Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet: A 30-Minute Weeknight Winner
Have you ever craved restaurant-quality chicken but didn't want to spend hours in the kitchen? This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken skillet delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, velvety sauce that rivals any Italian bistro—and it's ready in just 30 minutes. Making this chicken recipe at home not only saves you money but also lets you control the quality of ingredients, adjust seasonings to your taste, and enjoy a wholesome meal without preservatives or hidden additives. Whether you're cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish proves that impressive doesn't have to mean complicated.
This garlic Parmesan chicken is perfect for those seeking easy chicken recipes for weeknight dinners—it requires minimal ingredients, one skillet, and simple techniques that even beginner cooks can master. The combination of garlic, cream, and freshly grated Parmesan creates a sauce so delicious you'll want to serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop. If you're looking for more protein-packed comfort food inspiration, check out this amazing chicken recipe that brings bold flavors to your dinner table.
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat
For the Coating:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for low-carb)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Timing / Cooking Schedule
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
This recipe is incredibly efficient for busy weeknights. You can prep your ingredients while the skillet heats, and the entire dish comes together faster than ordering takeout.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (about ¾ inch) using a meat mallet. This ensures uniform cooking. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Combine flour, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow dish, then lightly coat each breast. Pro tip: Pat chicken dry before seasoning for better browning.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Don't move them too early—patience creates that beautiful crust. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic, cooking 30-60 seconds until fragrant (watch carefully to avoid burning). This chicken recipe relies on properly caramelized garlic for depth of flavor. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan—this fond adds incredible savory notes.
Step 4: Create the Cream Base Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Lower heat and gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Return chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Spoon sauce over the top and simmer 2-3 minutes to meld flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while the sauce is silky and luxurious.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Information
Per serving (serves 4):
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 31g
- Fiber: 0g
- Vitamin C: 4% DV
- Iron: 8% DV
Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice
Dietary Swaps: - Keto/Low-Carb: Skip the flour coating or use almond flour; substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream. - Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. - Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with rice flour or cornstarch.
Flavor Variations: Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms during Step 4 for extra vegetables. For a lemony twist, add 2 tablespoons lemon juice with the cream. Swap Italian seasoning for Cajun spice for a Southern kick.
Meal Prep: This dish works beautifully for meal prep. Cook a double batch and portion with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for grab-and-go lunches. The sauce thickens when cold but loosens when reheated with a splash of broth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Chicken: Dry chicken is the enemy of flavor. Use a meat thermometer and remove chicken at exactly 165°F—it will continue cooking slightly while resting.
Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter. Add it after reducing heat and watch it constantly, cooking only until fragrant.
Grainy Sauce: Add Parmesan off heat or on very low heat while whisking constantly. High heat causes cheese to clump and separate. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect texture—always grate fresh for smooth results.
Thin Sauce: If your sauce is too thin, simmer longer before adding cheese. Conversely, if it's too thick, whisk in chicken broth one tablespoon at a time.
Storage / Leftovers Tips
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken considerably when cold—this is normal. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium-low heat and add 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth or milk, stirring gently until warmed through (about 5-7 minutes). Avoid microwaving on high power, which can make the chicken rubbery; instead, use 50% power in 1-minute intervals.
For freezing, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Cream-based sauces may separate slightly after freezing—whisk vigorously while reheating to re-emulsify. This chicken recipe maintains its comforting qualities even as leftovers, making it ideal among easy chicken recipes for weeknight dinners that taste just as good the next day.
