Garlic and Parmesan Chicken

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This Garlic and Parmesan Chicken is the kind of comfort food that hits all the right notes. Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts are simmered in a luxuriously creamy garlic parmesan sauce, packed with flavor and perfect for pairing with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. Each bite is rich, savory, and seasoned just right, with a touch of fresh herbs to brighten things up.

Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner feel extra special or preparing something satisfying for guests, this dish delivers every time. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes, with simple pantry ingredients and just one skillet. Say hello to a restaurant-quality meal you can enjoy at home—without the stress.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic and Parmesan Chicken

• Fast and flavorful – Ready in under half an hour, it’s the ideal quick dinner idea.
• One-pan magic – Fewer dishes to clean and more time to enjoy.
• Rich and creamy – That garlic parmesan sauce? Absolutely addictive.
• Pairs well with anything – Pasta, rice, roasted veggies, or even a light salad.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create this creamy garlic and parmesan chicken, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

• Large skillet (preferably cast iron): Ensures even searing and heat retention for perfect browning.
• Tongs or spatula: For turning the chicken with ease and avoiding splatter.
• Meat thermometer: Guarantees that the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F internally.
• Whisk: Helps blend the sauce smoothly without clumps.
• Cutting board & sharp knife: For trimming and slicing chicken evenly.

Having the right tools ensures not only a smoother cooking process but also better flavor and texture in the final dish.

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Preparation Tips

Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets—they’ll cook faster and more evenly this way. Season them generously before searing to build a deep, savory base. Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming the chicken. When making the sauce, deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth to incorporate all those browned bits (that’s where the flavor lives!). Finally, add the cheese gradually off heat to prevent it from clumping or becoming grainy. With these simple tips, your garlic parmesan chicken will turn out restaurant-worthy every time.

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Ingredients for this Garlic and Parmesan Chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half horizontally)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (preferably freshly grated)
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
• 1/3 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

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Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breast halves dry using a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This creates a flavorful base and helps form a golden crust when seared.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.

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Step 3: Saute the Garlic

Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, scraping up any brown bits stuck to the bottom. This forms the flavor foundation for your sauce.

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Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to deglaze the pan. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and the cheese is melted and smooth.

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Step 5: Return Chicken to Pan

Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to reheat and soak in flavor.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving. Pair this dish with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of that garlic parmesan goodness.

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Notes

This garlic and parmesan chicken is highly customizable. You can substitute chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat, or lighten the sauce by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a low-carb option, serve it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash. When using Parmesan, always go for freshly grated rather than the pre-shredded kind—it melts better and delivers a richer flavor. Letting the chicken rest before slicing will keep it juicy and help the flavors settle.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the chicken: Always use a thermometer to ensure you don’t dry out the meat.
• Using pre-grated Parmesan: These often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Skipping the deglazing step: You’ll miss out on flavor if you don’t scrape up the browned bits in the pan.
• Adding cheese over high heat: This can cause clumping—remove the skillet from direct heat before stirring in Parmesan.
• Crowding the pan: Doing so will steam the chicken instead of giving it a golden sear.

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Storage Instructions

Let any leftovers cool completely before storing. Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Freezing is possible, but cream-based sauces may separate slightly upon thawing.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 125mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce won’t be as thick or rich. Consider using evaporated milk or adding a thickener like cornstarch.

How do I make this dish low-carb?

Skip the pasta and serve with cauliflower mash or steamed vegetables. The sauce itself is keto-friendly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the chicken and sauce, refrigerate separately, and combine when reheating to preserve texture.

What vegetables pair well with this dish?

Steamed broccoli, spinach, green beans, or roasted asparagus make great sides.

Can I bake the chicken instead?

Yes, you can bake the seasoned chicken at 400°F for about 20 minutes, then add it to the sauce.

What type of Parmesan is best?

Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano is ideal for its sharp flavor and smooth melting.

Can I add mushrooms?

Absolutely! Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding garlic for an earthy twist.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default, but the crushed red pepper flakes add optional heat you can adjust to taste.

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Conclusion

Garlic and Parmesan Chicken is a simple yet indulgent dish that brings bold flavors to your table without complicated steps. From the golden seared chicken to the rich, velvety sauce, every element works in harmony to create a satisfying meal. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend treat, this creamy classic never fails to please. Make it once, and it’ll become a regular in your rotation.

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