Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet

Name: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Family Comfort Recipes

I love making this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet on busy weeknights when I crave something comforting yet quick. With juicy chicken seeping in a luscious garlic cream sauce, it’s a dish that brings together wholesome ingredients and delightful flavors in about 30 minutes! Pairing it with a side of steamed veggies or pasta makes it the perfect family-friendly meal that feels indulgent without the fuss.

Created by

Amelia Grant

Last updated on 2026-02-16T03:05:36.467Z

When I first stumbled upon this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet recipe, I was skeptical about cooking a creamy dish that wouldn't feel heavy. However, I decided to give it a try, and to my surprise, the resulting sauce was both rich and comforting without being overwhelming. The trick is balancing the garlic with the parmesan and cream, creating a depth of flavor that feels both sophisticated and homey.

Another discovery was that letting the chicken rest after cooking allows those juices to lock in, resulting in moist and flavorful pieces. I often add a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end for an added pop of flavor and color, and it just makes the dish look even more irresistible!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic and parmesan
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights
Versatile; great over rice, pasta, or veggies

Ingredient Insights

The star of this recipe is, without a doubt, the creamy garlic sauce. Heavy cream gives it that luscious, velvety texture that balances the sharpness of the grated parmesan. I recommend using freshly grated parmesan, as it melts more smoothly than pre-grated varieties, preventing any graininess in the sauce. If you’re looking to lighten the dish, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but be prepared for a slightly thinner sauce.

Garlic is another crucial player in this dish. When sautéed, it releases its essential oils, imparting a deep, rich flavor to the sauce. You can adjust the garlic quantity to your preference; experiment with using 5 or 6 cloves if you're a garlic lover. Just be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing, as it can turn bitter. Cooking it until fragrant and lightly golden is ideal.

Mastering the Cooking Technique

Cooking the chicken correctly is essential for this recipe. It’s best to use chicken that's uniform in thickness, which can be achieved by gently pounding the breasts to about ¾ inch thick. This ensures even cooking, preventing both undercooking and drying out. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The golden-brown crust adds great flavor and visual appeal to the final dish.

When preparing the garlic cream sauce, keep a watchful eye on the heat. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil to avoid curdling. Once you stir in the parmesan, lower the heat further to allow the cheese to melt without separating. A whisk can help achieve a smooth blend quickly, making sure the sauce is glossy and luscious, ready to envelop your chicken.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to whip up this amazing dish:

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Ensure everything is measured and ready to go for seamless cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet:

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and mix until melted and smooth.

Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it with the creamy garlic sauce. Allow it to simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serve warm and enjoy the creamy goodness!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, marinate the chicken in herbs or a splash of lemon juice before cooking. This will elevate the taste even more!

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the sauce creamy when reheating, do so on low heat and stir frequently. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help restore its original consistency as it reheats. Microwaving is possible, but be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the sauce to separate.

This dish also freezes well if you plan ahead. Portion any leftovers into freezer-safe containers, and they can last for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, following the same gentle methods to ensure the sauce stays creamy. It's a convenient way to enjoy a homemade meal without the cooking time!

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. I often serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce, but you could also use pasta for a heartier meal. Steamed or sautéed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, add a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the sauce.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider topping the finished dish with crispy bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can brighten the entire dish and cut through the creaminess, making every bite even more enjoyable. Don’t shy away from experimenting with different garnishes or sides to make it your own!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and remain juicy.

→ Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and flour, but the texture will be lighter.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, it freezes well! Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.