Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise; Salt & pepper, to taste; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy/whipping cream; 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

The flavors hit all the right notes — garlic, Parmesan, and creamy sauce that coats every bite.
It comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you still want something special.
It feels upscale (perfect for company) while actually being quite straightforward to make.
The sauce is generous — great for spooning over mashed potatoes, pasta, rice or veggies.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise (so you have 4 thinner cutlets)
Salt & pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine for a twist)
1 cup heavy (or whipping) cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise so you have 4 thinner pieces. Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium‑high heat. When hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5‑6 minutes per side (or until nicely seared and cooked through). Remove the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm; turn off the heat for now.
Return the pan to medium‑high heat. Add the flour and garlic to the hot skillet and cook for about a minute, stirring often and scraping up any browned bits from the chicken.
Pour in the chicken broth (or wine) and whisk until the flour is fully dissolved and the liquid has reduced by half. Then stir in the cream and let the sauce gently bubble until it thickens to your desired consistency; if it’s boiling too hard, reduce heat.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce.
Return the chicken (and any resting juices) to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, and season with extra salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle chopped parsley over top for freshness.
Serve immediately, spooning plenty of sauce over the chicken and whichever sides you’ve chosen.

Servings and timing

Makes 4 servings.
Prep time: ~10 minutes.
Cook time: ~20 minutes.
Total time: ~30 minutes.

Variations

Swap the chicken broth for dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) for a slightly different flavor note.
If you like greens, stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end of cooking for added color and nutrition.
Use half‑and‑half instead of heavy cream if you prefer a lighter sauce (though it may not thicken quite as much).
For extra flavor, you could add Italian seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat — adjust cooking time accordingly.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3‑4 days.
To reheat, warm gently over low heat in a small saucepan so the cream sauce doesn’t separate.
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe because cream‑based sauces often break or separate once thawed.

FAQs

What type of chicken should I use?

You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts (as in the recipe) or boneless chicken thighs if you prefer. Thighs will take a little longer to cook but offer more flavor.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You could use milk, but the sauce may not be as rich or as thick. Heavy cream gives that luxurious texture and flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use an instant‑read thermometer and check that the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C). Once it’s reached, remove from heat so it stays juicy.

What can I serve with this dish?

Great options include mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, rice, roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or a simple green salad.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then reheat gently before serving. Just store in the fridge and warm on low heat so the sauce remains smooth.

Is the sauce gluten‑free?

As written, no — because it uses flour to thicken. You could substitute a gluten‑free flour blend or cornstarch (mixed with a little water) to make it gluten‑free.

Can I reduce the sauce quantity?

Yes — if you prefer less sauce, you can reduce the liquid (broth + cream) slightly. Keep in mind that the flavor may be more concentrated.

Can I add vegetables into the sauce?

Absolutely. Towards the end of cooking you could stir in chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic, or stir in a little cayenne pepper with the seasoning.

Why did my sauce separate when reheating?

Cream sauces can separate if reheated too quickly or at too high a temperature. To prevent this, reheat gently over low heat and stir frequently.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a wonderful combination of simple ingredients that deliver big flavor and elegance in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family on a weeknight or entertaining guests, this dish offers comfort, ease and a little bit of luxury. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal.