Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe

If you’re anything like me, finding a chicken recipe that’s both super satisfying and easy to pull off during a busy weeknight is a total game-changer. That’s why I’m excited to share this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe with you—it’s rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor, yet surprisingly simple. Once you try it, you’ll probably want to make it again and again, just like I do!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk about the ingredients before jumping in — each one plays a crucial role in making this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe shine. The secret is in balancing richness and brightness, so don’t skip the Dijon mustard or Parmesan cheese!

• Chicken breasts: I find boneless, skinless breasts easier to work with here; cutting them in half makes sure they cook evenly without drying out.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and the sauce.
• All-purpose flour: Used for dredging the chicken to get a nice crust and thickening the sauce later—don’t toss the leftover flour too soon!
• Olive oil & butter: The combo helps sear the chicken perfectly and adds depth to the sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly chopped garlic infuses the sauce with that irresistible aroma and flavor.
• Dry sherry (optional): Adds subtle complexity—but if you skip alcohol, chicken broth alone works just fine.
• Chicken broth: Provides a light base for the creamy sauce.
• Heavy cream: The heart of the sauce—it brings richness and smoothness without overpowering garlic and Parmesan.
• Dijon mustard: A small amount adds brightness and a mild tang, enhancing all the flavors.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh for best results; it melts into the sauce creating that signature cheesy punch.
• Fresh parsley & extra Parmesan for garnish: They add freshness and a pretty finishing touch.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe is. I often tweak it depending on what I have on hand or how much time I have. Trust me, you’ll find some delicious ways to make it your own!

• Go spicy: I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick—it pairs surprisingly well with the creamy sauce and keeps things exciting.
• Swap the sherry: If you don’t have dry sherry, white wine or a splash of apple cider vinegar works too for that bit of acidity.
• Use thighs instead of breasts: Juicier and more forgiving if you tend to overcook chicken; just cook a bit longer until tender.
• Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to cut down calories but keep it creamy enough.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Butterfly Your Chicken

Start by laying each chicken breast flat on your cutting board. I find patting them dry first helps prevent slipping—and it encourages better browning. Then, using a sharp, large knife, slice the breasts in half horizontally, keeping your knife parallel to the board. This “butterflying” technique creates two even fillets that cook faster and more evenly. If one side is thicker, gently pound it with a meat mallet or heavy pan so both pieces have a similar thickness—this little trick has saved me from uneven cooking more times than I can count!

Step 2: Season and Flour for a Golden Crust

Season both sides of the chicken fillets with kosher salt and black pepper. Then lightly dredge them in all-purpose flour. Don’t toss the leftover flour just yet—we’ll use some in the sauce. Coating the chicken helps create that irresistible golden crust when cooking and also thickens the sauce later, which is a handy two-for-one.

Step 3: Sear Your Chicken to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add butter, then place your chicken fillets in the pan. Cook them around 3-4 minutes per side until they’re golden brown—resist the urge to move them around too much, or you won’t get that nice crust. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm. This step locks in flavor and juices, making all the difference when it comes to texture.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Without cleaning the pan (trust me on this), reduce the heat to low and add butter. Toss in finely chopped garlic and gently cook for about 2 minutes until it smells incredible but hasn’t browned—burnt garlic tastes bitter! Next, stir in two tablespoons of the leftover dredging flour to coat the garlic. This step thickens the sauce beautifully. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and dry sherry if using, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Then add heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and thickened just right.

Step 5: Bring It All Together and Finish Cooking

Return the chicken breasts and any juices collected back to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Let everything simmer lightly for 2-3 minutes so the chicken finishes cooking through and the sauce coats each piece perfectly. Give it a taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh parsley. It adds a bright pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note that balances the richness of the sauce. Plus, it just looks so inviting! If I’m feeling fancy, a tiny drizzle of good-quality olive oil helps make it shine even more.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a creamy mashed potato or buttery garlic green beans. Sometimes, I keep it light with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted asparagus. For a cozy meal, try it over buttered egg noodles or steamed rice—the sauce soaks into those like a dream.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to plate the chicken over a bed of herb-infused risotto with the sauce draped over everything and a few microgreens or edible flowers to impress guests. Alternatively, serve it family-style in the skillet right at the table—it feels cozy and inviting, perfect for sharing stories over dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens in the fridge, which means when I reheat it, I add a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to silky perfection.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. After cooling completely, I freeze it in portions. When it’s time to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain that creamy texture without breaking the sauce.

Reheating

I find reheating on low heat in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth helps loosen the sauce and warms the chicken evenly. Microwaving works in a pinch, but low and slow gets you closer to fresh taste and texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breasts Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight dinner repertoire because it’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent but is approachable for home cooks. I love sharing it with friends who expect something tasty yet simple—plus, leftovers taste just as great! Give it a try, customize it your way, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorites, too.

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