If you’re craving a dish that tastes like something from your favorite restaurant but comes together easily at home, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet is an absolute must-try. This mouthwatering meal features golden, seasoned chicken nestled in a silky, garlicky sauce loaded with Parmesan and kissed with herbs. It’s the kind of dinner that feels indulgent yet is made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight treat or to wow your friends over the weekend, the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet is guaranteed to impress with its combination of bold flavors and creamy comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this dish truly special is just how easily everyday ingredients transform into something so delicious. Each component has a key role—whether it’s helping to build the chicken’s savory crust or lending creaminess and depth to the sauce, every ingredient is essential for the perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet experience.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose 1½ lbs of boneless, skinless cuts for tender, juicy chicken that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons for searing the chicken to golden-brown perfection and infusing rich flavor.
- Salt: ¾ teaspoon to enhance all the savory notes.
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon rounds out the seasoning with a gentle kick.
- Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon for a subtle smokiness and gorgeous color on the chicken.
- Garlic cloves: 4 minced cloves infuse the sauce with aromatic punch, truly the heart of this recipe.
- Heavy cream: 1 cup for the irresistible creamy texture that brings it all together.
- Chicken broth: ½ cup to deglaze the skillet and add layered depth to the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: ½ cup gives the sauce its cheesy richness and nutty flavor.
- Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon for brightness and complexity in the sauce.
- Dried thyme or Italian seasoning: ½ teaspoon adds earthy herbal notes.
- Extra salt and black pepper: To taste—always adjust at the end for perfect seasoning.
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons bring silkiness to the sauce and help the garlic bloom.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of chopped parsley for color and fresh flavor to finish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts or thighs dry, ensuring they sear beautifully. Sprinkle them all over with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This simple trio works magic, locking in flavor and setting the stage for that irresistible golden crust in your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—cast iron is fantastic here, but any sturdy pan will do. Add your seasoned chicken pieces and let them sizzle without moving for 5–7 minutes per side. The goal is deep, bronzed color and cooked-through centers. Once done, remove them to a plate. Don’t wash the skillet—those browned bits are flavor gold!
Step 3: Start the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to those beautiful pan drippings. Toss in the minced garlic, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This moment is where the kitchen really starts to smell amazing, hinting at the creamy, garlicky goodness to come.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, using your spoon to scrape up every bit stuck to the bottom—it all goes into the flavor pool. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and dried herbs, whisking to combine. Let the sauce bubble gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens into a luxurious blanket.
Step 5: Return the Chicken & Finish
Nestle the chicken back into the skillet, along with any juices that collected on the plate. Spoon the sauce generously over the top. Simmer everything together for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the savory, cheesy sauce and finish warming through. Taste and adjust seasoning with a little more salt or pepper if needed, then get ready to serve your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet hot from the pan.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet
Garnishes
A shower of freshly chopped parsley is the classic finish—its color and light, herby lift are the perfect contrast to the dish’s richness. For extra flair, try a little cracked black pepper or even a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese right before serving.
Side Dishes
The luscious sauce of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet just begs for something to soak it up! Serve it over fluffy rice, tender pasta like fettuccine, or creamy mashed potatoes. Roasted or steamed vegetables—think broccoli, green beans, or asparagus—also make wonderful complements without overwhelming those bold, creamy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style approach, bring the skillet straight to the table and let everyone dig in. If you want to dress things up, plate each chicken breast atop a bed of risotto or polenta and spoon plenty of sauce over the top. For parties, cut the chicken into thick slices and arrange on a platter with decorative swirls of sauce and a scatter of microgreens.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet (lucky you!), transfer the cooled chicken and sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days—the sauce may thicken a bit, but it’s easily revived.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, keep in mind that creamy sauces sometimes separate after thawing. To freeze, let everything cool completely, then store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To gently reheat Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet, place it in a covered skillet or saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until warmed through—this keeps the cream sauce smooth and luscious, just like when first made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are wonderfully juicy and flavorful, making them a fantastic choice for this recipe. Just be sure to adjust cooking time if they’re especially thick—use a thermometer if you’re unsure.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk in a pinch, although the sauce will be a bit less rich and thick. For a dairy-free version, try unsweetened coconut cream, but the flavor will change slightly.
Is the sauce gluten-free?
Yes, as written, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet is gluten-free since there’s no flour or wheat-based thickener. Just double-check the labels on your chicken broth and Dijon mustard if you’re sensitive.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Definitely! Baby spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even asparagus pieces make delicious additions. Stir them into the sauce before adding the chicken back to the pan so they cook through.
How do I keep the chicken tender?
The key is not to overcook it—sear until just done, then let it finish gently in the sauce. Also, letting the chicken rest briefly before slicing keeps it juicy and tender every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making a dish like Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet—familiar enough for a cozy night in, yet elegant enough to serve to company. I hope you’ll give it a try and let this creamy, garlicky favorite become a staple at your table. Happy cooking!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet, a dish that is sure to impress with its rich sauce and tender chicken. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
For the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season chicken: Season chicken with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Stir continuously until sauce thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
- Combine and simmer: Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through and coat the chicken.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, optionally with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
