Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups chicken broth; ¼ cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon mustard powder; 1 teaspoon honey; ½ chicken bouillon cube; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon oregano; ½ teaspoon basil; ½ teaspoon parsley; 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 teaspoons parsley (for seasoning and garnish); 1-2 tablespoons olive oil; ¾ cup dry white wine; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons flour; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

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I absolutely love sharing this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe with friends because it strikes the perfect balance between rich, comforting flavors and surprisingly simple preparation. Every time I make this dish, the creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce feels like a warm hug on a plate, and the tender, golden chicken just soaks it all in beautifully. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that elevates any dinner without making me spend hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

What I find truly special about this recipe is the incredible flavor profile it builds layer by layer. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs creates a sauce that is creamy but not heavy, tangy yet smooth, and perfectly savory. When I bite into the chicken coated in this sauce, I get that satisfying crunch on the outside followed by a juicy, tender center. It’s like every bite tells a little story of comfort and indulgence.

Plus, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is surprisingly easy to whip up on a busy weeknight or impress guests on the weekend. The sauce comes together on the stovetop while you’re searing the chicken, so it feels efficient without sacrificing any flavor. I love that it’s versatile enough for casual dinners but impressive enough for holidays or special occasions. It really stands out thanks to the homemade creamy sauce that feels way more gourmet than the amount of time you’ll spend making it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white round plate holds seven pieces of cooked chicken arranged in a loose circular pattern. The chicken pieces vary in size and shape, each showing a light golden brown color with some darker grilled lines and small green herb specks on top. The plate rests on a white marble surface visible underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each bringing something unique to the table—whether it’s flavor, texture, or that gorgeous golden color. Having these basics organized before you start really streamlines the cooking process.

Chicken broth: A flavorful, low-sodium base that gives the sauce body without overwhelming it.
Heavy cream: Adds the necessary creaminess and richness to the sauce’s texture.
Worcestershire sauce: Provides a subtle umami depth that enhances the savory notes.
Mustard powder: Adds a gentle tang and complexity to the sauce.
Honey: Balances acidity with a touch of natural sweetness.
Chicken bouillon cube: Boosts savory flavor; make sure to use low-sodium if preferred.
Onion powder, oregano, basil, parsley: These dried herbs give the sauce a fragrant, herbaceous quality.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, juicy and tender once properly pounded and cooked.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the other flavors.
Olive oil: For getting that beautiful sear on the chicken.
Dry white wine: Adds acidity and subtle fruity notes that bring complexity to the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce its signature aromatic punch.
Butter: Enriches the sauce and helps achieve the perfect silky texture.
Flour: Used to thicken the sauce gently without clumping.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The secret weapon for that irresistible cheesy flavor and creamy finish.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with a hint of citrus, balancing the richness.

Directions

Step 1: In a large measuring cup with a spout, combine the chicken broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, honey, chicken bouillon cube, onion powder, oregano, basil, and parsley. Set this flavorful sauce mixture aside to have ready when you need it.

Step 2: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces, about 2-3 slices per breast. Place them between sheets of plastic wrap, and gently pound with the textured side of a meat mallet until they’re evenly about ½ inch thick. This ensures they cook fast and evenly.

Step 3: Season both sides of each chicken slice liberally with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of parsley. The seasoning step is crucial for building layers of flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully sear the chicken slices in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust and are nearly cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 5: Turn off the heat momentarily, then pour in the dry white wine to the skillet. Turn the heat back on to medium and use a silicone spatula to scrape up all the browned bits stuck to the bottom — that “fond” is packed with flavor! Let the wine simmer and reduce for about 2 minutes.

Step 6: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the wine has reduced by half and the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.

Step 7: Add the butter and flour to the skillet, stirring constantly. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes; this will cook off the raw flour taste and create a roux that will thicken the sauce beautifully.

Step 8: Slowly pour in the sauce mixture you prepared in Step 1, adding it in small splashes while stirring continuously. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 8 minutes, allowing it to thicken and deepen in flavor.

Step 9: Reduce the heat to low and gradually sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring as you go to incorporate it smoothly. Stir in the fresh lemon juice last to brighten all the rich flavors.

Step 10: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over the chicken, cover, and let it heat through for about 5 minutes or until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Servings and Timing

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe serves four hungry people, making it perfect for a family dinner or a small dinner party with friends. The prep time is about 15 minutes, mostly for pounding and seasoning the chicken, and measuring out ingredients. Cooking time takes roughly 35 minutes, which includes searing the chicken and simmering the luscious sauce. All in all, you’re looking at about 50 minutes total. No resting or cooling time is necessary, so you can serve it fresh and piping hot for the best experience.

How to Serve This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

The image shows a white round plate with three main parts: a single cooked chicken piece on the left covered in light brown gravy with green herb bits, mashed potatoes on the right with gravy and herbs on top, and a small bunch of grilled green asparagus placed lengthwise at the top right edge of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and there are two lemon wedges in the top left corner. A white cloth is partially visible on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up every bit of that delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or carrots add a lovely color and subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory richness of the chicken. Sometimes, I also serve it with a simple side of buttered pasta or garlic bread to make the meal even more indulgent.

For presentation, I always garnish the dish with fresh parsley sprinkled over the top—it adds a pop of green and fresh aroma that feels inviting. Serving it on warm plates keeps everything cozy, and portioning the chicken slices a little smaller lets you enjoy more sauce with each bite. I find a nice glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors wonderfully, though a sparkling water with lemon or even a crisp apple cider works beautifully if you prefer non-alcoholic options.

This dish is great for weeknight dinners when you want something special yet uncomplicated. It’s also a favorite for holidays or when friends are over because it feels fancy without the fuss. Serve it hot or warm for the best texture and comfort, and watch how quickly the plates return empty!

Variations

If you want to switch things up, I’ve found a few variations work beautifully with this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe. For instance, swapping out boneless chicken breasts for thighs adds even more juiciness and a deeper flavor. You can also skip the wine and replace it with extra chicken broth if you prefer an alcohol-free version without losing the sauce’s richness.

For a gluten-free adaptation, just replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. And if you’re catering to vegan friends, consider using plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan cheese alternatives—though this will shift the flavor profile, it still creates a dreamy sauce that clings to the chicken substitute of your choice.

Cooking methods can vary too—I sometimes bake the pounded chicken slices in the sauce for a more hands-off approach, especially when I’m multitasking in the kitchen. Alternatively, finishing the chicken under the broiler for a minute or two gives the sauce a lovely bubbly, golden crust that’s absolutely irresistible.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe, I store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids work best to maintain freshness and prevent odors from mingling. The chicken and sauce can be kept safely for up to 3-4 days, making it a perfect meal prep candidate for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, especially if you want to save time for busy days. To freeze, place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It keeps well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

When reheating, I recommend warming the chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. To maintain the sauce’s creaminess, add a splash of chicken broth or a little water and stir occasionally. Avoid overheating it as that can cause the sauce to separate and the chicken to dry out. Using a cover while reheating helps lock in moisture and keeps everything tasting fresh and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative because they stay juicier and can add a richer flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through compared to thinly pounded breasts.

Is it necessary to use white wine in the sauce?

While the dry white wine adds a nice acidity and depth, you can substitute it with extra chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice for a non-alcoholic version without sacrificing too much flavor.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch mixed with water as a thickener. This keeps the sauce smooth and avoids any gluten contamination.

What side dishes pair best with Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

I love pairing it with mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or even a simple buttered pasta. A crisp green salad can also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sauce.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and chicken separately and combine them just before serving. This helps keep the chicken from becoming soggy. It’s also perfect for making ahead and reheating gently when you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion

Now that you know all about this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe, I hope you’re as excited as I am to try it at home. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a treat but comes together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this chicken will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking and enjoy every savory, cheesy bite!