Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
A quick 30-minute one-pan dinner with juicy chicken and a rich, garlicky parmesan cream sauce — a true family weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Instructions
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1
Season the chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
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2
Sear the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal). Transfer to a plate and set aside.
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3
Sauté the garlic
Reduce heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Stir constantly so the garlic doesn't burn.
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4
Deglaze the pan
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet — this is where the flavor lives. Simmer for 2 minutes.
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5
Make it creamy
Whisk in heavy cream and Italian herbs. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Whisk in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
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6
Finish & serve
Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer 2 minutes until warmed through. Garnish with parsley and serve over pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes with crusty bread on the side.
Chef's Tips & Variations
Pro tip: Use freshly grated parmesan rather than pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce.
Substitutions
- Protein: Swap chicken thighs for breasts (reduce sear time) or use boneless pork chops.
- Lighter version: Use half & half instead of heavy cream, or add a splash of milk and extra broth.
- Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cream and parmesan.
- Add greens: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for extra nutrition.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickens.
- This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months (thaw overnight before reheating).
What to Serve with It
Serve over fettuccine, egg noodles, steamed rice, zucchini noodles, or with roasted asparagus and crusty garlic bread for soaking up the sauce.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (1 of 4). Estimates are for reference only — see our disclaimer.
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 41g
- Fat
- 37g
- Carbs
- 6g
- Fiber
- 0g
- Sodium
- 780mg
