Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

A little bit fancy, a whole lot of comfort, and dangerously good!

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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

If you’ve ever thought, “I should eat more chicken breasts, but they always turn out dry”, then welcome to your new favorite dinner. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is here to change your life—one forkful of velvety, garlicky, cheesy goodness at a time.

It’s easy enough for a weeknight, yet fancy enough for date night. And let’s be real—any recipe that involves cream, butter, and garlic is bound to be amazing.

  • Author: Kari Jean your Joyista
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Italian

Ingredients

Scale

2 tbsp butter (divided)

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts ( 1 to 1.5 lbs.)

1 tsp salt (or to taste)

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp Italian seasoning

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

1/4 cup chicken broth (if sauce needs thinning)

2 tbsp Fresh Italian parsley (garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

1️⃣ Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2️⃣ Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3️⃣ Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

💡 Chef’s Tip: If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half lengthwise so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1️⃣ In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté 4 cloves of minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
2️⃣ Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
3️⃣ Stir in ¾ cup of grated parmesan and whisk until smooth and creamy.
4️⃣ Add a squeeze of lemon juice (optional) for a little brightness.

💡 Sauce Hack: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

1️⃣ Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning that heavenly sauce over the top.
2️⃣ Let it simmer for 2 minutes to soak up all the garlicky, cheesy goodness.

🍽️ Serve hot and prepare for compliments!

Notes

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is basically a warm hug in food form. It’s quick, foolproof, and so good you’ll be tempted to lick the plate (no judgment here). So, grab your skillet and let’s make dinner the best part of your day!

Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on standard ingredients and serving sizes. Actual values may vary depending on specific products used and portion sizes. This information is provided for convenience and should not be considered medical or dietary advice.

💬 What would YOU serve this with? Drop your favorite sides in the comments!

Side Dishes:

  • Garlic Butter Roasted Broccoli
  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes
  • Buttery Parmesan Orzo
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Wine Pairing:

  • Chardonnay: Buttery and oaky—perfect with creamy dishes.
  • Sauvignon Blanc: Bright, crisp, and balances out the richness.
  • Pinot Grigio: Light and refreshing, so the garlic doesn’t overpower.

Dessert Pairing:

  • Lemon Olive Oil Cake (light and citrusy to cut the richness)
  • Classic Tiramisu (because why not?)
  • Dark Chocolate Mousse (decadent and dreamy

Skill Level: Easy to Moderate

✅ Great for Beginners – If you’re comfortable with basic pan-searing and simmering, you’ve got this!
✅ Minimal Ingredients – No fancy or hard-to-find ingredients, just pantry staples.
✅ Quick & Simple Steps – The hardest part is not eating it straight from the pan.
❗ Slightly Advanced Techniques – Making a creamy sauce without curdling and balancing flavors with lemon and parmesan takes a little finesse, but I’ve got you covered with tips!

 

Perfect for home cooks of any level who want a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minute

Sauce curdled?  Don’t panic!

tiny pinch of baking soda can help if your sauce curdles—but use it sparingly!

How to Fix a Curdled Sauce with Baking Soda:

  1. Remove from heat immediately – High heat is the main culprit.
  2. Add a tiny pinch (⅛ teaspoon) of baking soda – Stir gently and watch it smooth out.
  3. Whisk vigorously – This helps emulsify the sauce again.
  4. If needed, add a splash of warm cream – It helps bind everything back together.

💡 Pro Tip: To prevent curdling in the first place, always add cheese off the heat and stir constantly

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of total recipe
  • Calories: 520
  • Fat: 35
  • Carbohydrates: 3
  • Protein: 41

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