If you love rich, velvety sauces and tender pan-seared chicken, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken will become one of your go-to meals. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests, combining golden seared chicken breasts with a luxurious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce.
This dish is pure comfort — simple ingredients, big flavors, and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Here is everything you need to prepare this delicious dish:

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter

For the Sauce

4–5 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or thyme for garnish

Kitchen Tools You May Need

Large skillet or sauté pan
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Small grater for the Parmesan

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken (Step-by-Step)

Follow these simple, clear steps to create a restaurant-quality meal at home.

1. Prepare and Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them sear beautifully and develop that golden crust.
Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Rub the seasoning in to ensure even coverage.

2. Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter — the combination gives rich flavor and beautiful browning.
Place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, or until a deep golden crust forms.
The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage; it will finish cooking in the sauce.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Create the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it clean — the browned bits add flavor!), reduce the heat to medium.

Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–40 seconds, just until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping the browned bits from the bottom.
This step infuses the sauce with deep savory flavor.

Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, chili flakes (optional), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Stir gently until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened.

4. Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce.
Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and let everything simmer for 8–10 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Turn the chicken once during cooking to ensure both sides absorb that delicious garlic-Parmesan flavor.

5. Finish and Serve

Once the chicken is done, spoon a generous amount of sauce over each breast.
Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for color and brightness.
Serve immediately while hot — the aroma alone will make everyone rush to the table.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some favorites:

Pastas & Grains

Fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
Creamy mashed potatoes
Butter rice or garlic herb rice

Vegetables

Roasted asparagus or broccoli
Green beans (like in the photo)
Sautéed spinach or kale

Low-Carb Options

Cauliflower mash
Zucchini noodles
Roasted cauliflower

The creamy sauce makes everything taste better — so choose something that absorbs flavors well.

Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

1. Use Fresh Parmesan

Pre-grated Parmesan contains anti-caking agents and won’t melt smoothly. Freshly grated Parmesan ensures the sauce stays silky.

2. Don’t Burn the Garlic

Garlic cooks fast — 30 seconds is enough. If it burns, the sauce becomes bitter.

3. Adjust the Thickness

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.
If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.

4. Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Simmering gently in the sauce keeps the chicken juicy and tender.

5. Add Vegetables to the Pan

Cherry tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms can be cooked directly in the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

Approximate Nutritional Values (Per Serving)

(Values may vary depending on exact ingredients used)

Calories: ~520
Protein: ~38 g
Fat: ~34 g
Carbohydrates: ~6 g
Fiber: ~0.5 g
Sugar: ~1 g

This dish is naturally low-carb and high-protein, making it satisfying and keto-friendly.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This recipe stands out because it is:

Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes
Flavor-Packed: Garlic, Parmesan, herbs, and cream create an irresistible combination
One-Pan: Easy cleanup
Versatile: Works with rice, pasta, or vegetables
Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike

Its richness feels gourmet, but the cooking process is easy even for beginners.

Conclusion: Try This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tonight

If you’re searching for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal made with simple ingredients, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the perfect choice. The combination of juicy pan-seared chicken and velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce creates a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable.
Serve it over pasta, rice, or vegetables, and you’ll have a complete dinner that impresses every time.