Classic Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Classic Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce that’s sure to please the whole family. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy recipe that feels special.

Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken breasts (halved horizontally into even cutlets)
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (preferably extra virgin)
- 1 1/2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic (freshly minced)
- 1 1/2 tbsp flour
- 2/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken cutlets evenly with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, but do not let it brown.
- Step 5: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until the sauce is smooth, then add the heavy cream. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Step 8: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm, ideally with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best melting texture and rich flavor.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra vegetables and flavor.
- If you prefer spicy dishes, increase the red pepper flakes slightly.
- Butter and olive oil together improve browning and add depth to the sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy texture. The sauce may thicken when chilled; add a splash of broth or cream when reheating if needed.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and remain juicy. Adjust cooking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to preserve texture and flavor.
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Classic Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Classic Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken recipe features tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich and velvety parmesan garlic cream sauce, accented with fresh garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of lemon juice. Perfectly balanced with a touch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat and garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is comforting, flavorful, and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lb chicken breasts (halved horizontally into even cutlets)
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (preferably Bertolli Extra Virgin for searing)
Sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp butter (unsalted, Kerrygold recommended)
- 3 cloves garlic (freshly minced)
- 1 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup chicken broth (preferably Swanson Less Sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally into even, thin cutlets to ensure quick, even cooking. Season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Roux: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle 1 1/2 tablespoons of flour over the butter and garlic mixture. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes, creating a roux that will thicken the sauce without any raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in 2/3 cup chicken broth followed by 1 cup heavy cream, making sure to keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Flavorings: Stir in 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust salt and black pepper as needed.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the chicken, and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld and the chicken warm through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley over the chicken and sauce just before serving. Serve this creamy parmesan garlic chicken hot with your favorite sides like pasta, steamed vegetables, or rice.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese to ensure a smooth, melty sauce.
- Do not overcook the chicken during searing to keep it tender and juicy.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from breaking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: parmesan garlic chicken, creamy chicken recipe, skillet chicken, easy chicken dinner, garlic parmesan sauce

