Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc); 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup half and half or heavy cream; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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This Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a rich, savory dish made with a flavorful white wine reduction, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and plenty of garlic. It’s the kind of meal I crave when I want something comforting yet bold. The sauce clings beautifully to seared chicken breasts, making each bite incredibly satisfying. I like to pair it with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a hearty, balanced dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients I usually have on hand. The creamy, cheesy garlic sauce is utterly addicting, and searing the chicken adds a golden crust that locks in juiciness. Whether I’m making this for a weeknight dinner or guests, it’s always a hit. Plus, it’s versatile—I can serve it over pasta, with rice, or alongside veggies.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc)
Fresh garlic, minced
Unsalted butter
All-purpose flour
Half and half or heavy cream
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh lemon juice
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I start by tenderizing the chicken breasts and seasoning them with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Then I set it aside.
To the same skillet, I add white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits. I let it reduce by half.
I stir in garlic and cook for about 1 minute, then add butter and flour to create a roux.
Gradually, I pour in the cream mixture, whisking constantly. I bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer for about 8 minutes.
Once it’s thickened, I stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice.
I return the chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over it, and let it heat through. A splash of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens everything up.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 35–40 minutes total:

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

No Wine: Chicken broth works great if I want to skip the wine.
Creamier Sauce: For a richer sauce, I use heavy cream instead of half and half.
Spicy Twist: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a kick.
Pasta Version: I slice the chicken and toss everything with cooked pasta for a creamy, garlicky pasta dinner.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. The microwave also works in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

FAQs

What kind of chicken should I use?

I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If I prefer thighs, they work well too—just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

I don’t recommend freezing it because the creamy sauce can separate when thawed and reheated.

What can I serve with this dish?

I usually pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or pasta. Rice also works if I want something simple.

Can I make this dairy-free?

I haven’t tried it without dairy, but dairy-free butter, cream, and a good vegan Parmesan could work if needed.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

I sometimes sear the chicken and prep the sauce earlier in the day, then combine and reheat just before serving.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful and comforting meal that’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. I love how the garlic, cheese, and creamy sauce come together to create something truly special. Once I made it, it instantly became a repeat recipe in my kitchen.