Savory Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe That Wows Every Time

Crispy, golden chicken with garlic parmesan chicken recipe magic always makes dinner feel special.

Unexpected seasonings bring incredible depth to this classic protein.

You appreciate simple techniques that deliver maximum flavor.

Weeknight meals become extraordinary with strategic ingredient combinations.

Delicate herbs and sharp cheese create a mouthwatering coating that seals in moisture.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of savory notes and tender meat.

What’s Inside Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat perfect for a delicious main course.

• White Wine: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic and flavorful base for the sauce.
• Butter: Creamy and smooth ingredient.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that provides great flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Bright and tangy liquid to balance the sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings for enhancing flavor.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish and added taste.
• Olive Oil: For searing the chicken.
• Saran Wrap: Used for preparing the chicken.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Prep Steps

Step 1: Slice Chicken Strategically

Carefully slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner, even pieces.

Use a sharp knife to cut each breast in half lengthwise, creating 2-3 uniform slices.

Step 2: Tenderize Chicken Perfectly

Cover chicken slices with plastic wrap.

Use the textured side of a meat mallet to gently pound each piece until they’re about 1/2 inch thick.

This ensures even cooking and tender meat.

Step 3: Season with Flavor Boosters

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried parsley

Step 4: Create Golden Sear

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until a beautiful golden crust develops.

Remove and set aside.

Step 5: Build Flavor Foundation

Deglaze the skillet with wine, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom.

Use a silicone spatula to ensure no flavor is left behind.

Step 6: Develop Sauce Base

Add minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes.

The liquid will start to reduce, concentrating those amazing flavors.

Step 7: Thicken Sauce Magically

Incorporate butter and flour, stirring constantly.

This creates a roux that will give the sauce its luxurious texture.

Step 8: Create Creamy Sauce

Gradually add sauce mixture, stirring continuously.

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Let it reduce for about 8 minutes until it reaches a perfect consistency.

Step 9: Cheese Magic

Lower the heat and slowly sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 10: Final Flavor Touch

Stir in fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy note.

Return chicken to the skillet, spooning the rich sauce over the top.

Step 11: Warm and Serve

Heat chicken through for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reach your desired thickness.

Step 12: Garnish and Present

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.

Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes and your favorite roasted vegetables for a complete, mouthwatering meal.

Tips for Flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Cut chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner, even pieces that cook quickly and absorb more flavor, ensuring tender and juicy results.
• Use the textured side of a meat mallet to pound chicken evenly, which helps tenderize the meat and promotes uniform cooking without tearing the protein.
• Deglaze the skillet with wine, scraping up the browned bits (fond) from the bottom, as these caramelized pieces add incredible depth and richness to your sauce.
• Add Parmesan gradually and stir continuously to prevent clumping, creating a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the chicken perfectly without separating.
• Adjust heat levels throughout cooking – high for searing, medium for reducing, low for finishing – to develop complex flavors and prevent burning.

Storing and Reheating Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Chicken will maintain quality for 2-3 months when frozen properly.
• Preheat to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, add a tablespoon of broth, and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

Great Pairings for Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Choose a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay that complements the garlic and lemon notes in the chicken dish, cutting through the richness of the Parmesan sauce.
• Elevate Side Dishes: Roast asparagus or brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil to mirror the recipe's flavor profile, creating a harmonious plate that enhances the chicken's savory elements.
• Creamy Mashed Potato Boost: Infuse mashed potatoes with roasted garlic and extra Parmesan cheese to echo the main dish's ingredients, providing a luxurious and cohesive dining experience.
• Fresh Herb Finishing Touch: Sprinkle additional fresh parsley or chives over the entire dish to brighten the flavors and add a vibrant, aromatic layer that complements the rich sauce and tender chicken.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe Spins

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to maintain sauce thickness while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap mashed potatoes for cauliflower mash and reduce flour content, using alternative thickening agents like xanthan gum to create a keto-friendly meal.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Substitute white wine with chicken broth, add oregano and basil, and incorporate kalamata olives for a Greek-style flavor profile that enhances the chicken's richness.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese, replace butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine, and maintain the creamy sauce texture while eliminating dairy ingredients.

FAQs

• Why slice the chicken lengthwise?

Slicing chicken lengthwise helps create thinner, more uniform pieces that cook faster and more evenly, ensuring each bite is tender and perfectly cooked.

• What's the purpose of pounding the chicken?

Pounding chicken to ½ inch thick helps tenderize the meat, breaks down muscle fibers, and ensures consistent cooking throughout, preventing dry or tough meat.

• Why add wine to the skillet?

Adding wine helps deglaze the pan, releasing flavorful browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the skillet, which enhances the overall depth and richness of the sauce.

• How does adding flour affect the sauce?

Adding flour helps thicken the sauce by creating a roux, which provides a smooth, velvety texture and prevents separation of ingredients while cooking.

Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Always Works

• Quick Customization Magic: Transform this chicken dish by easily swapping vegetables or adjusting seasoning to match your personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for intimate dinners, family gatherings, or special occasions, this recipe adapts beautifully to different dining scenarios while maintaining incredible taste and presentation.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Designed for home cooks of all skill levels, the step-by-step instructions ensure consistent, delicious results with minimal cooking expertise required.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic parmesan chicken brings Italian-inspired comfort to dinner tables with its crispy, cheesy coating. Juicy chicken breasts dressed in a golden, herb-infused crust promise you a delightful culinary escape that satisfies both family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 whole chicken

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese (amount not specified in original recipe)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 3/4 cups (414 ml) chicken broth
• 1/2 chicken bouillon cube
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) honey
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) basil
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce mixture in a measuring cup with a spout, setting it aside for later use.
2. Gather and measure all ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process.
3. Transform the chicken breasts into thinner cuts by slicing lengthwise, creating 2-3 even pieces.
4. Gently pound the chicken using a meat mallet to achieve a uniform ½-inch thickness, covering with plastic wrap for protection.
5. Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.
6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
7. Sear the chicken in batches, cooking 4-5 minutes per side to develop a rich golden crust.
8. Remove chicken and set aside, keeping warm.
9. Deglaze the skillet by adding wine and reducing heat to medium, scraping up flavorful browned bits from the bottom using a silicone spatula.
10. Introduce minced garlic and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce by half.
11. Incorporate butter and flour, stirring to create a smooth roux and cook out the raw flour taste.
12. Gradually pour in the prepared sauce mixture, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
13. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for approximately 8 minutes.
14. Lower the heat and slowly sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly to create a smooth, creamy texture.
15. Brighten the sauce with a splash of fresh lemon juice.
16. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the velvety sauce over each piece.
17. Warm the chicken through for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reach the desired consistency.
18. Finish by garnishing with additional chopped parsley and serving alongside creamy mashed potatoes and roasted seasonal vegetables.

Notes

• Slice chicken horizontally to ensure even cooking and faster preparation, preventing dry edges.
• Use a meat mallet with care to tenderize without tearing the chicken’s delicate texture.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior when searing.
• Gradually add wine and sauce to prevent lumps and create a smooth, silky consistency.
• Monitor heat carefully when reducing sauce to prevent burning and maintain rich flavor profile.
• Sprinkle Parmesan slowly and stir continuously to prevent clumping and ensure creamy texture.
• For gluten-free option, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
• Dairy-free alternatives include using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and plant-based butter.
• Enhance protein options by substituting chicken with firm tofu or fish like cod or halibut.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg