There’s something incredibly special about the smell of garlic hitting a warm pan — that instant burst of aroma that fills the whole kitchen and lets everyone know something delicious is on the way. Some of my earliest cooking memories start there, watching simple ingredients come alive with just a bit of heat, patience, and love.
As I learned more about cooking over the years, I realized that the recipes I cherish most are the ones built from everyday ingredients that feel familiar and comforting, yet still carry a touch of magic. Recipes that bring families together around the table without stress or fuss — the heart of what I always want Maison Recipes to be.
Today’s dish is exactly that kind of recipe. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken is tender, juicy, full of bold garlicky flavor, and coated in a creamy Parmesan sauce that feels both cozy and irresistible. It’s the type of meal that tastes like you spent all afternoon cooking, when in reality, it’s wonderfully simple and quick to prepare.
Why Make This Recipe
This garlic parmesan chicken is going to become a weeknight favorite for so many reasons:
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy families.
- Crowd-pleasing flavors: Creamy, savory garlic-Parmesan sauce that even picky eaters enjoy.
- Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy, everything you likely already have at home.
- Versatile: Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, veggies, or crusty bread.
- Restaurant-quality results: Comforting, flavorful, and satisfying without complicated steps.
If you love cozy, flavorful chicken dishes that feel special without extra effort, this recipe is for you.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts or thighs, cut into cutlets or strips
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Extra grated Parmesan
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon
Directions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir to release browned bits from the pan.
- Add milk or cream and Italian seasoning.
- Mix in the Parmesan and stir until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasonings.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Place the chicken back into the skillet.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve warm.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Pasta (fettuccine, linguine, penne)
- Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta
- Steamed rice or seasoned rice
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
- A fresh green salad
It’s the type of versatile recipe that you can dress up or keep simple depending on the occasion.
How to Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to revive the sauce.
- Freeze: Freeze without the sauce for best texture. Reheat chicken first, then coat in freshly made sauce.
Tips to Make the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and tastes richer.
- Don’t burn the garlic: Cook just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results: They stay tender even if slightly overcooked.
- Simmer gently: High heat can cause the cream to separate.
- Add lemon: A bit of acidity brightens the creamy sauce beautifully.
Variations
- Add spinach: Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach to the sauce.
- Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic.
- Spicy version: Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Low-carb option: Serve with cauliflower rice or roasted veggies.
- Extra cheesy: Add 1 cup of mozzarella to the sauce for more richness.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Slice cooked chicken and simmer briefly in the sauce to heat through.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can use coconut milk and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives, though the flavor will be slightly different.
3. Can I bake this instead of cooking on the stove?
Yes — sear the chicken first, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes with the sauce poured on top.
4. Can I use half-and-half instead of cream?
Absolutely. The sauce may be slightly lighter but still delicious.
Conclusion
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken is everything I love about home cooking — simple ingredients, bold flavor, and a comforting creaminess that feels like a warm, delicious embrace. It’s quick enough for weeknights, yet cozy and flavorful enough for a family dinner or a special meal.
I hope this recipe brings just as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. Give it a try, make it your own, and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite. Happy cooking!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Equipment
- Skillet
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring Cups
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs cut into cutlets or strips
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- extra grated Parmesan
- fresh parsley
- lemon zest or juice optional
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits. Add milk or cream and Italian seasoning. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season to taste.
- Return chicken to skillet. Simmer in sauce for 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and chicken is fully cooked.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and lemon if desired. Serve hot.