Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines simplicity with indulgence. The sauce is infused with garlic, butter, and Parmesan, creating a luscious texture that clings beautifully to the chicken. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s easy enough for weeknights but elegant enough for guests. The chicken turns out tender and juicy every time, and the sauce — rich, creamy, and full of flavor — transforms even the simplest meal into something special.
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe: A Comfort Classic for Every Kitchen
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
The Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe Ebook is a delicious collection centered around the ultimate comfort dish — juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, velvety garlic parmesan cream sauce. This recipe (and its variations included in the ebook) is easy to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not burn).
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over it, and simmer for another 2 minutes to let the flavors combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding cream.
- Use half-and-half or light cream for a lighter version.
- The sauce thickens as it cools — add a bit of broth if reheating leftovers.
- Pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly for a tender, juicy base.
Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
Olive Oil: Keeps the butter from burning and adds depth of flavor.
Garlic: The star of the dish — fragrant, aromatic, and the foundation of the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Creates that velvety, indulgent texture that makes this sauce irresistible.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savory depth — freshly grated is best for smooth melting.
Chicken Broth: Balances the richness of the cream and adds savory undertones.
Flour (optional): Lightly coats the chicken to help it brown and slightly thicken the sauce.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds aroma and classic Mediterranean flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: For seasoning and balance.
Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of freshness and color when serving.
Lemon Juice (optional): Brightens the flavor and cuts through the richness.
Directions
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a light dusting of flour (if using).
In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed, then sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring until smooth and thickened.
Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice if desired.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time takes about 10 minutes, cooking time is 20 minutes, and the total time is 30 minutes — perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that feels indulgent.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat to prevent separation. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months — thaw overnight before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Spinach and Mushroom Version
Add sautéed mushrooms and baby spinach to the sauce for a hearty, vegetable-packed twist.
Bacon Lovers’ Chicken
Top with crispy bacon crumbles for a smoky, salty finish.
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Add extra lemon juice and zest for a fresh, citrusy balance to the creamy sauce.
Spicy Parmesan Chicken
Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for a gentle heat.
Herbed Cream Sauce
Add fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary to elevate the flavor and aroma.
Gluten-Free Version
Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening, or skip coating altogether.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs are juicy and flavorful — just adjust cooking time slightly.
2. Can I make this with milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a tablespoon of flour to help thicken it.
3. Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Definitely — spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes work wonderfully.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the sauce and chicken separately, then combine and reheat before serving.
5. How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
Simmer on low heat and avoid boiling once the cream is added.
6. What type of Parmesan works best?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly and adds the best flavor.
7. Can I make it without butter?
Yes, substitute olive oil, but butter gives the sauce its signature richness.
8. How do I know when the chicken is done?
It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and be golden on the outside.
9. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
10. What can I serve this with?
It pairs beautifully with fettuccine, mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a timeless, comforting dish that never fails to impress. With tender chicken and a silky, flavorful sauce, it’s the perfect balance of richness and simplicity. Whether you’re cooking for a quiet night in or entertaining guests, this one-pan recipe makes any meal feel special. From its fragrant garlic aroma to its decadent Parmesan finish, this dish proves that the best comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated — just made with love and a little butter.
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