How to Make the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Garlic parmesan chicken is a delicious and easy weeknight dinner recipe that the whole family will love With its crispy chicken smothered in a creamy, cheesy garlic parmesan sauce, this meal comes together in just one skillet and 30 minutes

If you are looking for a quick chicken dinner idea that feels fancier than the average weekday meal, you have to try making garlic parmesan chicken. The crispy chicken breasts coated in the savory, creamy garlic parmesan sauce will quickly become a go-to in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken

To make garlic parmesan chicken you will need the following ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped parsley for garnish

You’ll also need a large skillet to cook the chicken and make the sauce. A 12-inch skillet with sloped sides works best.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for how to make garlic parmesan chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Use a sharp knife to slice each breast in half horizontally to create 2 thinner pieces. This helps the chicken cook faster and soak up more flavor.

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Set aside.

2. Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

To make the creamy garlic parmesan sauce, start by adding the minced garlic to the skillet the chicken was cooked in. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer then stir in the Italian seasoning. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Turn the heat to low and slowly stir in the grated Parmesan. Keep stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

4. Finish the Dish

Add the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon the garlic parmesan sauce over the top. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through.

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy this restaurant-quality chicken dinner right from your home kitchen!

Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Follow these tips for outrageously delicious garlic parmesan chicken every time:

• Pound the chicken breasts to an even 1/2 inch thickness so they cook fast and evenly. Place chicken between pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper and use a meat mallet to gently pound.

• Grate the Parmesan cheese fresh from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents that can make sauce grainy. Freshly grated Parmesan has superior flavor too.

• Cook the garlic briefly, just until fragrant. Too long and it can become bitter.

• Use a combination of broth and cream or milk for the sauce. The broth provides maximum flavor while the cream lends richness and body.

• For a thicker, more luxurious sauce, use heavy cream. For a lighter sauce, substitute milk or half and half.

• Boost the garlic and cheese flavors by adding a splash of lemon juice right before serving.

• Serve garlic parmesan chicken with buttery mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Make it a Meal

While this chicken is delicious on its own, you can round it out into a complete meal by serving it with:

• Buttered noodles or pasta – soaks up the sauce!

• Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, brussels sprouts, or asparagus

• A fresh side salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemony vinaigrette

• Cheesy garlic bread or breadsticks

• Rice pilaf or risotto

Variations

Customize this garlic parmesan chicken recipe to suit your tastes:

• Use turkey cutlets or pork chops instead of chicken

• Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach to the sauce

• Stir in a tablespoon of pesto or mustard for more flavor

• For spicy garlic parmesan chicken, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne

• Make it eggplant or cauliflower parmesan by replacing chicken with thinly sliced, breaded eggplant or cauliflower florets

Storage and Freezing

Garlic parmesan chicken will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken upon standing. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to thin.

You can also freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.

This dish reheats beautifully, so make extras to freeze for effortless meals later!

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken in the Oven

While the stovetop method is quick and easy, you can also bake garlic parmesan chicken in the oven:

• Season chicken as directed and arrange in a baking dish. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes.

• Meanwhile, prepare the sauce on the stovetop.

• Pour the finished sauce over the baked chicken and top with cheese.

• Bake 5 minutes more until cheese is melty.

Baking gives you crispy edges on the chicken with less attention needed.

More Delicious Chicken Dinner Recipes

If you love easy chicken dinners, try these top-rated recipes next:

• Chicken Parmesan – breaded chicken topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella

• Buffalo Chicken Casserole – spicy, cheesy goodness

• Chicken Fajitas – seasoned chicken, peppers and onions

• Chicken Fried Rice – classic takeout food made at home

• Chicken Pot Pie – comfort food at its finest

• Chicken Parmesan Meatballs – fun bite-size chicken parm flavor

• Chicken Enchiladas – stuffed tortillas smothered in enchilada sauce and cheese

From Italian flavors to Mexican spices, these chicken dinners will soon become weekly staples. The family will ask for them again and again!

FAQs About Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken

What sides go well with garlic parmesan chicken?

Some delicious sides to serve are mashed potatoes, pasta, roasted vegetables, rice, sautéed green beans, or a fresh garden salad. Garlic bread also pairs perfectly!

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs would work great instead of chicken breasts. Follow the same cooking instructions. Thighs may need a minute or two longer per side.

Can I use panko breadcrumbs instead of Parmesan?

You can, but the flavor will be quite different. Parmesan cheese gives this dish its signature flavor. If you want to add crunch, just top with panko breadcrumbs before serving.

What wine pairs well with garlic parmesan chicken?

A medium or full-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Viognier would pair nicely. For red, you could go with a lighter Pinot Noir or Merlot.

Is garlic parmesan chicken gluten free?

Yes, as written this recipe without additions is gluten free! Be sure to use gluten free chicken broth and double check your seasonings.

Enjoy the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Loaded with garlic, cheese, and chicken smothered in an easy creamy sauce, garlic parmesan chicken is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. For more effortless chicken recipes, check out these 20 Easy Chicken Dinner Ideas. Enjoy!