Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce – Easy & Comforting

Introduction

Hi, I’m Lina. As a busy mom, I love recipes that bring comfort to the table without needing hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a cozy skillet like Cheesy Kielbasa Potato Skillet or a warm classic like Beef and Noodles – A Comforting Classic, my goal is to make dinner both easy and satisfying.

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce is the kind of weeknight recipe everyone falls in love with. Tender chicken breasts are seared until golden, then simmered in a velvety garlic butter cream sauce with plenty of Parmesan. It’s rich, flavorful, and made in one pan, perfect for a quick family meal or casual entertaining.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy, garlicky, and full of flavor
  • Ready in under 30 minutes
  • Family-friendly and kid-approved
  • One-pan recipe for easy cleanup
  • Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or veggies
  • Simple ingredients you probably already have
Close-up of creamy Parmesan chicken showing sauce texture and golden edges.
Rich creamy garlic butter sauce coating tender chicken, melted Parmesan and golden crust visible.

Ingredient Breakdown

Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts sear beautifully in butter for a golden crust. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier version.

Parmesan Cheese

Adds a nutty, savory flavor and helps thicken the sauce naturally.

Heavy Cream

Creates a rich, velvety base. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.

Garlic

Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce its bold, aromatic flavor.

Butter

Combines with garlic and cream for a luscious sauce that coats every bite.

Chicken Broth

Balances the richness with a light savory note.

Olive Oil

Helps the chicken brown evenly and prevents sticking.

Italian Seasoning

Adds subtle herbs that complement the creamy Parmesan sauce.

Salt & Black Pepper

Simple seasoning to enhance all the flavors.


Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Chicken breasts searing in skillet with bubbling butter and golden crust forming.
Chicken breasts cooking in butter until golden and crisp before adding the creamy Parmesan sauce.

1. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same pan, melt another tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.

4. Add Cream and Parmesan

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.

5. Combine and Serve

Return the chicken to the pan, spoon the sauce over the top, and simmer for 2–3 minutes until everything is coated in the creamy garlic butter sauce. Serve warm with your favorite sides.


Tips, Variations & Add-Ons

  • Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
  • Add greens: Stir in baby spinach or kale during the last minute of cooking.
  • Extra flavor: A splash of white wine adds brightness to the sauce.
  • For spice lovers: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Meal prep tip: Store in airtight containers; reheat gently to preserve the sauce texture.
Creamy Parmesan chicken served with mashed potatoes and vegetables on a dinner plate.
Creamy Parmesan chicken plated with mashed potatoes and broccoli for a comforting family meal.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy chicken is versatile and pairs beautifully with other cozy favorites from SoolFood:


Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat; add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

Helpful FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs stay extra tender and work beautifully with this sauce.

Can I make this without cream?

Yes, try using a mix of milk and a bit more Parmesan for a lighter sauce.

Why did my sauce separate?

Too much heat can cause cream to curdle, keep the sauce on low once you add the dairy.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes blend wonderfully with this sauce.


Print
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Creamy Parmesan chicken in skillet topped with garlic butter sauce and parsley.

Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce – Easy & Comforting


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  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce is a comforting one-pan dinner featuring golden seared chicken simmered in a rich, velvety garlic butter cream sauce.


Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons butter (divided)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup chicken broth

3/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Optional: crushed red pepper flakes or baby spinach


Instructions

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons butter. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes.

5. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.

6. Return chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer 2–3 minutes until warmed through and coated.

7. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately with your favorite side.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding the cream.

Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.

Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for variety.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat gently to preserve the sauce texture.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-Seared
  • Cuisine: American

Conclusion

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce is the kind of dinner that never fails to impress. With tender, juicy chicken and a rich, buttery sauce that’s simple yet luxurious, it’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Serve it with your favorite pasta or vegetables, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

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