Delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe for Savory Dinner

I still remember the first time I tasted this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe—it was a quiet Wednesday evening at my sister’s house. She had just whipped it up for a casual dinner, and the moment that crispy, golden Parmesan crust met that rich, creamy garlic parmesan sauce, I was hooked! The blend of sharp Parmesan and garlic created a comforting yet vibrant flavor that surprised me right away.

What made this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe truly unforgettable was how approachable it felt. Even with its fancy-sounding name, it wasn’t intimidating—just pure comfort food that brought us all together around the table. It really reflects my philosophy at Carmen Wausa Blog: cooking should be joyful, satisfying, and approachable. I knew I had to perfect this recipe and share it because it turned an ordinary weeknight into something special without any fuss.

After lots of testing, tweaks, and tastings, I’m genuinely excited to share this easy garlic parmesan chicken recipe that’s become a staple in my kitchen. If you love creamy garlic parmesan chicken or a parmesan crusted chicken that’s oven baked to perfection, this recipe is for you. It promises a delicious experience with every bite and a garlic parmesan sauce that’s so good, it practically begs for a pile of your favorite sides.

If this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe brings you joy, you’ll love other comfort food ideas like my Garlic Cheddar Potato Soup and the Sour Cream and Onion Chicken. Both recipes share that same savory goodness you want every week.

I can’t wait for you to try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that makes the kitchen fill with warmth and your family ask for seconds—with a plate you’ll feel proud serving!

Ingredients

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe ingredient list is surprisingly simple but delivers incredible comfort! Here’s what you’ll need to get started on this creamy garlic parmesan chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated makes a huge flavor difference)
  • 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (I find panko adds nice crunch)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (the star of the garlic parmesan sauce)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (for that dreamy creamy garlic parmesan sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter (for richness and to help with browning)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (to crisp the parmesan crust)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (like oregano or basil, optional but lovely)
  • Chopped parsley for garnish (adds fresh color and flavor)
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe arranged in bowls and plates

You’ll find the best Parmesan cheese for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe at your local cheese counter or specialty grocery store. If you want to splurge on one ingredient, get a block of Parmigiano-Reggiano and grate it yourself. It really makes the difference in the garlic parmesan sauce and crust texture.

If you’re gluten-free, swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko or crushed nuts for a lovely alternative that still supports the parmesan crusted chicken concept. Low-fat milk or half and half can replace heavy cream for lighter creamy garlic parmesan chicken, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

When prepping your ingredients, mince the garlic fresh, but if you’re short on time, pre-minced garlic from a jar works well here too. Just be sure it’s fresh-tasting to help your garlic parmesan sauce taste vibrant.

This approachable ingredient list keeps the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe doable and comforting. For quick prep, you can even buy pre-grated Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs from the store. Storing your Parmesan cheese in the fridge tightly wrapped helps it stay fresh for weeks!

You might like to try Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken, which uses similar ingredients for a crispy, oven baked garlic parmesan chicken version if you want a hands-off cooking twist.

Let’s Make This!

Ready to dive into this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe? It’s easier than it sounds, and I promise your kitchen will smell dreamy with that garlic parmesan sauce in the air. Here’s my step-by-step guide to creamy garlic parmesan chicken success:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. This is the perfect temperature for getting your parmesan crusted chicken golden and juicy.
  2. Prepare the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
  3. Mix the breadcrumb and Parmesan coating. In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan and Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. This combo forms the magic crust.
  4. Coat the chicken. Dip each chicken breast into a little melted butter or olive oil to help the crust stick, then press it into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture firmly for good coverage.
  5. Sear the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until the crust is golden brown. Don’t rush this step—it’s key for flavor and texture.
  6. Make the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Lower the heat, add butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, making sure to scrape up any brown bits from the pan for flavor.
  7. Add more Parmesan. Slowly whisk in a handful (1/2 cup) of Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes thick and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Bake the chicken with sauce. Pour the creamy garlic parmesan sauce over the chicken and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).
  9. Final touches. Garnish with chopped parsley and a little extra grated Parmesan. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Don’t worry—your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is going to turn out beautifully! This step might seem tricky, but searing the chicken first and finishing with the creamy garlic parmesan sauce in the oven brings the best of both parm crusted chicken and creamy garlic goodness.

While your oven baked garlic parmesan chicken is cooking, take a moment to enjoy that amazing aroma filling your kitchen! If you like an extra saucy finish, you can spoon more garlic parmesan sauce over the chicken before serving.

