Joyful Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Weeknights can be such a scramble, right? It feels like just yesterday I was stuck in that corporate burnout phase, where cooking felt like *another* task on my endless to-do list. But then, I discovered the pure joy of creating something delicious with my own two hands, like this absolutely divine creamy garlic parmesan chicken. It all started with a simple goal to bake bread, and it blossomed into a passion for sharing easy, soul-satisfying food that *everyone* loves. This recipe is pure comfort in a bowl, a dish that’s so incredibly flavorful, even the pickiest eaters ask for seconds. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it genuinely brings happiness to my kitchen, just like I talk about in my story. Trust me, this is the kind of meal that makes busy nights feel special.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Honestly, why wouldn’t you love this dish? It’s a total lifesaver on a busy night. Seriously, it’s:

• Super Speedy: Ready in about 30 minutes, start to finish!
• Crazy Easy: Minimal fuss, maximum flavor – perfect for any skill level.
• Incredibly Flavorful: That creamy garlic parmesan sauce? Pure magic!
• Picky Eater Approved: It’s so mild and comforting; even the little ones devour it.

It’s the ultimate easy chicken dinner and truly a standout weeknight chicken recipe.

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Gather Your Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Okay, for this amazing creamy garlic parmesan chicken, you’re gonna want to grab a few simple things from your pantry and fridge. It’s all about keeping it easy, remember? Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into nice 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, all minced up nice and fine
• 1.5 cups heavy cream – the good stuff!
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese – use the real Parmigiano Reggiano if you can!
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• And for a little something extra, you can totally add 1 cup of fresh spinach or about 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms if you have them lying around. Trust me, they’re great additions!

Effortless Steps to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Alright, let’s get this amazing creamy garlic parmesan chicken on the table without any fuss! It’s really as simple as following a few easy steps, and you’ll have a fantastic meal that proves you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something truly delicious. We’re basically creating a dreamy weeknight dinner that feels like pure luxury.

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Searing the Chicken

First things first, let’s get that chicken looking lovely. Heat up your largest skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, carefully add your cut-up chicken pieces in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan – give them some space! We want them to get nicely browned on all sides, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is super important for flavor, so don’t skip it!

Building the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Now for the magic! Toss those minced garlic cloves into the skillet with the chicken and let them get fragrant for just about 60 seconds. Be careful not to burn them! Then, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Give it a stir and let it come up to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling a bit, turn the heat down to low. That’s crucial! Slowly stir in your grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring gently until it’s all melted and the sauce is wonderfully smooth and creamy. If your cheese looks a little clumpy, just keep whisking gently over low heat; it’ll smooth out!

Adding Optional Ingredients and Finishing Touches

If you’re feeling fancy, now’s the time to add those optional goodies. Stir in your fresh spinach and let it wilt down into the sauce, or add sliced mushrooms and let them cook until they’re nice and tender. Finally, season everything with that salt and pepper. Give it a taste and adjust if needed. That’s it! You’ve basically made a dreamy comfort food chicken dish!

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Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

You know, making this creamy garlic parmesan chicken is already pretty darn easy, but I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that really make it sing. First off, using good quality Parmesan cheese makes a HUGE difference; the better the cheese, the smoother and richer your sauce will be. My personal secret for that super smooth sauce? Make sure the heat is truly on low when you add the cheese, and whisk it in gently. Don’t rush it! For picky eaters, I always make sure the chicken pieces are bite-sized and the sauce isn’t too heavy, so it’s just perfectly balanced. If you want to jazz it up, a little pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice warmth without being too spicy! You might also find inspiration for other creamy sauces in my easy Alfredo sauce, or browse other great flavor ideas on my DIY sauce page!

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken is so versatile! It’s a dream served right over a big pile of pasta, like spaghetti or fettuccine. If you’re not feeling pasta, it’s also amazing over fluffy rice – try my recipe for cilantro lime rice for a little zing! For something lighter, a simple side salad with a vinaigrette is always a winner. And if you’re feeling really ambitious, you could even pair it with a creamy garlic parmesan risotto. It just makes the whole meal feel so cozy and complete!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers of this amazing creamy garlic parmesan chicken? Lucky you! Just pop it into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep nicely for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the stovetop is your best friend here. Gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, maybe adding a tiny splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen up that dreamy sauce. Microwaving works too, just give it a good stir halfway through so it heats evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Got questions about this delicious creamy garlic parmesan chicken? I totally get it! It’s one of my go-to recipes, and I want to make sure you have all the info you need.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually super forgiving and can make the dish even more tender. Just trim any excess fat and cook them until they’re nicely browned. They might take a minute or two longer, but they’ll be delicious!

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner? If your sauce is too thin, just let it simmer gently for a bit longer over low heat. You can also whisk in a little more Parmesan cheese, or even mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry and stir that in (let it bubble for a minute to thicken). If it’s too thick, a splash more chicken broth or a little splash of milk usually does the trick!

Can I make this dairy-free or low-carb friendly? For dairy-free, you could try a good quality dairy-free cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, though the flavor might change a bit. For lower carb, skip the pasta or rice and just enjoy the chicken with some sautéed veggies – it’s still incredibly satisfying!

Is this chicken recipe good for meal planning? Yes, definitely! This skillet chicken in cream sauce holds up well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal planning lunches or dinners during the week. Just reheat gently as I mentioned before!

Nutritional Information

Okay, so when it comes to the nitty-gritty of nutrition for this yummy creamy garlic parmesan chicken, remember that these numbers are estimates, like a friendly ballpark figure. Things can really change depending on the exact brands you use and, of course, how much of that amazing sauce you ladle onto your plate! You can find more detailed info on how we figure this out over on our disclaimer page, but generally, a serving will give you around 550 calories, 35g of fat (that’s where the cream and cheese come in!), about 45g of protein from the chicken, and 10g of carbs. It’s that delicious homemade goodness!

Share Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Creations!

I absolutely LOVE seeing your creations! If you whip up this creamy garlic parmesan chicken, please share your photos or tell me how it turned out in the comments below, or even tag me on Facebook and check out more recipes on my blog! Happy cooking!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

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A quick and comforting chicken dinner with a rich white sauce, perfect for picky eaters. Serve it over pasta or rice for a complete meal.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 20 min
• Total Time: 30 min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach, 8 oz mushrooms, sliced

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce heat to low and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper. If using, stir in spinach and mushrooms and cook until spinach wilts and mushrooms are tender.
6. Serve immediately over your favorite pasta or rice.

Notes

• For extra creamy sauce, ensure your Parmesan cheese melts completely before serving.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• This dish pairs well with a simple side salad.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 150mg