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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared until golden and served in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. This easy one-pan dinner is comforting, flavorful, and perfect with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Method
 

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry. If they are very thick, gently pound them to an even thickness. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Cook the garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon butter to the same skillet, followed by the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add broth and cream: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the heavy cream and stir until combined.
  5. Add Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Add Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt to taste.
  6. Finish the chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer gently for several minutes until the chicken is completely cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Garnish and serve: Remove from the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, vegetables, or crusty bread.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
  • Avoid boiling the cream sauce too aggressively.
  • Taste the sauce before adding extra salt because Parmesan is naturally salty.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of chicken broth or cream.
  • Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part before serving.