Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make meal that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is perfect for you. It’s packed with flavor from freshly minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of lemon. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special family meal, this dish will surely become a favorite. Read on to learn how to create this mouthwatering meal in your own kitchen!
Ingredients Overview
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe. These components work together to create a savory and creamy dish that’s sure to impress.
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups chicken broth – Adds depth and a savory base to the sauce.
- ¼ cup heavy cream – Creates a creamy, velvety texture.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the umami flavor of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder – Adds a hint of tanginess.
- 1 teaspoon honey – Balances the savory and tangy flavors.
- ½ chicken bouillon cube – Intensifies the chicken flavor.
- ½ teaspoon each: onion powder, oregano, basil, parsley – A mix of herbs and spices for depth.
Chicken and Other Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The main protein of the dish.
- Salt and pepper – For seasoning.
- 2 teaspoons parsley – Adds freshness and color.
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil – For searing the chicken.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – The star flavor ingredient.
- 3 tablespoons butter – Adds richness to the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons flour – Helps thicken the sauce.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Provides a salty, cheesy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – Brightens the sauce with acidity.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Silicone spatula
- Meat mallet
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Saran wrap
- Tongs
Preparing the Chicken
Start by prepping the chicken to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Slice the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 2-3 thinner slices. This ensures they cook evenly.
- Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken slices between two pieces of saran wrap and use the textured side of a meat mallet to pound them to about ½ inch thickness. This tenderizes the meat and helps it cook quickly.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and parsley. This simple seasoning adds flavor without overpowering the sauce.
Making the Sauce
The sauce is the star of this dish, combining savory, creamy, and slightly tangy notes.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a large measuring cup, mix together the chicken broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, honey, chicken bouillon, onion powder, oregano, basil, and parsley. Set aside.
- Cook the Garlic and Deglaze the Pan: After searing the chicken, turn off the heat and add the Apple cider vinegar to the skillet. Set the heat to medium, and use a spatula to scrape the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan. These bits add tremendous flavor to the sauce. Cook the Apple cider vinegar until it reduces by half, then add the minced garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Cooking the Chicken
Getting the perfect sear on the chicken is crucial for texture and flavor.
- Heat the Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the Chicken: Sear the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which ensures a golden crust. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Combining Chicken and Sauce
- Add Butter and Flour: After cooking the garlic, add the butter and flour to the skillet. Stir continuously and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, which helps thicken the sauce.
- Add Sauce Mixture: Slowly add the sauce mixture to the skillet, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Allow it to reduce for about 8 minutes.
- Incorporate the Cheese and Lemon Juice: Gradually add the Parmesan cheese while stirring to ensure it melts evenly into the sauce. Stir in the fresh lemon juice for a hint of brightness.
Bringing It All Together
- Return the Chicken: Add the seared chicken back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the top and let it simmer for another 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional parsley for a pop of color and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce goes perfectly with fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted asparagus, broccoli, or carrots for a complete and nutritious meal.
- Pasta or Rice: The sauce is so good you’ll want something to soak it all up.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the chicken.
Recipe Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: Overcooking can make the chicken tough. Sear it just until golden and then let it finish cooking in the sauce.
- Use Fresh Parmesan Cheese: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly and can alter the texture of the sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste the sauce before adding extra salt since the Parmesan and chicken bouillon are already salty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and will add extra juiciness.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a little bit of melted butter, but the sauce may be slightly less rich.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stove before adding the chicken.
conclusion
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Discover how to make this creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken! A perfect weeknight dinner packed with flavor. Ready in 40 mins.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe. These components work together to create a savory and creamy dish that’s sure to impress.
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups chicken broth – Adds depth and a savory base to the sauce.
- ¼ cup heavy cream – Creates a creamy, velvety texture.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the umami flavor of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder – Adds a hint of tanginess.
- 1 teaspoon honey – Balances the savory and tangy flavors.
- ½ chicken bouillon cube – Intensifies the chicken flavor.
- ½ teaspoon each: onion powder, oregano, basil, parsley – A mix of herbs and spices for depth.
Chicken and Other Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The main protein of the dish.
- Salt and pepper – For seasoning.
- 2 teaspoons parsley – Adds freshness and color.
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil – For searing the chicken.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – The star flavor ingredient.
- 3 tablespoons butter – Adds richness to the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons flour – Helps thicken the sauce.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Provides a salty, cheesy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – Brightens the sauce with acidity.
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
Start by prepping the chicken to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Slice the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 2-3 thinner slices. This ensures they cook evenly.
- Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken slices between two pieces of saran wrap and use the textured side of a meat mallet to pound them to about ½ inch thickness. This tenderizes the meat and helps it cook quickly.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and parsley. This simple seasoning adds flavor without overpowering the sauce.
Making the Sauce
The sauce is the star of this dish, combining savory, creamy, and slightly tangy notes.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a large measuring cup, mix together the chicken broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, honey, chicken bouillon, onion powder, oregano, basil, and parsley. Set aside.
- Cook the Garlic and Deglaze the Pan: After searing the chicken, turn off the heat and add the Apple cider vinegar to the skillet. Set the heat to medium, and use a spatula to scrape the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan. These bits add tremendous flavor to the sauce. Cook the Apple cider vinegar until it reduces by half, then add the minced garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Cooking the Chicken
Getting the perfect sear on the chicken is crucial for texture and flavor.
- Heat the Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the Chicken: Sear the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which ensures a golden crust. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Combining Chicken and Sauce
- Add Butter and Flour: After cooking the garlic, add the butter and flour to the skillet. Stir continuously and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, which helps thicken the sauce.
- Add Sauce Mixture: Slowly add the sauce mixture to the skillet, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Allow it to reduce for about 8 minutes.
- Incorporate the Cheese and Lemon Juice: Gradually add the Parmesan cheese while stirring to ensure it melts evenly into the sauce. Stir in the fresh lemon juice for a hint of brightness.
Bringing It All Together
- Return the Chicken: Add the seared chicken back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the top and let it simmer for another 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional parsley for a pop of color and serve immediately.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner