Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a restaurant-worthy meal packed with bold flavor and irresistible creaminess, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken is about to become your new weeknight favorite. Juicy, pan-seared chicken nestled in a silky, garlicky Parmesan sauce—every bite tastes like comfort and celebration rolled into one!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Garlic Parmesan Chicken is how each humble ingredient brings depth and harmony to the final dish. Think everyday chicken and pantry staples, but transformed into something you’ll want to make again and again!

• Chicken Breasts: Slicing and pounding them gives you juicy, even-cooking cutlets with that irresistible golden crust.
• Chicken Broth: This forms the heart of the sauce, delivering savory undertones and juicy, well-rounded flavor.
• Dry White Wine: Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc add brightness and a subtle acidity—chicken broth makes a fine swap.
• Heavy Cream: Just enough for a silky texture and a luxurious, restaurant-style finish.
• Fresh Garlic: Four whole cloves! The sauce wouldn’t be the same without its mellow richness and deep aroma.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is a must for melting and flavor—skip the pre-shredded stuff for best results.
• Butter & Olive Oil: The dream team for searing chicken and building a luscious, silky pan sauce.
• Flour: Don’t skip it! This simple ingredient helps thicken your sauce to the perfect consistency.
• Lemon Juice: A pop of brightness to balance the richness of the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Mustard Powder & Honey: Just a teaspoon each, but these secret weapons add complexity, tang, and subtle sweetness.
• Herbs & Seasonings: Onion powder, oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper for that herby, Italian-inspired finish.
• Chicken Bouillon Cube: Concentrates chicken flavor and makes the sauce even more robust—just half is all you need.

Variations

The fun never stops with Garlic Parmesan Chicken — it’s one of those recipes you can play with. Don’t hesitate to tweak ingredients or flavorings based on what you like, or what you have at home. Here are some easy ideas:

• Pork Chop Swap: Replace chicken breasts with boneless pork chops for a rich, savory twist on this classic sauce.
• Pasta Night: Pour the creamy sauce and sliced chicken right over your favorite pasta for a hearty, crowd-pleasing variation.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Use a lower-carb thickener like almond flour, and serve the chicken over sautéed greens or cauliflower mash.
• Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to infuse the dish with extra color, texture, and nutrition.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Mix the Sauce Base

In a large measuring cup or bowl, combine the chicken broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, honey, half a bouillon cube, and all the dried herbs and seasonings. Stir well so everything’s perfectly blended and ready to pour for later. This makes your cooking process so much smoother!

Step 2: Prep and Season the Chicken

Lay the chicken breasts flat and use a sharp knife to slice them in half lengthwise—this way, you end up with two or three thinner pieces from each breast. Cover them with saran wrap, then gently pound them to about half an inch thick. Sprinkle each piece generously with salt, pepper, and parsley for flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Sear for a Golden Crust

Heat olive oil in a wide skillet (12 inches works best!) over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes per side until beautifully golden. Searing locks in flavor and moisture—don’t rush or crowd the pan. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside while you build the sauce.

Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce

Turn off the heat, add white wine to the skillet, then set heat to medium. Use a spatula to gently scrape up any caramelized “fond” from the bottom (that’s pure flavor, don’t skip this step!). Let the wine bubble and reduce by half—this intensifies the flavor and cooks off alcohol, leaving just its bright note. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for a couple minutes until fragrant.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce & Add Cheese

Add butter and flour to your garlicky wine reduction, stirring constantly to create a smooth base. Cook the roux for a minute or two until any raw flour taste disappears. Now slowly pour in the prepared sauce mixture, stirring as you go. Let it gently bubble and reduce for roughly 8 minutes—this is when the flavors meld and the sauce thickens. Lower the heat and gradually sprinkle in that fresh Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into pure gold. Don’t forget the fresh lemon juice for brightness!

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Add the chicken cutlets back into the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of that creamy garlic Parmesan goodness right over the top. Warm everything through for about 5 minutes, until the sauce has reached your favorite thickness. Garnish with a shower of parsley and serve straight from the pan—get ready for happy faces!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Garnishes

A final dusting of freshly chopped parsley is a must for eye-catching color and herby freshness. For a little zesty finish, a few lemon zest curls or a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan set the whole plate off—just that tiny detail makes your Garlic Parmesan Chicken look like it came out of a cozy trattoria.

Side Dishes

Classic mashed potatoes are practically made for soaking up that velvety sauce, but Garlic Parmesan Chicken also loves a side of buttered noodles or rice. Roasted vegetables, like broccoli, carrots, or green beans, bring color, nutrition, and just the right hint of sweetness to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken sliced over a big mound of pasta for a family-style feast, or plate individual cutlets with a generous swirl of sauce for date night. For an appetizer twist, cut the chicken into strips and skewer them, drizzling with sauce for Garlic Parmesan Chicken skewers at your next get-together. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken stays moist and delicious for up to 3 days in the fridge. Just pop any extras into an airtight container and refrigerate—perfect for easy lunches or a quick dinner encore.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully—cool the chicken and sauce completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Garlic Parmesan Chicken gently on the stove over medium-low heat, loosening the sauce with a splash of broth or cream if needed. Microwaving also works—just heat in short bursts and stir, to keep everything creamy and luscious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that’s simple enough for a busy Tuesday yet special enough to brighten your Sunday table, Garlic Parmesan Chicken is always a winner. I can’t wait for you to give it a try—be sure to savor every creamy, garlicky, cheese-laden bite and make it your own!

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