Description

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, velvety sauce made with garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Enhanced with optional white wine and red pepper flakes for depth and a hint of heat, this dish is perfect for an indulgent weeknight dinner or special occasion meal. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of the luscious sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 ounces each)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking Fat

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons butter (divided)

Sauce

6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Optional: 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
Optional: Red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to ensure flavorful meat.
Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts, cooking in batches if necessary, and sear each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm, loosely covered with foil.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
Deglaze (Optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan to add depth of flavor.
Add Liquids: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
Add Cheese: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce.
Season: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, to achieve the desired flavor balance.
Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly and develops a creamy consistency.
Combine: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the sauce over each chicken breast to coat evenly.
Simmer Together: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure it’s heated through and the flavors meld beautifully.
Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side to enjoy the creamy sauce fully.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
If you prefer spicier dishes, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safety and juiciness.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting in the sauce.
If you don’t have white wine, extra chicken broth can be used as a substitute for deglazing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken, Garlic Parmesan Sauce, Easy Chicken Recipe, One Pan Chicken Dinner, Italian Chicken, Creamy Chicken Skillet