If you’re looking for a dinner that’s indulgent yet surprisingly simple, I absolutely love sharing my Garlic Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Sauce Recipe with friends who want a cozy, comforting meal that doesn’t feel like extra work. This dish comes together quickly but feels downright luxurious—perfect for those days when you want to impress yourself (and everyone else) without sweating it in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this creamy, garlicky, parmesan-packed chicken, it’ll become a go-to in your rotation!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
Creamy, Comforting Flavor: The sauce is rich and garlicky, with just the right tang of lemon and sharpness of parmesan.
Versatile Serving Options: Goes beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or even crispy potatoes.
Family Approved: My family goes crazy for this one, and I bet yours will too!

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, easy chicken dinner recipes, creamy garlic chicken, Parmesan chicken recipes, quick weeknight chicken dishes

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of crispy chicken coated in a flavorful sauce that’s creamy without being heavy. When I shop for this dish, I make sure to grab fresh garlic and real parmesan because those little details make all the 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, easy chicken dinner recipes, creamy garlic chicken, Parmesan chicken recipes, quick weeknight chicken dishes

Chicken breasts: I slice them thin for quick cooking and a tender bite every time.
Cornflour (cornstarch): This helps create a light, crispy coating on the chicken — don’t skip it!
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to your taste.
Garlic powder: Adds depth and amplifies the fresh garlic in the sauce.
Paprika: Gives a gentle smoky warmth and nice color.
Oil: For frying; I prefer neutral oils like vegetable or canola for a crisp finish.
Onion: Finely chopped to melt into the sauce and bring sweetness.
Fresh garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the sauce with intoxicating aroma and flavor.
Chicken stock: Strong broth is key here — you can use cubes or homemade; just make it good quality.
Double (heavy) cream: This creates the luxurious texture; don’t substitute with milk.
Lemon juice: A splash brightens and balances the richness.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for melting smoothly into the sauce.
Fresh parsley: Adds color and a fresh herbaceous note at the end.

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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. Once you’ve nailed the base, feel free to make it your own and suit it to what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

Add Mushrooms: I sometimes toss in sliced cremini mushrooms with the onion for an earthy twist my husband adores.
Swap Cream: For a lighter version, try half cream and half Greek yogurt, but add it off the heat to avoid curdling.
Make it Spicy: A pinch of chili flakes added with the garlic amps up the heat and makes the sauce really pop.
Herb variations: Fresh thyme or basil can brighten it differently if parsley isn’t your favorite.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken

The very first thing I do is slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally—this makes them thinner and helps them cook evenly. Then, mixing up the cornflour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, I sprinkle both sides of each chicken piece generously with this magic coating. This step is key for getting that lovely crust that holds up perfectly under the creamy sauce.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken Until Golden and Cooked

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat and once it’s hot (a drop of water should sizzle!), add your chicken. Flip the pieces occasionally and let them cook for about 6 to 7 minutes total. The chicken should be golden on the outside and cooked through—no pink, but still juicy. Then, I move the chicken to one side of the pan to make room for the next flavorful ingredients.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic to Perfume the Sauce

In the space left in the pan, add the finely chopped onion. If the pan looks dry, I splash a little more oil in. Cook the onion for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften, then toss in the minced garlic with a pinch of salt and pepper. It only needs about a minute more, but the aroma at this point is incredible and sets the stage for the sauce.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Now for the silky sauce! Stir in the chicken stock, heavy cream, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese right into the pan. Then, nestle all the chicken pieces evenly into the sauce. Bring everything up to a gentle boil, and then simmer for about 3 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

I sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, extra black pepper, and a cascade of grated parmesan on top right before serving. My go-to sides are creamy mashed potatoes and buttery green beans—this combo is always a hit and rounds out the meal perfectly.

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Sauce Recipe

Thin Slices Work Best: Slicing the chicken thinner means it cooks faster and stays tender—not dry at all.
Don’t Rush the Sauce Thickening: Simmer gently and give the parmesan time to melt into creamy perfection.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Grated from a wedge, not pre-shredded, for best melt and flavor.
Keep an Eye on Salt: The parmesan and stock add saltiness, so taste before adding extra at the end.

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, easy chicken dinner recipes, creamy garlic chicken, Parmesan chicken recipes, quick weeknight chicken dishes

Garnishes

I love a scattering of fresh parsley and an extra shower of parmesan right before serving—it adds both color and a burst of fresh, cheesy goodness that finishes the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes are my absolute favorite—smooth and buttery, they soak up the creamy sauce deliciously. Steamed green beans or broccoli make a nice bright contrast, but this recipe works just as well with pasta, rice, or even crispy sautéed potatoes if you’re feeling a little indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the chicken steaks individually with the sauce drizzled on top, sprinkled with chopped parsley and a lemon wedge on the side. Serving it over a bed of colorful veggies or creamy risotto elevates the presentation and makes the whole meal feel like a restaurant treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop any leftovers into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken stays tender, and the sauce thickens, so I recommend stirring in a splash of cream or stock when reheating to bring it back to silky perfection.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully once or twice by cooling it completely first and freezing in portion-sized containers. When thawed overnight in the fridge, it reheats well on the stove gently with a little extra cream to refresh the sauce.

Reheating

Reheating on low heat in a pan with a splash of chicken stock or cream helps keep the sauce smooth and the chicken juicy. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as the sauce can separate or become grainy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Garlic Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Sauce Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat and tend to stay juicier. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through, especially if thick.
Is it okay to substitute heavy cream with milk or half-and-half?

For best results, stick with heavy cream or double cream because it thickens nicely and gives that rich texture. Using milk or half-and-half might make the sauce thinner and less creamy.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Swap the cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative and use a vegan parmesan-style substitute or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. Keep in mind the sauce will taste a little different but still delicious.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

If your sauce is too thin, mix a small amount of cornflour with cold water and stir it in while simmering gently until it thickens. Just be careful not to add too much at once.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can season and coat the chicken ahead, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. The sauce is best made fresh, but leftovers store well as mentioned.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken in Creamy Sauce Recipe feels like a hug on a plate—rich, comforting, and just the right amount of fancy for everyday dinners. I love sharing it because it’s straightforward enough for any home cook but delivers big on flavor that keeps everyone asking for seconds. So when you’re ready for an easy, delicious meal that makes you feel like a kitchen superstar, give this one a try—I promise you won’t regret it!