Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe – Creamy, Crispy, and Packed With Flavor

Note: This recipe was tested and curated by our kitchen team at Cook With Lily

Some recipes don’t just fill your plate — they fill the room with an aroma that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “What are you making?”
This garlic parmesan chicken is exactly that kind of dish.

Creamy, garlicky, and coated in rich parmesan flavor, it’s the kind of comforting dinner that feels fancy without actually being complicated. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe always delivers.

I first made garlic parmesan chicken on one of those evenings when I wanted something indulgent but didn’t want to order takeout. I had chicken in the fridge, garlic on the counter, and parmesan waiting to be used. Thirty minutes later, I was spooning creamy sauce over tender chicken and wondering why I hadn’t made it sooner.

Now, it’s one of those recipes I come back to again and again — especially when I want something comforting, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress.

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What Is Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

Garlic parmesan chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish made with pan-seared chicken cooked in a creamy garlic sauce, finished with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

The garlic adds warmth and depth, the parmesan brings a nutty, savory richness, and the cream ties everything together into a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.

It’s a versatile recipe that pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of sauce.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses pantry-friendly ingredients, but the key is using good-quality garlic and real parmesan for the best flavor.

Optional Garnish:

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How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken – Step by Step

🔥 Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika. This simple seasoning builds flavor from the very first step.

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🍳 Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.

Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Don’t clean the pan — those browned bits add flavor to the sauce.

Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan so the chicken sears instead of steaming.

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🧄 Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.

Pour in the heavy cream and gently stir, scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.

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🧀 Step 4: Add Parmesan & Seasonings

Lower the heat and stir in parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly.

The sauce should be creamy, smooth, and rich — not boiling.

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🍗 Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Simmer for another 3–4 minutes so the chicken absorbs all that garlicky parmesan goodness.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

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Serving Suggestions

This garlic parmesan chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it with:

It’s also great as leftovers — the flavors deepen overnight.

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Variations & Add-Ons

Want to change things up? Try these easy variations:

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Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Use freshly grated parmesan — pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.

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When to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

This dish works beautifully for:

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