Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken (Ready in 30 Minutes)

⏱ Ready in a Flash:
Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Total Time: Just 30 mins from start to finish!

Serves: 4

When you’re short on time but craving something indulgent and comforting, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken brings it all together. It’s rich, savory, and ready in just 30 minutes — perfect for busy evenings when takeout feels like the only option. But trust us, this homemade version is faster, cheaper, and tastes better than most restaurants.

You get perfectly golden chicken cutlets simmered in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce — the kind that makes you want to lick the plate clean. It’s a one-pan recipe that works well with pasta, rice, or even low-carb sides like steamed veggies.

Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a solo indulgence, this rich and creamy chicken dish hits the spot every time. Plus, it uses everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into fillets)
Salt and pepper to taste
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

1 tablespoon butter
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts horizontally to make thinner pieces—this ensures quicker, more even cooking. Evenly season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder.

2. Sear the Chicken

Warm some olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. When the pan’s hot, sear the chicken fillets for 4–5 minutes on each side, until they’re golden and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Toss in the butter and minced garlic, allowing them to melt and sizzle in the pan together. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic turns fragrant. Stir often to avoid burning.

4. Build the Cream Sauce

Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up the flavorful browned bits. Then mix in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, Italian herbs, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let it simmer gently for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Combine and Finish

Place the cooked chicken back into the pan. Ladle the sauce over the chicken and allow it to simmer gently for an additional 3–4 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Best Ways to Serve It

Over fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
With mashed potatoes or white rice
Paired with roasted veggies like green beans or asparagus
For a low-carb version, try cauliflower mash or zoodles

Pro Tips

Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth, creamy sauce (pre-shredded won’t melt the same).
Avoid boiling the cream. Simmer it gently to avoid curdling.
Make it spicier by adding extra chili flakes or a dash of cayenne.
Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms to bulk it up and add color.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat. Stir in a touch of broth or cream to thin out the sauce to your desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work great. They’re juicy and flavorful.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
It can be! Just serve it with low-carb sides and make sure the broth has no added sugars.

Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce earlier and store it separately, but for the best texture, cook the chicken fresh.

Final Thoughts

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken is one of those recipes that feels luxurious but is surprisingly easy to make. It’s a go-to for weeknights, special occasions, or anytime you want a fast and comforting meal. Try it once and it’ll become part of your regular dinner rotation!