This Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a heavenly combination of juicy, seared chicken and a velvety sauce that’s loaded with garlic and Parmesan goodness. It’s the kind of dish that transforms a simple weeknight meal into something truly special with just a little extra effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Creamy Sauce: The combination of garlic and Parmesan creates an irresistible, luxurious sauce that clings beautifully to each chicken piece.
- Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples such as chicken broth and heavy cream, you can whip up a dish that feels gourmet.
- Versatile and Customizable: Adjust seasoning and ingredients to make it your own, or suit dietary preferences without losing flavor.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Impress dinner guests with this restaurant-quality dish that’s incredibly easy to make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the delicious layers of flavor and texture in this dish.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, they cook quickly and absorb the garlic and Parmesan flavors beautifully.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan brings rich, nutty depth. Avoid pre-grated varieties for the best texture.
- Dry White Wine: Adds an extra dimension of flavor to the sauce, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves are essential for that bold garlic essence that complements the Parmesan perfectly.
Variations
The beauty of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe is its versatility. You can easily tweak it to match your ingredient availability or dietary requirements, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dish.
- Lower Carb: Substitute the flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a keto-friendly version.
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a lactose-free option.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with large portobello mushrooms for a meaty yet meat-free alternative.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cuts. This not only helps them cook faster but also ensures they remain juicy. Pound them gently to about ½ inch thick, season both sides with salt, pepper, and parsley, setting the stage for flavor infusion.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes each side until a golden crust forms. This searing locks in those delightful juices while adding delicious color.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Deglaze the pan with white wine. Scrape up those yummy browned bits, known as fond, to incorporate all that extra flavor into the sauce. Add garlic, then butter, and flour to create a roux, cooking off any rawness in the flour.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Serve
Gradually add your sauce mixture while stirring to keep it smooth. Let it simmer to thicken. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan and a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Add the chicken back to the pan, let it soak up the sauce, and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Chicken Thickness: Cut chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking, ensuring juicy results.
- Choosing the Wine: Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for balanced acidity and robustness in sauce.
- Garlic Intensity: Adjust garlic to preference; less for subtlety, more for a punchy flavor.
- Parmesan Quality: Always opt for high-quality Parmesan for a richer, deeper flavor.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also freshens up the dish. A final dusting of grated Parmesan over each serving adds a delightful cheesy finish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, both of which soak up the rich sauce excellently. A simple green salad can balance the richness beautifully too.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Garlic Parmesan Chicken family-style for a cozy dinner, or plate it individually with a swirl of sauce artistically drizzled for a dinner party. For an elevated presentation, garnish with microgreens or edible flowers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the integrity of the sauce.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid the microwave as it can cause the texture to become uneven.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and juiciness to your Garlic Parmesan Chicken. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through.
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What wine should I use if I don’t have white wine?
You can substitute with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option or use a sherry or vermouth if you prefer something with a bit more character.
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Is there a way to make it spicier?
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili to the garlic when cooking the sauce. This adds a delightful heat that complements the dish.
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Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
While you can use pre-grated Parmesan, freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a superior flavor and texture, so it’s worth the extra effort.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken is truly a must-try for anyone who loves a comforting yet sophisticated dish. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or a special someone, this recipe is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the creation process and, most importantly, the delightful taste!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American/Italian-Inspired
Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful and hearty dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, creamy garlic sauce infused with Parmesan cheese and herbs. Perfectly seared and simmered in a wine-based sauce, this recipe creates a luscious meal that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables, making it ideal for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 chicken bouillon cube
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon basil
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley
Chicken/Other
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons parsley
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 cup dry white wine
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce: Combine chicken broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, honey, chicken bouillon cube, onion powder, oregano, basil, and parsley in a large measuring cup with a spout. Set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Cover with plastic wrap and pound to ½ inch thickness using a textured meat mallet. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Deglaze and Flavor Sauce: Turn off heat. Add wine to the skillet to deglaze, then turn heat to medium. Use a spatula to scrape up browned bits (‘fond’). Bring to a gentle bubble and reduce for 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until the liquid is reduced by half.
- Make Roux: Add butter and flour, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Add Sauce: Gradually pour in the prepared sauce mixture while stirring continuously. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 8 minutes until thickened.
- Finish Sauce: Lower heat. Gradually sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring constantly until melted. Stir in lemon juice.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through and sauce reaches desired thickness. Garnish with extra parsley and serve.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is sliced evenly for uniform cooking.
- Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Use a good quality dry white wine for a richer flavor.
- For a thicker sauce, cook a few minutes longer during simmering.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of fresh flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 24 grams
- Saturated Fat: 12 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 45 grams
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
