Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Dinner

I made this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Dinner because I needed something that tasted fancy but didn’t require a culinary degree or three hours of weeping over stock. It’s rich, garlicky, and embarrassingly simple — the kind of dish that makes guests think you planned this for weeks while you actually Googled “how to look classy with melted cheese.” Yes, this pan is too small. No, I won’t wash fewer dishes. Try it because it’s reliable, forgiving, and perfect for when you want dinner to feel like an achievement (even if the smoke alarm disagrees).

One time my husband decided he was in charge of “presentation.” He arranged lemon slices like a sushi chef on the chicken and then, to be kind, used the kid’s glittery birthday candles as garnish. The kids insisted on three extra cups of Parmesan because “cheese makes everything better,” so naturally we ended up with a Parmesan crater. I blamed him, he blamed the recipe, and I accepted both of their apologies in the form of leftovers. Chaos, 10/10. Also, I lost a wooden spoon that day. It’s okay — we all need a little mystery in the kitchen.

Time-Saving Hacks

– Use pre-minced garlic. It’s not trendy, but it saves arguments and tears (mostly mine).
– Buy rotisserie chicken if you’re in a hurry and call it “cheating with style.” Nobody will know; everyone will clap.
– Skip dredging the chicken and toss it right into the pan if you’re feeling rebellious. You’ll get slightly less crust and slightly more dignity intact.
– Make the sauce while the chicken rests. Two birds, one pan of multitasking—my favorite style of chaos.

Serving Ideas

– Over pasta, because carbs make everything look like a hug on a plate. Serve with a glass of wine if the kids drove you nuts.
– Spoon it over mashed potatoes for comfort-food domination. The sauce soaks in like it knows it belongs.
– Serve with a crisp salad if you want to pretend this is a health-conscious meal. Add croutons to stay honest.
– Keep it simple: chicken, sauce, fork. No dramatic garnishing unless you like washing more dishes than necessary.

What to Serve It With

– Buttered noodles or fettuccine — the sauce deserves a ribbon to cling to.
– Roasted asparagus or garlic green beans for a little vegetal pride.
– Garlic bread if you believe in theatrical plate licking.

✔Tips & Mistakes

Don’t overcook: Chicken is done when juices run clear and it gives up its secrets (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Overcooked chicken is sad and clucky.
Use real Parmesan: The pre-shredded stuff is fine in a pinch, but real Parm is the difference between “nice” and “please marry me.”
Deglaze like you mean it: A splash of wine or chicken stock after searing the chicken scoops up all the flavor crumbs. Don’t leave them on the pan like a drama queen.
Yes, you can double the sauce: If you love sauce as a personality trait, go big. No judgment, only spoons.

✔Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh. Keep in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of milk or stock so the sauce remembers how to be creamy instead of clumpy.

✔Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts. Add mushrooms for earthiness, spinach for color, or sun-dried tomatoes for drama. Use chicken thighs if you like juicy, sultry poultry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Dinner

A delightful and creamy chicken dish with rich garlic and Parmesan flavor.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces
• ▢ 4 cloves garlic Minced
• ▢ 1 cup heavy cream For a rich sauce
• ▢ 1 cup Parmesan cheese Grated
• ▢ 2 tbsp olive oil For cooking
• ▢ 1 tsp Italian seasoning For flavor
• ▢ 1 tsp salt Adjust to taste
• ▢ 0.5 tsp black pepper Freshly ground
• ▢ 2 tbsp fresh parsley Chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
• Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
• Serve the chicken topped with chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve with pasta or rice for a complete meal. Add more Parmesan for extra cheesiness!