Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Featured in Satisfying Hearty Mains.

This family-friendly dinner combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Made in one pan in just 30 minutes, it's perfect over pasta, rice, or with veggies.
Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:11:25 GMT
A close-up of golden-brown, crispy chicken pieces garnished with parsley in a creamy sauce. Pin it
A close-up of golden-brown, crispy chicken pieces garnished with parsley in a creamy sauce. | recipesbyclare.com

Every home cook needs that perfect recipe they can whip up in a snap. This dreamy chicken dinner smothered in garlic parmesan sauce has saved my sanity on countless busy nights. The best part? It tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen but comes together in just 30 minutes.

The Secret to Its Success

After years of making this dish I discovered the magic lies in those thin chicken cutlets. They cook up perfectly every time and soak up all that luscious sauce. Trust me this recipe will make you feel like a kitchen genius even on your busiest days.

Grab These Ingredients

  • Chicken Breasts: 2 large, sliced into thin cutlets.
  • All-Purpose Flour: ½ cup, seasoned with salt and pepper.
  • Butter: 3 tablespoons, divided.
  • Garlic: 3–4 cloves, minced.
  • Chicken Broth: 1 cup.
  • Heavy Cream: ½ cup.
  • Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, freshly grated.

Getting Started

First up slice those chicken breasts nice and thin. Pat them dry with paper towels then give them a good coating in that seasoned flour. This is what gives us that gorgeous golden crust.

A bowl of sautéed chicken pieces in a creamy sauce, garnished with chopped green onions and colorful vegetables. Pin it
A bowl of sautéed chicken pieces in a creamy sauce, garnished with chopped green onions and colorful vegetables. | recipesbyclare.com

Time to Cook

Get your pan nice and hot with butter and a touch of oil. Pop those cutlets in and let them sizzle away for about 3 minutes each side until they turn this beautiful golden color. Set them aside they'll be back soon.

Creating That Amazing Sauce

Lower the heat add more butter and toss in that garlic. Once it starts smelling incredible splash in your chicken broth. Make sure to scrape up all those tasty bits stuck to the pan pure gold right there.

Making it Creamy

Now pour in your cream and sprinkle in that freshly grated parmesan. Watch as it transforms into this velvety dreamy sauce. You'll know it's ready when it coats your spoon just right.

Bringing It All Together

Slide those chicken pieces back into all that creamy goodness. Let them get cozy in there for a few minutes soaking up all those incredible flavors.

A close-up of golden-brown chicken breasts in a creamy sauce, garnished with fresh parsley, served in a skillet. Pin it
A close-up of golden-brown chicken breasts in a creamy sauce, garnished with fresh parsley, served in a skillet. | recipesbyclare.com

Time to Plate

I love serving this over a bed of pasta or fluffy mashed potatoes. A little extra parmesan on top some fresh parsley and dinner is served. Add a salad or some steamed veggies on the side if you're feeling fancy.

My Kitchen Secrets

Take your time getting those chicken pieces even it makes all the difference. When you're scraping the pan during the sauce making get all those brown bits they're pure flavor gold. And please grate your own parmesan you'll thank me later.

Switch Things Up

Some nights I use chicken thighs instead of breasts they're so juicy. If dairy isn't your thing coconut milk makes a surprisingly delicious sauce. Throw in some mushrooms or handful of spinach when you're craving extra veggies.

Saving Leftovers

Pop any leftovers in the fridge they'll stay good for about 3 days. When you're ready for round two just warm it up gently. A splash of broth or cream helps bring the sauce back to life.

A close-up of golden-brown, cheesy chicken pieces garnished with parsley in a creamy sauce. Pin it
A close-up of golden-brown, cheesy chicken pieces garnished with parsley in a creamy sauce. | recipesbyclare.com

Your Questions Answered

Can I freeze this dish? Pack the chicken and sauce separately they'll keep for 2 months. Just thaw overnight when you're craving it again. Wine pairing? I love this with a glass of buttery Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir.

Make it a Meal

Some crispy roasted veggies warm garlic bread or a peppery arugula salad turn this into a restaurant worthy dinner right at your table.

Sunday Prep Day

I often make a big batch on Sundays. It keeps me going all week turns into amazing sandwiches and makes the best salad topper for quick lunches.

Everyone Loves It

Even my pickiest eaters clean their plates when this is on the menu. The creamy sauce wins over every time and I can easily adjust the seasoning to suit everyone's taste.

A skillet filled with golden-browned chicken breasts smothered in creamy white sauce and garnished with chopped parsley. Pin it
A skillet filled with golden-browned chicken breasts smothered in creamy white sauce and garnished with chopped parsley. | recipesbyclare.com

Diet Friendly Options

Following keto? Serve it over cauliflower rice. Need it gluten free? Just swap the regular flour for almond flour when coating the chicken.

Add Some Heat

Sometimes I sneak in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when I'm craving a kick. The creamy sauce mellows out the heat just perfectly.

Feeding a Crowd

This recipe doubles beautifully just grab your biggest pan. I love setting it up buffet style with different sides letting everyone build their perfect plate.

A skillet filled with tender grilled chicken breasts topped with creamy white sauce and garnished with chopped parsley. Pin it
A skillet filled with tender grilled chicken breasts topped with creamy white sauce and garnished with chopped parsley. | recipesbyclare.com

Pure Comfort

From busy weeknights to special dinners this recipe never disappoints. It's become one of those treasured recipes that brings everyone to the table with smiles all around.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Pat the chicken dry before cooking and don't overcook it. The chicken should be golden brown on each side and cooked through but still juicy inside.
→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They'll need about 15-20 minutes of cooking time instead of 8 minutes for breasts.
→ What can I serve this with?
This chicken goes great with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for a lower-carb option.
→ Can I make this without alcohol?
The sherry is optional and can be left out completely. The sauce will still be rich and creamy without it.
→ How do I know when the chicken is done?
Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. When you cut into it, the meat should be white throughout with no pink center.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

A quick one-pan chicken dinner featuring tender chicken breasts in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Ready in 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 chicken cutlets)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 2 chicken breasts.
02 ½ teaspoon kosher salt.
03 ½ teaspoon black pepper.
04 ¼ cup all-purpose flour.
05 2 tablespoon olive oil.
06 3 tablespoons butter, divided.
07 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped.
08 2 tablespoon dry sherry (optional).
09 ¾ cups chicken broth.
10 1 ¼ cups heavy cream.
11 ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard.
12 ½ cup grated parmesan.
13 Fresh parsley for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Pat dry chicken breasts and cut each breast horizontally into two even fillets.

Step 02

Season chicken with salt and pepper, then coat lightly in flour.

Step 03

Heat oil and butter in pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden.

Step 04

Cook garlic in butter until soft. Add flour from dredging and stir.

Step 05

Add broth and sherry, then cream, mustard, and parmesan. Simmer until thickened.

Step 06

Return chicken to pan and cook 2-3 minutes more. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

  1. Larger chicken breasts work best for this recipe.
  2. Can substitute chicken thighs, cooking for 15-20 minutes.
  3. White wine or marsala can replace sherry.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or frying pan.
  • Sharp knife.
  • Meat mallet (optional).

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream, parmesan).
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 621
  • Total Fat: 50 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 11 g
  • Protein: 32 g