If you are searching for a dinner that will impress everyone around the table while feeling like a warm hug on a plate, the Garlic Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender, golden-crusted chicken breasts with a luscious, garlicky, parmesan-infused creamy sauce that coats every bite in savory goodness. It’s a perfect balance of comfort and elegance, making it a go-to meal whether it’s a weeknight treat or a special occasion. The way the garlic and parmesan come together in the sauce creates a flavor explosion that will have you going back for seconds — and the best part, it’s surprisingly simple to make!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating this unforgettable dinner. Each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture, depth of flavor, and beautiful presentation for the Garlic Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Sauce Recipe.
- Chicken breasts (1¼ pounds): The star of the dish, ideally boneless and skinless for even cooking and easy preparation.
- Salt (1 teaspoon, divided): Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and the sauce.
- Ground black pepper (½ teaspoon, divided): Adds a mild heat and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Flour (¾ cup, divided): For creating the crispy crust on the chicken and thickening the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Grated parmesan cheese (1 cup, divided): Delivers a nutty, salty richness both in the coating and the sauce.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): Provides a golden sear on the chicken and a luscious base for the sauce.
- Garlic cloves (12): Infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor that is nothing short of addictive.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Adds a savory depth and moisture to the cream sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the sauce irresistibly smooth and indulgent.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Introduces a subtle tang that balances the richness beautifully.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of vibrant color and a fresh herbal note when garnished.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken
Begin by dusting the chicken breasts with half of your salt and pepper. This simple seasoning step ensures your chicken is flavorful throughout. Next, create a fragrant coating by mixing half of the flour and parmesan cheese. Press each chicken piece firmly into this mixture, making sure every side is well covered. This coating will become your golden, crispy crust — trust me, it’s a game-changer for texture.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat along with the whole garlic cloves. As the butter melts and the kitchen fills with garlic aroma, add the chicken. Sear each side for 5 to 6 minutes until a gorgeous golden crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This step locks in juices while preparing the chicken for its creamy sauce bath.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
With the chicken resting, add the remaining flour to the skillet, followed by chicken broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until smooth and velvety. Then, stir in the rest of the parmesan cheese along with the remaining salt and pepper for that final punch of flavor. Watch as the sauce thickens into a creamy, garlicky masterpiece.
Step 4: Simmer Chicken in the Sauce
Gently nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet with the sauce. Let the whole dish simmer gently for 10 minutes to marry the flavors and keep the chicken perfectly moist. This step is where the magic happens—every bite will be soaked in that rich, creamy parmesan-garlic goodness.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
For a touch of freshness and visual appeal, sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving. Not only does it brighten the dish with a vibrant green hue, but it also adds a subtle herbal brightness that complements the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with classic mashed potatoes that soak up every drop of the creamy sauce. For a balance of texture and color, serve alongside crisp-tender green beans, adding a fresh bite to the plate. Together, these sides make the perfect comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate the presentation, try serving the chicken sliced and fanned out atop a bed of lightly buttered pasta or creamy polenta. Drizzle extra sauce over the slices and garnish with a sprinkle of parmesan and parsley. It turns a simple dish into a restaurant-worthy plate that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining its rich flavor and creamy texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it out and freeze in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the chicken tender and the sauce smooth.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat the chicken and sauce over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. This keeps the sauce from separating and prevents the chicken from drying out. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring between each until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Bone-in or boneless thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil, use a dairy-free cream alternative, and try a vegan parmesan substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce longer to reduce or add a small slurry of flour mixed with cold water while whisking until it reaches your desired thickness.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and combine them just before serving. This works great for dinner parties or busy nights.
What type of garlic works best?
Fresh garlic cloves are ideal for that bright, pungent flavor, which develops beautifully in the butter as the chicken sears, infusing the sauce thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Garlic Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Sauce Recipe enough for anyone craving a dish that’s both comforting and classy but still easy to whip up. With its rich, garlicky flavor and luscious sauce, this recipe is guaranteed to become one of your favorites. Don’t hesitate — give it a try tonight and watch it quickly become a dinner-time staple in your home!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Sauce Recipe
This Garlic Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts coated in a savory parmesan and flour crust, pan-seared to golden perfection, and simmered in a rich garlic cream sauce. Perfectly paired with classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans, this dish delivers a comforting and flavorful meal ideal for any night of the week.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1¼ pounds chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
- ¾ cup flour, divided
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
Sauce and Cooking
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 12 cloves garlic
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Garnish and Sides (optional)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Mashed potatoes (for serving)
- Green beans (for serving)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Dust the chicken breasts evenly with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper on both sides to enhance flavor before coating.
- Coat the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine ½ cup of flour with ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese. Press each chicken breast into this mixture until it is fully coated on all sides.
- Cook the Chicken: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat along with the 12 cloves of garlic. Once hot, add the coated chicken breasts and sear them for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Prepare the Sauce: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Into the same skillet, whisk in the remaining ¼ cup flour, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Stir in the remaining ½ cup parmesan cheese and the additional ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Simmer: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Simmer gently for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to fully cook through.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve alongside mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete, comforting meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safe consumption.
- You can adjust the amount of garlic cloves to suit your personal preference for garlic intensity.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Remove garlic cloves before serving if you prefer a milder garlic flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
