Creamy Parmesan Chicken

This Creamy Parmesan Chicken is an easy one-pan dinner with juicy chicken breasts and a rich, velvety garlic parmesan cream sauce. It’s cozy, flavorful, and ready in about 30 minutes.

It’s the kind of garlic parmesan chicken you can make on a busy night, yet it tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant. It’s surprisingly simple to make at home, and everything cooks in one pan, with a creamy parmesan sauce perfect for spooning over rice or mashed potatoes.

If you enjoy creamy skillet chicken like this, you may also love my Creamy Garlic Chicken or these Creamy Chicken Thighs with Bacon. Both are rich, cozy, and perfect for easy weeknight dinners.

The chicken is pan-seared until golden, then finished in a smooth parmesan cream sauce made with garlic, herbs, and cream. The sauce becomes rich and silky, coating every bite with deep savory flavor. It’s one of those skillet chicken dinners that’s fast, cozy, and perfect for weeknights.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights but feels special enough for weekends. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up every bit of the creamy parmesan sauce.

If you enjoy cozy skillet dinners like this, explore my creamy chicken recipes or browse all my chicken recipes for more rich, comforting, and easy one-pan meals.

Why This Recipe Works

This creamy parmesan chicken is the kind of dinner that feels both comforting and effortless. The chicken is pan-seared until golden, which locks in the juices and creates a rich base of flavor right in the skillet. As the garlic cooks and the cream simmers, the sauce becomes smooth and velvety, with freshly grated parmesan adding depth and a perfectly savory finish.

Everything comes together in one pan in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings when you still want something warm and satisfying. The sauce clings beautifully to the chicken and is especially delicious served over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta, where every spoonful is full of creamy, cozy flavor.

Quick Look at the Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a rich and flavorful creamy parmesan sauce. Here’s what makes this dish work so well:

• Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and stay tender and juicy when pan-seared. You can slice large ones in half horizontally for even cooking.
• Garlic, salt, pepper, and seasonings – These build the base flavor and give the chicken and sauce a warm, savory depth.
• Olive oil and butter – This combo gives the chicken that gorgeous golden sear and leaves the skillet packed with flavor for the sauce.
• Flour – A small amount helps thicken the sauce so it becomes smooth, creamy, and perfectly coats the chicken.
• Chicken broth – Adds deeper flavor and balances the richness of the cream.
• Heavy cream – This is what gives the sauce its creamy, velvety texture.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce and creates the signature rich parmesan flavor. Fresh parmesan works best for a smooth result.
• Thyme and basil – A small pinch of each makes the sauce taste cozy and restaurant-level.
• Fresh parsley – For a fresh finish and that pretty pop of color.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken

This is one of those recipes that feels easy from start to finish. Everything cooks in one skillet, and the sauce comes together in the same pan, which gives it so much more flavor.

If the chicken breasts are large, slice them in half horizontally. This helps them cook faster and more evenly, and it also keeps the chicken more tender and juicy.

Start by seasoning the chicken. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder over both sides of the chicken breasts. I like to gently rub the seasoning in so it really sticks. It’s a simple step, but it makes the chicken much more flavorful.

Cook the chicken until golden. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken and let it cook without moving it too much. After about 5 to 6 minutes per side, it should develop a beautiful golden color. Transfer it to a plate and set aside.

Make the creamy parmesan sauce. In the same skillet, lower the heat and sprinkle in the flour, stirring it into the pan drippings. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring, then add the cream. As it warms, the sauce will come together and turn smooth and creamy.

Add the herbs and parmesan. Stir in the thyme and basil and let the sauce simmer briefly. Add the parmesan cheese and stir until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the top and let everything warm through for a few minutes. Finish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan if you like.

Pro Tips

• Slice large chicken breasts in half. This helps them cook more evenly and keeps the chicken tender instead of drying out.
• Let the chicken develop a golden crust. Try not to move it too much while it cooks. That golden color adds a lot of flavor to the final dish.
• Use freshly grated parmesan if possible. It melts more smoothly into the sauce and gives the best creamy texture.
• Keep the heat gentle when making the sauce. A slow simmer helps the sauce stay smooth and prevents it from becoming too thick.
• If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or water. It will loosen up and become perfectly creamy again.
• This sauce is perfect for serving over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. It soaks in and makes the whole dish even more satisfying.
• If you want to spice it up a bit, you can add a teaspoon of dried chilli flakes (red pepper flakes) in at the same time as the minced garlic.

What to Serve With Creamy Parmesan Chicken

This creamy parmesan chicken goes well with simple sides that can soak up the rich, flavorful sauce. Here are some of my favorite options:

• Rice – One of the best choices, since it absorbs the sauce beautifully. Try it with my oven baked rice or stovetop rice.
• Mashed potatoes – Soft and creamy potatoes pair perfectly with the parmesan sauce. My mashed potatoes recipe is especially good with this dish.
• Pasta – Serve the chicken over spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta you like.
• Roasted vegetables – Broccoli, green beans, or carrots add freshness and balance the richness of the sauce.
• Crusty bread – Perfect for soaking up every last bit of the creamy sauce.

Variations

This creamy parmesan chicken is easy to adjust depending on what you have or what you’re in the mood for. Here are a few simple ideas:

• Use chicken thighs instead. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well and stay extra juicy.
• Add mushrooms. Cook sliced mushrooms in the skillet before adding the flour. They pair beautifully with the creamy parmesan sauce.
• Add spinach. Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end and let it wilt into the sauce.
• Make it extra garlicky. Add an extra clove or two of garlic if you love a stronger garlic flavor.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes. These add a slightly sweet, deeper flavor and make the dish feel a little more special.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. The sauce will be slightly lighter but still creamy and delicious.

How to Keep the Parmesan Sauce Smooth

• Use freshly grated parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy.
• Keep the heat low. A gentle simmer keeps the cream sauce silky.
• Add parmesan off the heat if needed. If your skillet runs hot, remove it from the burner, then stir in the cheese.
• Thin it out the right way. A splash of warm broth or cream brings it back to “spoonable.”

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken slightly as it sits, which is completely normal.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. If the sauce is too thick, add a small splash of water, cream, or chicken broth to loosen it. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work very well and stay extra juicy. Just cook them the same way until fully done.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can make it a few hours ahead and gently reheat it before serving. The sauce may thicken, so just add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.

Can I use pre-grated parmesan?
Freshly grated parmesan melts more smoothly and gives the best flavor, but pre-grated will still work if that’s what you have.

Why is my sauce too thick?
This can happen if it simmers too long. Just add a little broth, cream, or water and stir until it reaches the consistency you like.