. Cook about 6–7 minutes per side, until done. Once finished, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely to keep it moist.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Build the Sauce
With the chicken resting, melt the butter in the same skillet, letting it mingle with those lovely browned bits. Add the minced garlic, stirring for just a minute—any longer and it might burn. This quick sauté releases a fragrant kick that sets your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe apart.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful morsels stuck to the pan. This is the step where the magic starts! Then, add the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer so it slightly thickens, becoming creamy and rich without being too heavy.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Finish the Chicken
Slowly stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Give it a moment to melt—you’ll see the sauce turn gloriously smooth and velvety. Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon the sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer 2–3 minutes, just to heat through and marry all those flavors together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top your finished chicken with a flourish of fresh parsley. Take a second to admire all those dreamy creamy swirls—you’re officially ready for a restaurant-worthy meal, right at home!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
This dish already looks stellar, but a shower of fresh chopped parsley brings color and a pop of flavor. For even more wow, try an extra sprinkle of shaved Parmesan or a dusting of cracked black pepper for that finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe goes with everything! Serve it over a twirl of linguine, classic mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or mop up every bit of sauce with crusty bread. A green veggie side—think steamed broccoli, asparagus, or a crisp salad—balances the meal nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring your skillet right to the table for a “wow” family-style presentation. For date night, plate each breast individually, drizzle with sauce, and arrange with sides for that restaurant feel. This recipe also makes an excellent meal-prep lunch: slice the chicken, spoon over sauce, and divvy up with vegetables or grains in containers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken slightly, but it tastes just as great the next day—perfect for lunch or a quick dinner!
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that creamy sauces may separate or turn grainy when reheated. If you do freeze, wrap portions tightly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s silky texture. Microwave reheating also works, but stir a couple of times to ensure even heating and smooth sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully and add even more richness and flavor. Just adjust cooking times as needed—thighs usually cook a bit faster than thick breasts.
Is it possible to make this lighter?
For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even evaporated milk. The sauce will be thinner but still plenty tasty, and you’ll save a few calories along the way!
What’s the best Parmesan to use?
Freshly grated Parmesan, straight from the block, melts smoothly and delivers the best flavor. Pre-shredded or powdered varieties won’t give you that signature creamy sauce.
How can I tell when the chicken is cooked?
The safest way is to check with a meat thermometer—165°F is ideal. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part and look for clear juices and no pink centers.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Definitely! Try baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms. Sauté them after the garlic step, just before you add the broth and cream, for a colorful, veggie-packed twist on the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something cozy, creamy, and utterly out-of-this-world delicious, you cannot go wrong with the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe. It’s an easy-but-impressive dish that always earns rave reviews. Give it a try—and don’t forget to share a photo and let me know how it turns out in your kitchen!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Chicken
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a decadent and flavorful Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet for dinner. This dish features tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce with hints of garlic and Italian seasoning. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that is sure to impress your family or guests.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown. Set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, add chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until creamy.
- Combine and simmer: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine when deglazing the pan.
- This dish pairs perfectly with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg
