If there’s one easy dinner recipe that feels both cozy and delightfully decadent, it’s Garlic Parmesan Chicken. Imagine tender, golden-seared chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce laced with fresh garlic and a spark of parsley—it’s pure comfort and flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big flavor, easy steps: This Garlic Parmesan Chicken comes together in one pan with just a few simple steps, so it’s perfect for even the busiest evenings.
- Creamy, cheesy sauce: The rich Parmesan-infused sauce clings to every bite, making this dish irresistibly savory and satisfying.
- Family-friendly and elegant: It wows dinner guests but is also easy enough for a weeknight family meal—no need to fuss!
- Customizable: Switch up the protein, the dairy, or the garnish—this recipe adapts gracefully to your mood or pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe plays a key role, from the aromatic garlic and shallot right down to the final sprinkle of fresh parsley. Simplicity is the star here—quality basics combine to create irresistible flavor and irresistibly creamy texture.
- Shallot: Offers a subtle sweetness and a gentle boost of onion flavor, setting a mellow base for the sauce.
- Fresh garlic: Six cloves may sound like a lot, but this is where the magic happens—garlic infuses the whole dish with mouthwatering depth.
- Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for the best creamy, nutty finish, but pre-grated will work in a pinch!
- Fresh parsley: This little pop of greenery brightens the final dish and adds an herby freshness that you’ll love.
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): Pounded thin for even cooking, these soak up every bit of the luscious sauce.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning both the meat and the sauce—don’t skimp here.
- Olive oil: Helps achieve that gorgeous golden sear on your chicken.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce and softens the sharpness of the garlic and shallot.
- Half-and-half or whole milk: The creamy backbone of the sauce; either option works, so use whatever you have on hand.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce from becoming too heavy.
Variations
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken is so versatile—think of it as your favorite black dress or blazer, ready for endless makeovers. Don’t be afraid to swap things in or out to match dietary needs, ingredient availability, or personal taste!
- Go dairy-free: Try substituting the half-and-half with an unsweetened non-dairy milk and use a plant-based Parmesan alternative for a lighter, dairy-free dish.
- Use boneless thighs: Prefer dark meat? Chicken thighs will stay ultra-juicy and add a bit more richness to the skillet.
- Add veggies: Wilt in a few handfuls of baby spinach at the very end or toss in some halved cherry tomatoes for color and extra nutrition.
- Make it spicy: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes turns the creamy sauce into a subtly spicy treat.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients & Chicken
Start by finely dicing your shallot and mincing the garlic; grate your Parmesan and chop the parsley so everything is ready to go. For super-tender chicken and speedy cooking, place each chicken breast in a zip-top bag and gently pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Pat them dry and sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper—this ensures an even sear and flavors every bite.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add two chicken breasts at a time so you don’t crowd the pan, and sear each side for 5-7 minutes until deeply golden. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate, and repeat with the remaining pieces. This method locks in juices and gives your Garlic Parmesan Chicken that irresistible crust.
Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium, melt the butter in the same skillet, and sauté your shallot and garlic just until fragrant (about 30 seconds)—don’t let them brown! Stir in the half-and-half and chicken broth, plus the remaining salt, then bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce to a simmer and add the Parmesan, letting it melt into a creamy, golden sauce.
Step 4: Finish Cooking & Serve
Return the chicken (along with any juices from the plate) back into the skillet. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is fully cooked through. Scatter over the chopped parsley and serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken hot and bubbling, right from the pan!
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- The Right Thickness: Pounding the chicken breast evenly ensures fast, uniform cooking and prevents dry ends or undercooked centers.
- Don’t Rush the Sear: Resist the urge to flip too early—a deep golden-brown crust means big flavor and seals in moisture.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: If you have the time, use a Microplane for your cheese—it melts silkily into the sauce and gives an unbeatable creaminess.
- Sauce Simmer Savvy: Keep your sauce at a gentle simmer, not a boil, after adding the dairy and cheese to avoid splitting or curdling.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is classic for Garlic Parmesan Chicken, lending an aromatic lift and a splash of color. For even more richness and a pretty finish, add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or a twist of cracked black pepper right before serving.
Side Dishes
This saucy dish just begs for something to soak up the goodness—think fluffy rice, your favorite pasta, or pillowy mashed potatoes. Add a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal veggies for a fresh, balanced plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken and fanning it over creamy polenta, or pile saucy chicken strips into toasted sandwich rolls for an unforgettable hot sub. For a romantic twist, serve on a platter sprinkled with microgreens and a lemon wedge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as they rest, so tomorrow’s lunch might taste even better than tonight’s dinner.
Freezing
Want to freeze for a future meal? Slice the cooked, cooled chicken and store it with the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—just be aware the creamy sauce may separate slightly but will come together with gentle reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through to keep the chicken tender and that Parmesan sauce silky-smooth.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan for Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
You can, but freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and delivers a more robust, nutty flavor to the sauce. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce a bit grainy—so fresh really is worth it if you have a few extra minutes!
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What can I use instead of half-and-half?
Whole milk works great and gives a lovely creamy body, but if you’d like to lighten things up, you can even try it with a rich unsweetened oat or almond milk. Just keep in mind, the sauce will be slightly thinner and less rich if you go fully non-dairy.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep and pound the chicken, grate the cheese, chop the herbs, and even measure your sauce ingredients in advance. Sear and finish right before serving for the freshest results, or fully cook and gently reheat as needed.
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How do I know when my chicken is cooked through?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part—use a quick-read thermometer for peace of mind. If you don’t have one, the juices should run clear when the chicken is sliced, and there should be no pink left inside.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s as cozy as it is impressive, give Garlic Parmesan Chicken a spot in your weekly rotation. Every bite is garlicky, cheesy, and just a little bit special—so gather your favorite people, pour yourself something sparkling, and enjoy every last savory morsel!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 12-15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-34 minutes
- Total Time: 37-49 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is a savory and creamy dish that is sure to impress. Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection and then simmered in a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. Serve this delicious chicken with your favorite side dish for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 small shallot, finely diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated
- A few sprigs fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup half-and-half or whole milk
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice shallot, mince garlic, grate Parmesan cheese, and chop parsley.
- Pound the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a zip-top bag and pound until 1/2-inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Brown chicken in olive oil, then set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Cook shallot and garlic, then add milk, broth, and Parmesan. Simmer and return chicken to the pan.
- Finish and Serve: Simmer until sauce thickens, then garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