This recipe in my kitchen takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s an easy garlic parmesan chicken option that impresses without stress.

For more ideas on creamy garlic parmesan chicken, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken • Salt & Lavender. They have a lovely spin that highlights the sauce.

If you want a little crispier finish on your parmesan crusted chicken, a quick broil for 1-2 minutes at the end works beautifully.

Serving & Presentation

People always smile when I serve this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe at family dinners or a weekend gathering. Here are some ways to present and enjoy this creamy garlic parmesan chicken for maximum delight:

Serve alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Garlic roasted broccoli or garlic green beans pair beautifully here.

For sides, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic noodles soak up that delicious oven baked garlic parmesan chicken sauce perfectly. The sauce becomes a comforting gravy you’ll want extra bread to mop up.

Plating-wise, spoon the garlic parmesan sauce generously over each piece of chicken. Sprinkle fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan on top for a bright, inviting look. Use colorful plates for a cheerful presentation that suits casual and special occasions alike.

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe creates the sweetest moments at family dinners! I’ve noticed everyone slows down to savor the flavors and that warm comforting feeling it brings. It’s a fantastic recipe to enjoy on cozy nights when you want substantial, satisfying food without fuss.

If you have leftovers, try shredding the chicken and tossing it into a crisp salad or using it in a baked pasta dish with extra garlic parmesan sauce. It’s a flexible recipe that keeps giving!

Seasonally, I like to add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during fall and winter versions of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe. In summer, bright lemon zest added to the sauce lifts and freshens the dish—another simple way to keep it feeling new.

For more ideas on creative comfort dishes that pair well with this recipe, check out my Chicken Salad Chick Grape Salad. It’s fresh and delightful with a hint of crunch that contrasts beautifully.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and the parmesan crust in advance, then keep them refrigerated. When you’re ready, just bake the chicken and pour on the garlic parmesan sauce before serving. This is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

  2. What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

    Pre-minced garlic from a jar works well in a pinch. Use about 1 ½ teaspoons to replace the 4 cloves here. It won’t have exactly the same punch, but your creamy garlic parmesan chicken will still be tasty.

  3. How do I know when my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is perfectly done?

    The best way is to check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. You want 165°F inside. The chicken should be firm but juicy with no pink inside.

  4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

    You can substitute dairy-free cream and vegan Parmesan alternatives for a dairy-free version. The texture of the creamy garlic parmesan sauce will change slightly but will still be delicious.

  5. Is oven baked garlic parmesan chicken healthier than frying?

    Oven baking reduces oil usage, and since the chicken is cooked in the oven after a light sear, it’s a lighter way to enjoy parmesan crusted chicken.

  6. What sides go best with creamy garlic parmesan chicken?

    Mashed potatoes, garlic green beans, or a fresh salad are all excellent. For a heartier meal, add buttery noodles or roasted vegetables.

  7. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

    Yes! Chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful. Adjust baking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer.

I’ve heard from many fellow food lovers that this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe helped them feel confident making something both fancy and easy. If you ever wonder about substitutions or technique, just reach out—I love sharing tips!

For more detailed inspiration on parmesan crusted chicken styles, check out Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce The full recipe in the first comment.

Why This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is everything I stand for in home cooking—approachable, comforting, and memorable. It takes simple ingredients and turns them into a meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.

My Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe Success Tips:

  • Always pat your chicken dry for a crisp parmesan crust.
  • Don’t skip searing the chicken before baking—it locks in flavor and texture.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best cheesy, nutty bite in your crust and sauce.

Over time, I’ve loved playing with different variations of this recipe. Adding sun-dried tomatoes and spinach gives a colorful, Mediterranean twist. Using lemon zest and fresh basil brightens it for summer dinners. And swapping half the heavy cream with chicken broth lightens the sauce while keeping it creamy.

The version I make most often—with the classic creamy garlic parmesan sauce and parmesan crusted chicken—is the one that gets the biggest smiles at our table.

I encourage you to add this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe to your weeknight rotation. Its comforting flavors and satisfying texture will make it a crowd-pleaser that your family asks for again and again. I’ve got full confidence your cooking will shine with this beautiful recipe!

When you make it, I’d love to hear about your delicious results. Sharing food stories is part of what brings us together around the table. Enjoy every bite!

Close-up of finished Garlic Parmesan Chicken with creamy sauce and garnish

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Close-up of Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts smothered in a flavorful garlic and parmesan sauce, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.

  • Author: Carmen
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
  6. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, serve with steamed vegetables or over cooked pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.

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