Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups chicken broth; ¼ cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon mustard powder; 1 teaspoon honey; ½ chicken bouillon cube; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon oregano; ½ teaspoon basil; ½ teaspoon parsley; 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts; Salt/Pepper; 2 teaspoons parsley; 1-2 tablespoons olive oil; ¾ cup dry white wine; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons flour; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 13 reviews

Say hello to your new weeknight obsession: Garlic Parmesan Chicken. This irresistible dish boasts juicy chicken breasts enveloped in an ultra-creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce, all brightened by a splash of white wine and lemon. Whether you crave impressive comfort for guests or a no-fuss family dinner, Garlic Parmesan Chicken delivers bold flavors with an elegant touch. Each bite feels like the culinary equivalent of a warm, happy hug—and trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the beauty of Garlic Parmesan Chicken is how smartly it combines everyday staples into something unforgettable. Don’t be fooled by the short list! Each ingredient plays a special role in developing the rich flavors and velvety texture that make this dish pop.

Chicken breasts: Slicing them thinner and pounding helps them cook evenly and absorb all that gorgeous sauce.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and layering in flavor from the very first step.
Parsley (fresh or dried): Brings a fresh, herbal sparkle and pretty green color, both on the chicken and as garnish.
Olive oil: Gives the chicken a beautiful golden sear while keeping things heart-healthy.
Dry white wine: Adds a subtle fruity tang and depth—Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc work well, or just use extra broth if you prefer.
Garlic: The absolute star—in this recipe, fresh minced garlic delivers maximum flavor.
Butter: Alongside olive oil, it adds luxurious richness to the sauce and melds the flavors together.
Flour: Thickens the sauce just enough so it clings to every piece of chicken without feeling heavy.
Chicken broth: Aid the sauce’s body and infuses it with savory depth.
Heavy cream: Introduces the creamy, dreamy texture that sets this sauce apart.
Worcestershire sauce: Brings a subtle umami background note that makes the sauce sing.
Mustard powder: Pops the other seasonings and adds a gentle warmth—don’t skip it!
Honey: Balances the sauce with a whisper of sweetness, making everything taste round and rich.
Chicken bouillon cube: Crumbled for a little extra oomph in flavor.
Onion powder, oregano, basil, dried parsley: Classic seasonings that give the sauce complexity and Italian-inspired flair.
Parmesan cheese: The real magic! Use freshly grated Parmesan, not pre-shredded, for meltability and pure cheesy goodness.
Lemon juice: A final pop of brightness that balances the richness right at the end.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, measure out all your ingredients and combine the sauce components (chicken broth, cream, Worcestershire, mustard powder, honey, bouillon, and dried herbs) in a big measuring cup. This makes everything smooth and stress-free when it’s showtime. Trust me: a little prep work now pays off in pure kitchen confidence.

Step 2: Slice and Pound the Chicken

Take your chicken breasts and slice them in half lengthwise, creating 2-3 thinner cutlets per breast. Cover them with plastic wrap and gently pound with the textured side of a meat mallet until they’re about half an inch thick. Thinner chicken not only cooks faster but also soaks up the sauce beautifully.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Season both sides of each chicken piece generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of parsley. This little step ensures that every bite of Garlic Parmesan Chicken is packed with flavor, right down to the last morsel.

Step 4: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a wide skillet (12-inch is perfect) over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces in batches so you don’t crowd the pan—about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’re looking for a lovely golden crust. Set the chicken aside on a plate while you make the sauce.

Step 5: Deglaze with Wine and Bloom the Garlic

Turn off the heat, pour in the wine, and then return the skillet to medium. Scrape up all those tasty browned bits (fond) from the bottom—they’re pure flavor gold! Bring it to a gentle bubble, reducing by half (about 2 minutes). Add the fresh minced garlic and cook for 2–3 more minutes until the kitchen smells amazing.

Step 6: Build the Sauce

Add the butter, then whisk in the flour until smooth. Cook this for 1–2 minutes to get rid of any raw flour taste. Now, slowly pour in your premixed sauce ingredients, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for 8 minutes—the sauce should thicken and reduce to a glossy perfection.

Step 7: Finish with Parmesan and Lemon

With the heat on low, gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and stir again. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This creamy, savory sauce is about to make the chicken sing!

Step 8: Marry Chicken and Sauce

Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning sauce generously over each piece. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is luscious and thick. Garnish your Garlic Parmesan Chicken with extra parsley and serve immediately for peak deliciousness.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Garnishes

Go big on fresh parsley for color, or add a light shower of extra Parmesan for flair. If you like a little zing, a sprinkle of lemon zest works wonderfully too. These garnishes don’t just look gorgeous—they brighten all those savory flavors.

Side Dishes

Garlic Parmesan Chicken shines alongside mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or a pile of buttered noodles. For veggies, roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a medley of colorful roasted carrots are perfect partners, soaking up every bit of extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and fanning it over buttered noodles for a restaurant-worthy plate, or tuck it into a toasty ciabatta roll with arugula and extra sauce for a decadent sandwich. Garlic Parmesan Chicken is also lovely served family-style right from the skillet for easy, cozy entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The creamy sauce stays luscious and the chicken remains tender, making for a yummy future meal.

Freezing

This dish actually freezes beautifully! Portion cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for another round of homemade comfort.

Reheating

Reheat Garlic Parmesan Chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring often so the sauce stays velvety. If it gets too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up just right.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay wonderfully juicy. Just adjust the cook time—thighs may need a minute or two longer per side to cook through.

Is there a substitute for the white wine?

If you don’t want to use wine, simply replace it with more chicken broth. The dish will still be delicious and plenty flavorful!

Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken dairy free?

You can certainly try! Swap the heavy cream and butter for plant-based substitutes, and use a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese. The sauce may have a slightly different character, but the garlicky flavor will still shine.

What’s the best way to grate Parmesan cheese?

For the silkiest sauce and boldest flavor, grate it yourself from a block of real Parmesan. Avoid the pre-shredded kind, which can be dry and less melty. A microplane or fine grater does the trick beautifully.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes, Garlic Parmesan Chicken is perfect for feeding a group! Just use a big enough skillet, or sear the chicken in batches, then simmer everything in a large Dutch oven or deep pan. Keep an eye on the sauce so it reduces evenly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that effortlessly impresses yet always comforts, Garlic Parmesan Chicken is it. Once you try it, I promise it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation. Pour yourself a glass of wine, gather your favorite people, and get ready for rave reviews!