If you’re craving a dish that combines luscious creaminess, a sharp cheesy kick, and that unforgettable garlic goodness, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is going to become your new go-to comfort meal. Perfectly seared chicken breasts enveloped in a velvety, herb-infused Parmesan sauce deliver a mouthwatering experience that’s both elegant enough for company and simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll be wondering how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in creating the magic of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe. From juicy chicken breasts to the rich Parmesan and fragrant garlic, everything works together in perfect harmony to build layers of flavor and satisfy your taste buds.
- 4 boneless chicken breasts: The juicy, tender base of the recipe that soaks up all the luscious sauce.
- 4 cloves fresh garlic: Delivers that unmistakable punch of flavor that defines this dish.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty richness that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps sear the chicken beautifully, locking in flavor and moisture.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds depth and richness to the sauce for that silky finish.
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that unlock and enhance every flavor.
- Chopped fresh parsley: For garnish and a fresh pop of green color that brightens the plate.
- 1¾ cups chicken broth: Provides a deep, savory base for the sauce to build upon.
- ¼ cup heavy cream: Brings smooth, rich texture that makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
- ¾ cup white wine: Brightens and deglazes the pan, adding acidity and complexity.
- 3 tablespoons flour: Thickens the sauce to perfection without feeling heavy.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Builds richness in the sauce and helps create a smooth roux.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds a fresh zing that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon honey: A touch of sweetness that balances the savory and acidic elements.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Offers a deep umami boost that rounds out the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder: Adds subtle complexity and a gentle tang.
- Dried herbs (oregano, basil, parsley): Create a layered aroma and flavor that makes every bite delightful.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by slicing your boneless chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets about half an inch thick—this helps them cook evenly and soak up all those flavors. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and a little chopped parsley for an early hit of freshness.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts and cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they’re perfectly golden brown. The searing locks in moisture and creates a gorgeous crust. Remove the chicken and set aside while we create that luscious sauce.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and toss in your minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant but not browned—adding garlic after the wine from this point avoids bitterness. Next, stir in butter and flour, whisking to form a smooth roux that will thicken your sauce beautifully. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, white wine, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, honey, and dried herbs, stirring well. Let this mixture simmer gently to meld all those complex but complementary flavors.
Step 4: Add Parmesan and Finish the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low before adding the Parmesan cheese. This important step prevents the sauce from separating and results in a smooth, lump-free, creamy texture. Finish off with a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the overall richness, balancing the savory and tangy notes harmoniously.
Step 5: Combine & Simmer
Return the golden chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce and spooning it over to coat each piece thoroughly. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes so the chicken can absorb those incredible flavors and stay tender and juicy.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving for a lively burst of color and herbal freshness that complements the rich sauce wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides: silky mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce, steamed or roasted vegetables for a fresh crunch, or even a simple bed of fluffy rice to keep things comforting and classic.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken sliced over a creamy polenta or tossed with garlic butter pasta. You can also pile it atop a crisp green salad for a lighter meal packed with flavor. The sauce works magic on everything, so don’t be shy about swirling it liberally wherever you serve the chicken.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen after resting, so it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken with the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up and keep every bite as luscious as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to be even juicier. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to make sure they’re cooked through and tender.
Is it necessary to use white wine?
While white wine adds brightness and acidity, you can substitute it with extra chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice if you prefer to keep it alcohol-free. The flavor will still be fantastic.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Lowering the heat before adding cream and Parmesan cheese is key, as high heat can cause separation. Stir gently and avoid boiling once these ingredients are added for a smooth sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a different but still delicious flavor profile. Use coconut cream or another plant-based cream substitute as well.
What’s the best way to pound chicken breasts evenly?
Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound from the center outward until about half an inch thick. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender.
Final Thoughts
I honestly can’t recommend this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that brings people together while filling your kitchen with unbeatable aroma. Whether you’re cooking for friends or just treating yourself, this recipe hits all the right notes. Grab your skillet, gather these amazing ingredients, and prepare to fall in love with dinner all over again!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made with Parmesan cheese, garlic, white wine, and a blend of herbs. Finished with fresh lemon juice and parsley, it’s a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for seasoning and garnish
Sautéing & Searing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons butter (additional, for roux)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1¾ cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup white wine
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Dried herbs (oregano, basil, parsley), about 1 teaspoon each or to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally, then pound them to about ½ inch thickness for even cooking. Season both sides with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and some chopped fresh parsley to infuse flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic until it becomes fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and then the 3 tablespoons of flour to create a roux. Cook this mixture for a minute while stirring continuously to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream and white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, honey, and dried herbs. Bring this mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
- Add Parmesan and Lemon Juice: Lower the heat to prevent the sauce from breaking. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Finish by adding the fresh lemon juice to brighten and balance the richness.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them thoroughly in the sauce. Let them simmer gently for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors and ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the Garlic Parmesan Chicken hot alongside your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad.
Notes
- Add the garlic after deglazing with wine to prevent burning and bitterness.
- Lower the heat before adding cream and Parmesan to prevent sauce separation and ensure smooth texture.
- Remove the sauce from heat before stirring in Parmesan cheese for a lump-free sauce.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a little more chicken broth or cream.
- Finish with lemon juice to balance richness and enhance flavor brightness.
