Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Looking for a flavorful, creamy, and savory chicken recipe that’s perfect for both busy weeknights and elegant dinners? This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, velvety sauce made from Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a hint of lemon. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, this dish is versatile, quick to prepare, and pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. Let’s dive into the details!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is ideal for those who love robust flavors and creamy sauces. The garlic and Parmesan cheese create a savory, comforting sauce that perfectly coats the chicken, while a splash of lemon adds a subtle brightness. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple cooking techniques, this dish is accessible even to beginner cooks. Whether served for a casual weeknight meal or a special occasion, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken is bound to become a family favorite!

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

For the Sauce:

• 1 ¾ cups chicken broth – Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• ¼ cup heavy cream – For a creamy texture that balances the garlic and Parmesan.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Enhances the umami flavor.
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder – Adds a subtle tang.
• 1 teaspoon honey – Provides a slight sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
• ½ chicken bouillon cube – Intensifies the chicken flavor.
• ½ teaspoon EACH of onion powder, oregano, basil, and parsley – A blend of herbs and spices for added flavor complexity.

For the Chicken and Other Ingredients:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The star of the dish, tender and juicy.
• Salt and pepper – For seasoning the chicken.
• 2 teaspoons parsley – For garnish and flavor.
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil – For searing the chicken to a golden brown.
• ¾ cup dry white wine – To deglaze the pan and add depth to the sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – A key ingredient that adds rich, aromatic flavor.
• 3 tablespoons butter – To add richness to the sauce.
• 3 tablespoons flour – To thicken the sauce.
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – For a nutty, savory flavor that melts into the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – To brighten the flavors and balance the richness.

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken, ensure you have the following tools on hand:

• A large skillet or frying pan
• A meat mallet (to pound the chicken)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Silicone spatula (for stirring and scraping the pan)
• A large measuring cup with a spout
• Tongs (for flipping the chicken)

Preparing the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Slice each breast in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces, which ensures faster and even cooking. Place the slices between two pieces of plastic wrap, then use the textured side of a meat mallet to pound the chicken until it’s about ½ inch thick. This helps tenderize the meat and creates the perfect thickness for searing.

Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and parsley for added flavor.

How to Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

The sauce is the heart of this dish, and it’s incredibly simple to prepare. Begin by combining all of the sauce ingredients – chicken broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, honey, bouillon cube, and herbs – in a large measuring cup. This allows you to easily pour the sauce into the pan later.

Once the chicken is seared (more on that next), you’ll deglaze the pan with white wine. Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet; these bits, called “fond,” add an intense depth of flavor to the sauce. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant before stirring in the butter and flour to create a roux. Slowly pour in the sauce mixture, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, then gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese and finish with a splash of fresh lemon juice.

Cooking the Chicken and Sauce Together

Now that the sauce is ready, it’s time to cook the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Once the sauce has reached the desired thickness, return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce generously over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken: Thin chicken slices cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. This will keep your chicken juicy and tender.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks fast, so make sure to sauté it gently and avoid letting it turn too dark, which can lead to a bitter flavor.
• Curdling the sauce: Avoid boiling the sauce once the cream and Parmesan have been added, as high heat can cause curdling.

Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Swap the chicken: If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
• Wine substitute: If you don’t have white wine, you can use chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar for acidity.
• Make it lighter: For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of butter or replace the heavy cream with half-and-half.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas

To complete this meal, serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken with fluffy mashed potatoes or a side of creamy polenta to soak up the delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots are excellent sides to balance the richness of the chicken.

For an elegant presentation, place the chicken breasts on a large serving platter, drizzle the sauce generously over the top, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. A lemon wedge on the side adds a pop of color and offers an extra burst of citrus.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s best to use the stovetop to gently warm the chicken and sauce, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce becomes too thick.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the sauce over low heat until warmed through.

What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are good substitutes that will still provide that rich, cheesy flavor.

Is there a non-dairy option for this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the heavy cream with coconut milk, and use a vegan Parmesan substitute. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!

Conclusion

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is a perfect balance of comfort and sophistication, ideal for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Serve it with your favorite sides, and don’t forget to drizzle that rich sauce over everything!

Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! Share it with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes.

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