Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe: A Family Favorite

Weeknight dinners spark to life with this mouthwatering garlic parmesan chicken recipe that promises pure comfort and flavor.

Tender chicken breasts get coated in a crispy, golden crust that seals in delicious juiciness.

Fragrant garlic and sharp parmesan cheese create an irresistible combination that makes every bite sing with excitement.

The simple ingredients blend seamlessly to produce a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.

Each piece of chicken emerges perfectly seasoned and beautifully browned, guaranteed to impress even picky eaters.

This dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy families seeking a delectable meal without spending hours cooking.

Serve alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to complete this satisfying culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• What makes the sauce so flavorful?

The sauce combines chicken broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, honey, and dried herbs like onion powder, oregano, basil, and parsley. These ingredients create a rich, complex flavor profile that elevates the chicken.

• How do I know when the chicken is properly cooked?

Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown, then finish cooking in the sauce. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

• Can I substitute the white wine?

If you don’t have white wine, you can use chicken broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar. These alternatives will help deglaze the pan and add depth to the sauce’s flavor.

• Why do I need to make a roux?

The roux (butter and flour mixture) helps thicken the sauce and creates a smooth, creamy texture. Cooking it briefly eliminates the raw flour taste and provides a rich, velvety consistency to the final dish.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken – Fan Favorite Reasons

• Perfect for home cooks wanting to elevate their culinary techniques, this recipe teaches sauce-making fundamentals like creating a roux, deglazing a pan, and building complex flavor layers.
• Delivers restaurant-quality results with straightforward steps, making it an excellent option for busy families seeking delicious meals that don't require complicated preparation.
• Combines rich ingredients like heavy cream, white wine, and Parmesan cheese to create a luxurious sauce that transforms simple chicken into an extraordinary dining experience, with bright notes from lemon and depth from herbs.
• Minimizes kitchen cleanup by preparing the entire meal in a single skillet, reducing dishes and making this recipe especially appealing for those who want delicious food without extensive post-meal cleaning.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, boneless meat that serves as the primary protein for this delicious dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds rich flavor and creamy texture to the sauce.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Liquid base that creates a smooth and luxurious sauce consistency.
• White Wine: Adds depth and helps deglaze the pan, releasing flavorful browned bits.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Mustard Powder, Honey: Condiments that provide complex, layered flavor profiles.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Parsley, Oregano, Basil, Onion Powder: Herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste and aroma of the chicken.
• Butter, Flour: Creates a roux that thickens the sauce and provides a velvety texture.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and adding a subtle richness.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy note to balance the creamy sauce.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Base

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Worcestershire sauce
• Mustard powder
• Honey
• Half a bouillon cube
• Dried herbs (onion powder, oregano, basil, parsley)

Mix everything thoroughly and set aside for later use.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Slice each chicken breast lengthwise to create thinner pieces.

Use a meat mallet to pound them to about half an inch thick.

Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and parsley.

Step 3: Sear to Golden Perfection

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

Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Unlock Hidden Flavors

Remove the skillet from heat and pour in white wine.

Return to medium heat, using a silicone spatula to scrape up those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom.

Let the wine reduce for about 2 minutes, concentrating the flavors.

Step 5: Build the Sauce Foundation

Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant.

Introduce butter and flour, stirring for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux that will thicken the sauce beautifully.

Step 6: Craft the Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in the prepared sauce mixture, stirring constantly.

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Let it bubble away for about 8 minutes until the sauce reaches a luxurious, thick consistency.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches

Lower the heat and gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely.

Splash in some lemon juice to brighten the entire dish with a zesty kick.

Step 8: Reunite Chicken and Sauce

Gently return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over each piece.

Allow everything to heat through for about 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is perfectly cooked and coated in the rich, velvety sauce.

Tips to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Better

• Use plastic wrap and a meat mallet to create even, thin chicken pieces that cook uniformly and stay tender.
• Scrape those delicious browned bits from the skillet when deglazing with wine to boost the sauce's rich, complex taste profile.
• Add sauce ingredients slowly and stir constantly when creating the roux to ensure a smooth, silky texture without any flour clumps.
• Simmer the sauce until it reaches your desired thickness, watching carefully and stirring to prevent burning or sticking.
• Add lemon juice at the end to introduce a fresh, tangy element that cuts through the creamy, rich sauce without overwhelming other flavors.

How to Handle Leftovers of Garlic Parmesan Chicken

• Transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring sauce between cycles until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken with These

• Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy sauce and enhance the garlic and Parmesan flavors, cutting through the richness with bright acidity.
• Elevated Side Dish Match: Roast asparagus spears with olive oil and lemon zest, which mirrors the lemony notes in the chicken sauce while providing a fresh, green contrast to the rich protein.
• Texture-Balancing Carb: Prepare creamy parmesan risotto that echoes the cheese in the dish, offering a smooth, luxurious companion that absorbs the delicious sauce and adds depth to each bite.
• Flavor-Enhancing Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil over the finished dish to add a bright, fresh layer that lifts the heavy cream sauce and provides a visual and aromatic bonus.

Spins on Garlic Parmesan Chicken You Can Try

• Gluten-Free Chicken Delight: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour to create a gluten-free roux. Ensure all ingredients like chicken broth are certified gluten-free for those with sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Protein Power: Substitute honey with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining rich, creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Herb Sensation: Swap Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a similar umami flavor. Replace heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk to create a dairy-free version that's equally delicious.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Add chopped kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce. Sprinkle fresh oregano and basil for an extra Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that elevates the chicken's taste.