Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet

Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Home Comfort Classics

I absolutely love making this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet for dinner. The rich flavors of garlic and parmesan combined with tender chicken make for a satisfying meal that my whole family enjoys. It’s quick to prepare, and the creamy sauce is perfect for spooning over rice or pasta. Plus, the aroma that fills the kitchen as it simmers is simply irresistible. I often prepare it on busy weeknights, and it never fails to impress everyone at the table.

Created by

Piper Andrews

Last updated on 2026-02-16T05:05:36.338Z

When I first decided to create this creamy chicken dish, I experimented with various ingredients until I found the perfect balance. Cooking the chicken until it's golden brown adds a depth of flavor, and that's a crucial first step. I noticed that the combination of garlic and parmesan cheese not only brings a wonderful richness but also complements the chicken beautifully.

Each time I make it, I play around with the vegetables I include — spinach and sun-dried tomatoes add great color and taste. The key to a smooth sauce is to incorporate the cream slowly while stirring, preventing clumps and ensuring even consistency throughout. Trust me, it’ll take your dish to the next level!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy, savory sauce that envelops the chicken perfectly
Easy one-pan meal that minimizes cleanup
Great for impressing guests or family gatherings

Perfecting the Chicken

The key to achieving perfectly cooked chicken breasts is managing the heat. Start by preheating your skillet over medium heat, and be mindful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. Cook each side until it develops a beautiful golden crust, which usually takes about 6-7 minutes. If you notice the chicken browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F for safety.

Don’t be afraid to let the chicken rest after cooking! This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring tender meat. While the chicken is resting, cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm. This step is often overlooked but makes a significant difference in the texture of the meat.

Crafting the Creamy Sauce

When creating the sauce, the order in which you add the ingredients is crucial. By sautéing the garlic first, you release its aromatic oils before drowning it in cream. Be careful not to brown the garlic too much; a minute or until fragrant is all you need to avoid bitterness. The heavy cream acts as a base, while the Parmesan not only thickens the sauce but adds a nutty flavor. Stir continuously as the cheese melts—this ensures a smooth, creamy texture without clumps.

If the sauce ends up thicker than you prefer, don't hesitate to adjust it by adding a splash of chicken broth or extra cream. These small adjustments can help achieve your desired consistency, and the flavors will meld beautifully, coating the chicken evenly.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is versatile in serving. While it pairs beautifully with rice or pasta, consider adding a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for a burst of color and nutrition. If you're feeling adventurous, serve it over a bed of sautéed spinach or zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist that does not compromise on flavor.

For meal prep, this dish holds up well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain the sauce's luscious texture. You can also freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to two months, making it a convenient option for busy nights.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before starting:

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Follow these steps to create this delicious dish:

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and stir, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, mixing until well combined and the sauce thickens.

Combine and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through. Serve garnished with fresh parsley.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce. These not only enhance the flavor but also add nutritional value to your dish.

Ingredient Insights

Choosing the right chicken is essential for this dish. Opt for high-quality, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, as they cook evenly and provide a tender bite. If you prefer dark meat, thighs can be a flavorful substitute, requiring slightly longer cooking time but yielding juicier results.

Parmesan cheese plays a crucial role in the sauce, offering both flavor and creaminess. For a different taste profile, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano, which will add a sharper note. Make sure to use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded, as it melts more smoothly and enhances the sauce's overall texture.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your sauce isn't thickening as expected, allow it to simmer a bit longer without stirring too frequently. Sometimes, it just needs a little more time for the flavors to concentrate and the heavy cream to reduce. Conversely, if it becomes too thick, add more cream or broth to find the right consistency.

Another common issue is curdling of the cream. To prevent this, ensure your garlic hasn't browned excessively and avoid adding cold ingredients to a hot pan. Stirring in the cheese gradually and keeping the heat low while mixing can also help achieve a silky sauce every time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and add more richness to the dish.

→ Can I make this dish lighter?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately up to a day in advance and then combine them just before serving.