Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe (Easy One-Pan Dinner)

Looking for a dinner that’s easy to make but tastes like it came from a restaurant? This Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is the answer. With tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich garlic parmesan sauce, this dish is the perfect blend of comfort food and flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or impressing guests at a weekend dinner party, this recipe delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients – Pantry staples like garlic, cream, and parmesan.
One-pan meal – Less cleanup, more flavor.
Versatile – Pairs well with pasta, rice, or veggies.
Restaurant-quality taste – Ready in about 30 minutes.

If you love creamy chicken dishes, this will quickly become your go-to favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this creamy garlic parmesan chicken recipe, gather the following:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh for best flavor)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter sauce)
1 cup chicken broth (adds depth to the sauce)
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (not pre-shredded)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional add-ins:

Crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick
Baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare and Season the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.

3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil or butter if needed.
Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn).
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
Add parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.

4. Combine and Finish Cooking

Return chicken to the pan.
Spoon sauce over each piece to coat fully.
Reduce heat to low and simmer 6-8 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

5. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top.
Serve hot with your favorite side dish.

Serving Suggestions

This best creamy garlic parmesan chicken recipe pairs beautifully with:

Pasta- Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne.
Rice or risotto- Soaks up every drop of that delicious sauce.
Mashed potatoes-Creamy on creamy—comfort food heaven.
Roasted or steamed vegetables-Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add freshness.

Pro tip: Serve with crusty bread to mop up extra sauce you won’t want to waste it!

Tips for the Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Use fresh parmesan – pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Don’t overcook the chicken – Use a meat thermometer for juicy results.
Simmer don’t boil – High heat can cause cream to separate.
Adjust thickness – Add more broth to thin the sauce or simmer longer to thicken.
Make it ahead – Cook chicken and sauce separately, then combine before serving.

Recipe Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these twists:

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken with spinach – Stir in fresh spinach just before serving.
Garlic parmesan chicken with mushrooms – Sauté sliced mushrooms after the chicken for earthy flavor.
Low-carb version – Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Baked garlic parmesan chicken – After searing, transfer everything to a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.

These variations ensure this dish never gets boring.

How Does It Compare to Similar Recipes?

You may have tried creamy Tuscan chicken or Alfredo chicken, but here’s what makes this creamy garlic parmesan chicken recipe stand out:

More garlic punch than Alfredo, without overpowering.
Lighter than Tuscan chicken, which often has sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
Quicker than oven-baked recipes, with the same rich flavor.

It’s the perfect middle ground between rustic Italian comfort food and weeknight convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs are naturally juicy and add even more flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes—swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative.

How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.

Can I freeze creamy garlic parmesan chicken?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. The sauce may separate slightly after thawing—just whisk it while reheating.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Approximate values for 4 servings)

Calories: 480
Protein: 38g
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 5g

This recipe is naturally low carb and gluten-free, making it keto-friendly when paired with the right sides.