Have you been searching for a dinner that’s both impressive and easy? This Garlic Parmesan Chicken is exactly what you need in your life! Tender chicken breasts swimming in a rich, creamy sauce that’s bursting with garlic and Parmesan flavors. It’s one of those meals that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant but can be whipped up right in your own kitchen.
The first time I made this for my family, both Sophia and James cleaned their plates in record time, and David asked when we could have it again before he’d even finished his last bite! That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper.
You might also love my Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe if you’re a fan of these flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Super Flavorful: The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and herbs creates a sauce that’s absolutely mouthwatering
- Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen
- Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters love this mild but flavorful chicken dish (my kids request it weekly!)
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken
For the Sauce:
- Chicken broth: Forms the base of our sauce, adding richness and depth
- Heavy cream: Creates that velvety smooth texture we’re looking for
- Worcestershire sauce: Just a teaspoon adds a complex umami flavor
- Mustard powder: Adds a subtle tanginess that balances the richness
- Honey: A touch of sweetness to round out the flavors
- Chicken bouillon: Intensifies the chicken flavor throughout the dish
- Dried herbs: Onion powder, oregano, basil, and parsley create an Italian-inspired flavor profile
For the Chicken:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of our show! They become juicy and tender
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection
- White wine: Deglazes the pan and adds amazing flavor (can substitute chicken broth)
- Fresh garlic: Because you can never have too much garlic!
- Butter and flour: Creates a roux that thickens our sauce beautifully
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best meltability and flavor
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens everything up with a pop of acidity
How to Make This Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Prepare the sauce mixture first by combining all sauce ingredients in a measuring cup. Having this ready makes the cooking process much smoother.
Prep your chicken breasts by slicing them lengthwise and pounding them to an even thickness. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly.
Season generously with salt, pepper, and parsley on both sides.
Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. This creates a beautiful crust and seals in the juices. Don’t crowd the pan – work in batches if needed!
Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up all those flavorful bits from the bottom. This is where the magic happens!
Build your sauce by adding garlic, then creating a roux with butter and flour, and gradually incorporating the sauce mixture.
Finish with Parmesan and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Return the chicken to the sauce and let everything get acquainted for a few minutes before serving.
The aroma that fills your kitchen while making this dish is absolutely incredible. When I’m cooking this, I always notice the kids wandering into the kitchen asking when dinner will be ready!
Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Don’t skip pounding the chicken: Even thickness means even cooking and tender results
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy
- Let the sauce simmer until it reaches your desired thickness patience pays off here
- Adjust garlic to your taste: We’re garlic lovers in my house, so I sometimes add an extra clove or two
Variations You Might Enjoy
Add Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes make wonderful additions to this dish
Make It Spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick if you like a bit of heat
Try Different Herbs: Thyme or rosemary would be lovely alternatives to change up the flavor profile
Use Chicken Thighs: For even juicier results, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be substituted
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This rich and creamy chicken pairs perfectly with:
- Fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
- A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette
- Crusty bread for mopping up every last drop of sauce
- Secret Ingredient Fried Rice for something a bit different
FAQs
Absolutely! You can substitute an equal amount (¾ cup) of additional chicken broth if you don’t cook with wine. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
The safest way is to use an instant-read thermometer chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part; the meat should be white and the juices should run clear.
Yes! This dish reheats beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
A large 12-inch skillet gives the sauce enough surface area to reduce properly. Cast iron or stainless steel pans work wonderfully for developing those flavorful browned bits when searing the chicken.
More Chicken Dishes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Garlic Parmesan Chicken, you might also want to try:
- Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: Perfect for a quick dinner or appetizer
- Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta: Another creamy, comforting dish
- One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice: When you want a complete meal in one pan
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months perfect for meal prep!
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You may want to add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
Try This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tonight!
There’s something so satisfying about a delicious home-cooked meal that brings the whole family together. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken has become a staple in our weekly rotation because it’s easy enough for busy weeknights but special enough for weekend dinners with friends.
I hope your family enjoys this recipe as much as mine does! If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comments below.
Happy cooking!
Iris
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Tender chicken breasts in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce—rich, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes. This family-favorite meal is perfect for weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting and impressive.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
- 5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine chicken broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, honey, chicken bouillon, and dried herbs in a measuring cup and set aside.
- Slice chicken breasts lengthwise and pound to even thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up browned bits.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in butter and flour to form a roux. Cook 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually pour in the sauce mixture, stirring constantly. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice.
- Return chicken to the pan and let simmer in sauce for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or parsley if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture. Adjust garlic to your preference. Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: garlic chicken, parmesan chicken, creamy chicken, skillet chicken, weeknight dinner