If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dinner that feels special yet is so easy to whip up, you’re in the right place! This Garlic Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes I love having in my weeknight rotation because it delivers big taste with minimal fuss. Tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy seasoning, simmered in a rich, garlicky, cheesy cream sauce — it’s comfort food done right. Keep reading, and I’ll share my favorite tips for making this dish a guaranteed family favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Amazing Flavor Combination: The mix of garlic, parmesan, and creamy sauce creates a rich, savory profile that’s simply irresistible.
Quick and Easy to Make: You can have this on the table in about 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile Serving Options: It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or even steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
Family Approved: I discovered that even the pickiest eaters go crazy for this creamy, cheesy chicken.

A white plate holds a meal with three main parts: mashed potatoes on the right topped with a square of butter and sprinkled with green herbs, bright green beans in the upper middle sprinkled with coarse salt, and a golden-brown piece of meat covered with creamy white sauce that has small green herb pieces, placed on the left. Two lemon wedges rest behind the green beans, adding bright yellow color. The plate sits on a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Sauce, garlic parmesan chicken, creamy chicken dinner, easy chicken recipes, flavorful chicken recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Sauce Recipe come together to create that perfect balance: crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drenched in a silky sauce. I always recommend picking good-quality chicken breasts and fresh parmesan if you can – it really makes a difference!

Flat lay of two large raw chicken breasts with smooth pale pink skin, a small mound of fine white cornflour powder, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden oil, a peeled small white onion whole, three large peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl of grated pale yellow parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of fresh bright green chopped parsley, a small white bowl of cream with a smooth surface, a small white bowl with light yellow lemon juice, a small white bowl with pale beige chicken stock, a scattering of whole black peppercorns, and a small pinch of coarse salt crystals all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Garlic Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Sauce, garlic parmesan chicken, creamy chicken dinner, easy chicken recipes, flavorful chicken recipes

Chicken breasts: I prefer large, even-sized breasts to slice and cook uniformly.
Cornflour (cornstarch): This gives the chicken a light, crispy coating without being heavy.
Salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance flavor, but the garlic powder and paprika add extra punch.
Garlic powder: A subtle garlic boost that works with the fresh garlic in the sauce.
Paprika: Adds a mild smoky depth and beautiful golden color.
Oil: For frying; I usually use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola, but olive oil works too.
Onion: Finely chopped for that sweet-savory base in the sauce.
Fresh garlic: Minced, because nothing beats the aroma of fresh garlic sizzling in the pan.
Chicken stock: Use a strong, flavorful stock for a rich sauce. I sometimes use homemade or quality store-bought.
Double (heavy) cream: This makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and silky.
Lemon juice: Adds a bright, tangy note that balances the richness.
Parmesan cheese: Finely grated for melting smoothly into the sauce.
Fresh parsley: For a fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens the dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Garlic Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Sauce Recipe is. Depending on what you’re in the mood for, feel free to personalize it! I often switch up the herbs or try different sides. Here are a few variations I’ve enjoyed over time.

Adding mushrooms: I once sautéed sliced mushrooms with the onions and garlic, which gave the sauce a nice earthy depth that my family really enjoyed.
Using thyme or rosemary: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary work beautifully instead of parsley if you want a different herbal note.
Switch up the cream: For a lighter option, I’ve substituted half the cream with Greek yogurt, but keep it off the heat to avoid curdling.
Make it spicy: A pinch of chili flakes in the seasoning mix adds a lovely gentle heat if you’re feeling adventurous.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by slicing each large chicken breast horizontally so you end up with four thin pieces. Trust me, this helps them cook evenly and quickly. Next, mix the cornflour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl, then sprinkle this mix generously on both sides of the chicken. Press it lightly so it sticks well — this coating will give you that beautiful golden crust you’re aiming for!

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until it’s shimmering. Place the chicken pieces carefully in the pan and let them cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, flipping occasionally. You’re looking for an evenly golden exterior and cooked-through meat. Overcooking dries the chicken out, so watch the time and thickness carefully.

