Name: Garlic Parmesan Cream Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts or thighs; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Fresh parsley for garnish

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If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Garlic Parmesan Cream Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken breasts or thighs bathed in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce studded with the nutty richness of parmesan cheese—a perfect comfort food that looks and tastes like it belongs on a fancy restaurant menu but is incredibly simple to make at home. This recipe brings together creamy textures, savory herbs, and that irresistible garlic aroma that fills the kitchen and your heart with joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl in the center holds two raw pale pink chicken pieces with smooth, slightly shiny skin. To the left of the bowl, a transparent container is filled with light beige thin cheese slices. Below this container, there is a silver measuring cup filled with white milk. In front of the bowl, yellow spiral pasta pieces are scattered on a white marbled surface. A silver-wrapped rectangular block of cream cheese sits near the pasta, showing purple text and measurement guides. To the right of the bowl, a bottle of creamy beige Parmesan garlic sauce with black and yellow label lies on its side. Behind everything, fresh bright green parsley with leafy texture spreads across the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Cream Chicken Recipe plays a starring role in building flavor, texture, and that signature creamy richness. They’re simple pantry staples that combine beautifully to create an impressive meal without fuss.

4 chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite cut for tender, juicy protein that soaks up the cream sauce wonderfully.
1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a light fruitiness and prevents the chicken from sticking for a perfect golden sear.
2 tbsp butter: Gives the sauce a silky texture and deepens the flavor with its rich creaminess.
4 cloves garlic, minced: The star of the dish, garlic infuses the sauce with warmth and mouthwatering aroma.
1 cup heavy cream: The luscious base that creates the velvety texture of the sauce.
½ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, savory depth and that classic parmesan tang.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings in fragrant herbs like oregano and basil to elevate every bite.
Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors, making every morsel perfectly balanced.
Fresh parsley for garnish: A pop of green freshness and color to brighten the final presentation.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Cream Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken. Sear each side until it develops a gorgeous golden crust—this locks in the juices and adds irresistible flavor. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside; it will finish cooking in the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and gently sauté it until fragrant and just starting to turn golden. This step releases the garlicky goodness into the butter, forming the aromatic foundation of your sauce.

Step 3: Create the Cream Sauce

Now, pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine it with the garlicky butter. Sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring constantly to melt the cheese smoothly into the sauce. You’ll notice the sauce thickening and transforming into a rich, velvety coating that promises pure comfort.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling each piece into the creamy sauce. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook until the chicken is fully cooked through—usually about 8 to 10 minutes. This simmering step allows the chicken to soak in the flavors while the sauce thickens to a perfect consistency.

Step 5: Garnish and Finish

Once the chicken is tender and the sauce is beautifully thickened, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a vibrant finish. Now your Garlic Parmesan Cream Chicken Recipe is ready to serve, looking as stunning as it tastes!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Cream Chicken Recipe

The image shows two cooked chicken pieces in a pan covered with creamy light brown sauce with specks of black pepper and green herbs. A silver spoon with a shiny surface is pouring more sauce onto the chicken in the foreground. The chicken is golden brown with a slightly crispy texture, and the sauce looks smooth and thick, surrounding the chicken evenly. The pan is made of metal and shiny, reflecting light on its edges, set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic and simple garnish that adds a burst of color and herbal brightness, cutting through the rich creaminess wonderfully. For an extra touch, a light dusting of more grated parmesan or a twist of freshly cracked black pepper makes the dish even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Parmesan Cream Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Try it over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes, al dente pasta, or fluffy rice to soak up every last drop of sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans bring a satisfying crunch and freshness to balance the creamy main.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your dinner guests? Serve the chicken sliced on a platter with sauce drizzled artistically over the top, sprinkled with parsley and parmesan shavings. You can also serve it alongside garlic bread to mop up the extra sauce, making the meal not just delicious but a full sensory experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers from your Garlic Parmesan Cream Chicken Recipe, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Stored properly, it will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this comfort dish again without losing any flavor or texture.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers by transferring the chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container or bag. Keep in mind that cream sauces may slightly separate after freezing, but gentle reheating and stirring will bring back much of the original creaminess. Frozen leftovers maintain their best quality for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally so the sauce doesn’t stick or separate. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help revive the sauce’s texture. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts to avoid overheating and drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Garlic Parmesan Cream Chicken Recipe as they remain juicy and tender, adding a slightly richer flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a nut-based cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. The flavors will shift a bit but still offer a luscious, creamy sauce.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes are fantastic additions that bring extra flavor, color, and nutrition to the dish. Simply sauté the vegetables along with the garlic before adding the cream.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

If your sauce needs thickening, simmer it a little longer uncovered to reduce and concentrate. Alternatively, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in slowly while cooking until you reach desired consistency.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and sear the chicken ahead, then assemble and finish cooking just before serving. This method saves time while still delivering fresh, delicious results for your guests.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Cream Chicken Recipe is one of those mouthwatering dishes you’ll find yourself making over and over because it’s just that good. It’s comforting, elegant, straightforward, and perfectly suited to cozy family dinners or impressing friends. Give it a try and let the creamy, garlicky goodness be your new favorite weeknight winner.