Crispy Chicken with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

If you’re craving something creamy and comforting, this recipe is for you. It’s 6pm and you need a dinner that feels special but stays simple. This works perfectly when you want a home-cooked meal without the stress.

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken hits the spot every single time. It is fast, reliable, and uses basic pantry staples you already have. You will love how the crispy coating pairs with the velvety sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This dish is the perfect fit for a cozy winter night. It is ready in 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. You get restaurant-quality flavor without leaving your house or spending a fortune. It is a hearty meal that satisfies everyone at the table. This is a reliable recipe you will make on repeat.

How This Comes Together

This recipe comes together easily in just one large skillet. You simply dredge the chicken and sear it until it is golden. The sauce builds right in the same pan to capture all the flavor. It is a foolproof method that even beginner cooks can master quickly.

What You’ll Need

You probably have most of these simple ingredients in your kitchen right now. Using freshly grated cheese makes a huge difference in the final sauce texture.

• 2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Step-By-Step Directions

1. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Dredge chicken pieces in the flour mixture until fully coated on both sides.
3. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet.
4. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Remove chicken and set aside.
6. Melt the remaining butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute.
7. Whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, deglazing the pan carefully.
8. Simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
9. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and dried parsley until smooth.
10. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over, and serve immediately.

How To Serve It

I love serving this over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes. You could also pair it with pasta or crusty bread. Add a side of roasted broccoli for a complete balanced meal. It is impressive enough for guests but easy enough for a Tuesday.

Leftovers & Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk. I do not recommend freezing this due to the heavy cream base. This makes a fantastic lunch the next day at work.

Make It Even Better (Pro Tips)

• Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the smoothest sauce texture possible.
• Do not crowd the skillet while you are searing the chicken pieces.
• Pat the chicken dry before dredging to help the coating stick better.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F exactly.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon at the end for extra brightness.
• This is a great comfort food option for cold rainy days.
• Deglaze the pan thoroughly to get those tasty browned bits inside.

Easy Ways To Change It Up

• Stir in a handful of fresh baby spinach at the very end.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juicy meat.
• Add red pepper flakes if you want a little bit of heat.
• Make it low carb by serving it over cauliflower rice instead.

Quick Questions

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Heavy cream provides the best thick and velvety texture for this sauce. You can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be much thinner. Avoid using skim milk as it may curdle.

What if my sauce is too thick?

Simply whisk in an extra splash of chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Do this slowly while the pan is over low heat. It will thin out perfectly in seconds.

Give this one a try tonight and see how easy it is. You deserve a great meal that doesn’t take all night to make.

— Ethan

Crispy Chicken with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 650

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally
• 1/2 cup all -purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon sal t
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup low -sodium chicken broth
• 4 cloves garlic , minced
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Method

 

1. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Dredge chicken pieces in the flour mixture until fully coated on both sides.
3. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, deglazing the pan by scraping up browned bits.
7. Simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
8. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and dried parsley until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
9. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the pieces, and serve immediately.