Garlic Parmesan Roasted Chicken

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Chicken is a restaurant-worthy dish made simple at home. Juicy chicken breasts are seared until golden, then roasted in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and irresistibly comforting. The blend of butter, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan creates a velvety sauce that feels indulgent without being heavy.

This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests ready in under 40 minutes and pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. It’s proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list to make something truly unforgettable.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth or dry white wine
• 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise for quicker, even cooking. Pat dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 2: Sear the chicken

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets in a single layer. Cook each side for about 3–4 minutes until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the roux

Reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, whisk in the flour, cooking for about 30 seconds to remove the raw taste and create a smooth base for the sauce.

Step 4: Add garlic and deglaze

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Slowly pour in the chicken broth (or white wine), stirring constantly to deglaze the pan and lift up all the flavorful brown bits. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.

Step 5: Make the creamy sauce

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Combine and roast

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce generously over each piece. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (165°F internal temperature).

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot with your favorite sides the creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce is perfect for drizzling over vegetables, rice, or pasta.

Expert Tips for Success

• Evenly sliced chicken: Cutting the breasts lengthwise ensures quicker, more even cooking.

• Fresh Parmesan matters: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting. Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly into the sauce.

• Watch the sauce: Avoid boiling the cream gentle simmering prevents curdling and keeps it silky.

• Deglazing adds flavor: Don’t skip scraping the pan; those little browned bits (fond) are packed with savory depth.

• For extra crispiness: After roasting, place the skillet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes to lightly brown the top.

Tasty Variations to Try

• Spinach Parmesan Chicken: Add a handful of baby spinach to the sauce before roasting for a fresh, colorful twist.

• Bacon-lovers version: Sprinkle cooked crumbled bacon over the creamy sauce for extra richness and smoky flavor.

• Lemon garlic cream: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and a little zest for a bright, tangy contrast.

• Mushroom addition: Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms after searing the chicken and before adding the sauce for a hearty, earthy flavor.

• Herb-infused: Stir thyme, basil, or rosemary into the sauce for an aromatic touch.

Serving Ideas

• Weeknight dinner: Serve with steamed vegetables or roasted asparagus for a quick balanced meal.

• Elegant entertaining: Pair with garlic mashed potatoes and a crisp green salad.

• Low-carb: Serve with cauliflower mash or sautéed zucchini noodles.

• Comfort combo: Spoon the sauce over warm rice or buttery noodles for an extra dose of coziness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and stay extra juicy. Adjust cooking time slightly (thighs may need a couple more minutes).

Can I skip the oven step?

If you don’t have an oven-safe pan or want to keep it stovetop-only, simply cover and simmer the chicken in the sauce over low heat for about 8–10 minutes until fully cooked through.

Can I make it with milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. To keep the velvety texture, use half-and-half or add an extra tablespoon of flour to help thicken it.

How long does this keep?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Can I pair this with pasta?

Absolutely! This chicken and its sauce are delicious served over spaghetti, fettuccine, or even mashed potatoes for an indulgent dinner.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Chicken

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• Author: Emma Hart
• Total Time: 35
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a silky cream sauce made with butter, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan. A restaurant-worthy dish ready in under 40 minutes, perfect with pasta, mashed potatoes, or veggies.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth or dry white wine
• 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and almost cooked through. Remove chicken.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook 30 seconds to form roux.
4. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute. Pour in broth or wine, scraping browned bits. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
5. Lower heat, add cream and Parmesan. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened. Season to taste.
6. Return chicken to skillet. Spoon sauce over top. Transfer to 400°F (200°C) oven and bake 10–12 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve with pasta, potatoes, or vegetables.

Notes

Cut chicken evenly for quicker, even cooking.

Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.

Avoid boiling cream to prevent curdling.

Scrape fond from skillet for richer sauce flavor.

Optionally broil briefly after roasting for a crisp finish.

• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 25
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Sear & Roast
• Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 510mg
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken, roasted chicken in cream sauce, skillet chicken recipe, creamy garlic chicken, parmesan cream chicken