Step 3: Cook Onion and Garlic Base

Once cooked, push the chicken to one side of the pan — I usually stack the pieces to save space. Add the chopped onion to the now-available space (add a splash more oil if the pan looks dry) and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until it softens slightly. Then add the minced garlic, along with some salt and pepper, and cook for about 1 more minute. The smell at this stage is heavenly, and it sets the flavor base for your creamy sauce.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce and Simmer

Pour in the chicken stock, cream, and lemon juice, then sprinkle in the grated parmesan. Gently stir everything to combine, then arrange the chicken breasts evenly in the pan, soaking them in that gorgeous sauce. Bring the sauce to a boil briefly, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This simmer step is key to developing that silky, rich texture you’ll love.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Serve the chicken topped with fresh chopped parsley, plus an extra sprinkle of black pepper and parmesan if you like it cheesy (I always do!). This dish goes wonderfully over creamy mashed potatoes or even buttery green beans — both of which my family asks for every time.

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Sauce Recipe

Thinly Slice the Chicken: I always slice the breasts horizontally before cooking to ensure your chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.
Don’t Rush the Sauté: Taking your time with the onion and garlic base builds the best flavor and caramelizes them just right.
Gentle Simmer for Sauce: Keep the sauce simmering gently to avoid curdling the cream; this also helps it thicken just perfectly.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Grate your own parmesan rather than pre-grated for a smoother melt and richer flavor.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Sauce Recipe

A white plate holds a meal with three sections. On the left is a golden-brown piece of cooked chicken topped with a creamy light beige sauce sprinkled with chopped green herbs. Below the chicken is a mousse-like creamy mashed potato with a square pat of melting butter on top, lightly dusted with black pepper and a few green herb bits. On the right side, a bunch of fresh bright green beans are neatly placed, sprinkled with some white grated cheese. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a small white bowl of grated cheese in the upper left and a small white bowl of chopped green herbs in the top right, along with a lemon wedge on the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Sauce, garlic parmesan chicken, creamy chicken dinner, easy chicken recipes, flavorful chicken recipes

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a little extra parmesan cheese. The parsley adds a fresh pop of color and brightness, which balances out the richness, while the parmesan deepens the cheesy goodness. A quick crack of black pepper on top adds a subtle spicy kick that ties everything together.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes — the sauce soaks perfectly into them. I also love serving it alongside steamed green beans or broccoli for a fresh, crisp contrast. If you want something different, creamy risotto or a simple pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic works beautifully too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated this chicken by arranging the pieces on a bed of vibrant sautéed spinach, with a drizzle of the creamy sauce artistically poured around. Adding a lemon wedge on the side not only brightens the plate but lets guests add extra zing if they want. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts gives a lovely crunch and an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for up to 3 days. The chicken stays tender, and the creamy sauce thickens slightly overnight, so I like to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to bring it back to that fresh, saucy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully when tightly wrapped, but be aware the texture of the cream sauce changes a bit after freezing and thawing. If you plan to freeze, I recommend freezing the chicken and sauce separately or enjoying it fresh for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a little extra cream or stock while reheating helps loosen up the sauce. Avoid microwaving directly as this can cause the cream to separate.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more fat, so they stay juicy and tender. Just adjust the cooking time slightly—thighs may need a few extra minutes to cook through. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with thighs, making it even more flavorful.
Is there a dairy-free version of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Sauce Recipe?

Yes, you can swap out the cream for full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. The sauce won’t be exactly the same but will still be creamy and delicious.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

If your sauce feels too thin, let it simmer gently a little longer to reduce. Alternatively, whisk a small amount of cornflour mixed with cold water into the sauce and cook a minute or two more until it thickens to your liking.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep and coat the chicken in the seasoning mixture a few hours ahead or even the night before, then store it covered in the fridge. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can make it ahead and gently reheat, adding a bit of cream to refresh it.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Sauce Recipe has become such a go-to comfort meal for me, partly because it’s quick but mostly because the flavors are always so satisfying. I love that feeling when a simple sauce elevates everyday chicken into something truly special. Give this recipe a try next time you want an easy yet impressive dish—your taste buds and your dinner guests will thank you!