If you’re searching for a dish that brings comfort, elegance, and rich flavors all in one skillet, this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. Golden, tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy, savory crust marry perfectly with a luscious, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce that’s simply irresistible. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and a savory profile that will keep you reaching for seconds. Trust me, this dish transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a celebration of flavor and warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s building the crispy coating or creating the velvety sauce that brings it all together.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: This cheese forms the flavorful, nutty crust that makes the chicken irresistible.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (such as Panko): Adding crunch and structure to the coating for perfect texture contrast.
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the crust with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a smoky, slightly sweet earthiness to the coating.
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally (or 4 smaller breasts): The star protein, ensuring quick cooking and tender results.
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter: Used twice for browning the chicken and creating the rich sauce base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic awakens the sauce with vibrant, aromatic flavor.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of green freshness and balances the richness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that rounds out the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: A gentle heat that brightens and enlivens the dish.
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth: Creates the perfect base for deglazing the pan and thinning the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The star of the sauce’s creamy, indulgent texture.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Parmesan Coating
Start by mixing freshly grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a shallow dish. This combination creates a crispy, flavorful crust that’s key to the dish’s signature texture. Then, carefully dredge each chicken breast half in the mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated, and gently shake off the excess to avoid clumping.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The butter ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gains a rich, nutty flavor in the crust. Be patient and adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning while achieving that perfect sear. Once done, transfer the chicken onto a plate to rest.
Step 3: Craft the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Wipe out any excess cheese bits from the skillet to avoid bitterness. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Let them cook until fragrant, which takes just a minute or so — this step layers in incredible aroma and flavor. Next, deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up those flavorful browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the beautifully crusted chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Allow the chicken to simmer gently for about one minute to heat through and soak up some of the sauce’s tangy richness. Before serving, spoon the sauce generously over the chicken, ensuring every bite is coated in that silky, Parmesan goodness.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of additional freshly chopped parsley brightens the dish, adding a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the creamy sauce. You can also add a light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese on top for that extra cheesy punch and an appealing finish.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Parmesan Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like al dente pasta, which soaks up the luxurious sauce, or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli for a vibrant contrast. Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy risotto also make wonderful companions, soaking up every last drop of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider serving this dish on a rustic wooden board with lemon wedges to add brightness and a fresh squeeze of citrus. Alternatively, plating the chicken over a bed of sautéed spinach or zucchini noodles creates a lighter, colorful presentation that’s both pleasing to the eye and palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Creamy Parmesan Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken in the fridge, but a gentle reheat will bring it back to its luscious texture.
Freezing
While the chicken and sauce taste best fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to retain the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce appears too thick. This will revive the creamy consistency without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well for this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just adjust cooking time as thighs are thicker and may take a little longer.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
This Creamy Parmesan Chicken Recipe relies on Parmesan and cream for its signature flavor and texture. For a dairy-free twist, you can try using dairy-free cheese alternatives and coconut milk, but the final taste will differ from the original.
What can I substitute for Panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have Panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can be substituted. Just keep in mind that Panko offers a lighter, crispier texture compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce isn’t thick enough, simply let it simmer a little longer to reduce, or stir in a small slurry of cornstarch mixed with water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the coating mixture ahead and store it in an airtight container. The chicken can also be breaded a few hours in advance and kept refrigerated. The sauce, however, is best made fresh for maximum creaminess.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Recipe if you want a comforting yet impressive meal that comes together fast and delights every time. It’s rich, flavorful, and versatile — perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion. Give it a try, and watch it become a favorite star in your recipe collection!
Print
Creamy Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Parmesan Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts coated in a flavorful Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pan-seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce infused with herbs and a hint of spice. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting and elegant dish pairs wonderfully with pasta or steamed vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (such as Panko)
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally (or 4 smaller breasts)
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the coating: In a shallow dish, combine grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Thoroughly dredge each chicken breast piece in this mixture, ensuring even coating. Shake off any excess to avoid clumping during cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook them approximately 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Monitor the heat carefully to prevent burning. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Using the same skillet, wipe out any large cheese residues to prevent excessive burning. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Sauté the mixture until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Deglaze the pan by pouring in the low-sodium chicken broth and stirring to scrape up any browned bits. Then stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Let them simmer together for about 1 minute to warm through and meld flavors. Spoon the luscious sauce generously over the chicken and serve immediately. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon.
- For a crispier crust, use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Leftover chicken with sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop.
- To make this dish gluten free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.
