If you are looking for a dinner that feels fancy but takes less than 30 minutes to make, this is it. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the ultimate comfort food tender, golden-brown chicken smothered in a rich, savory white sauce.
It is an incredibly useful recipe because it is made entirely in one pan, making cleanup a breeze for busy weeknights. Whether you are a busy mom needing a quick win, a working professional wanting a home-cooked meal, or someone looking for a low-carb, keto-friendly option, this dish fits the bill perfectly.
Tested & Approved
This recipe has been vigorously tested in our kitchen and approved by the Ena Recipes Team. We tweaked the sauce ratios three times to ensure it is perfectly creamy without being too heavy. You can trust this recipe to work the first time you try it!
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
To make this delicious chicken dinner, you will need the following simple ingredients.
- Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets) or 4 chicken thighs.
- Seasoning: 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper.
- Oil & Butter: 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for searing).
- Aromatics: 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped) and 4 cloves garlic (minced).
- Broth: ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred).
- Cream: 1 cup heavy cream (or heavy whipping cream).
- Cheese: ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated melts best).
- Herbs: 1 tsp Italian seasoning and fresh parsley for garnish.
- Optional: 2 cups fresh spinach (adds a nice pop of color and nutrition).
Note: We use chicken broth and lemon juice to deglaze the pan instead of white wine to ensure this recipe is 100% Halal friendly.
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions for the perfect sear and sauce.
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with the garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach $165^\circ\text{F}$ or $74^\circ\text{C}$). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft (about 3 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan (that’s where the flavor is!). Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir gently. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine: If you are using spinach, add it now and let it wilt for 1 minute. Return the cooked chicken (and any juices on the plate) back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.
Tips, Variations & Storage
Here is how you can customize this recipe and keep leftovers fresh.
- Make it Lighter: If you want less fat, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth is certified GF.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or asparagus tips along with the onions for extra veggies.
- Serving Ideas: This pairs perfectly over mashed potatoes, pasta (fettuccine is great), or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving. Just increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
The sauce separated/curdled, what happened?
This usually happens if the heat is too high when you add the cream or cheese. Always reduce heat to low before adding dairy products.
Is this recipe Keto-friendly?
Yes! This dish is high in protein and healthy fats while being very low in carbohydrates, making it perfect for Keto diets.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories per serving: 480 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbs: 6 g
- Fat: 35 g
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for anyone who wants a restaurant-quality meal at home without the hassle. It is a family favorite in our house, and we hope it becomes one in yours too. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
