Let’s talk about dinner. You know, the kind of dinner where you want something delicious without spending half your evening scrubbing pots and pans. That’s where this one-pan garlic parmesan chicken recipe comes in. It’s easy, satisfying, and packs so much flavor you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
This recipe has become a weeknight go-to in my kitchen, especially when I’m juggling a hundred things but still want something homemade. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—even the picky eaters will go for seconds. And let’s be honest, there’s something magical about a dish that’s so simple yet tastes like it took hours to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this simple, yet flavorful dish:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (the more garlic, the better!)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken
This recipe is straightforward, but the results are anything but basic. Here’s how you make it:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Dredge each piece of chicken in the mixture, making sure it’s well-coated. Shake off any excess and set aside. This coating adds a subtle crust that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through; it’ll finish cooking in the sauce later. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. If needed, cook the chicken in batches to get that perfect sear.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—burnt garlic isn’t fun for anyone.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze it and pick up all those flavorful bits. Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and paprika. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes until it starts to thicken. You’ll know it’s ready when it clings slightly to the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Combine and Cook
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon some of that creamy garlic goodness over the top of the chicken. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes. This ensures the chicken cooks through and soaks up all those incredible flavors. The smell wafting through your kitchen at this point? Absolutely irresistible.
Tips and Tricks
Use Fresh Parmesan:
Freshly grated parmesan makes a big difference here. The pre-shredded stuff can be a bit waxy and doesn’t melt as nicely.
Choose Your Chicken:
If you’re not a fan of chicken breasts, boneless thighs work beautifully. They’re juicy and full of flavor. You can also use bone-in chicken pieces for an extra layer of richness—just adjust the cooking time.
Adjust the Garlic:
Love garlic? Add another clove or two. Not so much? You can dial it down without sacrificing too much flavor. If you’re really into bold flavors, consider roasting the garlic beforehand for a sweet, mellow twist.
Add Vegetables:
Want to make it a complete meal in one pan? Throw in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms while the sauce simmers. They’ll soak up all that garlic parmesan goodness.
Serving Suggestions
This garlic parmesan chicken pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, serve it with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. My personal favorite? A warm, crusty loaf of bread to soak up every last drop of that sauce. And if you’re feeling indulgent, a side of creamy mashed potatoes takes this dish to the next level.
For pasta lovers, try angel hair or fettuccine—they’re perfect for catching the creamy sauce. Or, go low-carb with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Cleanup: One pan means fewer dishes. That’s a win in my book.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you’ll have dinner ready in about 30 minutes.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of garlic, parmesan, and cream creates a sauce that’s rich, comforting, and absolutely irresistible.
- Versatile: You can switch up the protein, add veggies, or play around with the spices to make it your own.
Pro Tip
If you’re cooking for a crowd or want leftovers, double the sauce. Trust me, you’ll want extra for drizzling over whatever side dish you’re serving. And don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley—it adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Wrap-Up
This one-pan garlic parmesan chicken is the kind of recipe that makes life easier and tastier. It’s a simple, reliable dish you can whip up any night of the week. The creamy sauce, the golden chicken, and the burst of garlic flavor—it’s comfort food at its best. So, the next time you’re staring at your fridge wondering what to make, give this recipe a try. It’ll quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation.
And hey, don’t forget to let me know how it turned out! Did your family fight over the last piece like mine does? Or maybe you found the perfect side dish pairing? Whatever the case, I’d love to hear about it. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!
One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced (the more garlic, the better!)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Start by seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Dredge each piece of chicken in the mixture, making sure it’s well-coated. Shake off any excess and set aside. This coating adds a subtle crust that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through; it’ll finish cooking in the sauce later. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. If needed, cook the chicken in batches to get that perfect sear.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—burnt garlic isn’t fun for anyone.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze it and pick up all those flavorful bits. Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and paprika. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes until it starts to thicken. You’ll know it’s ready when it clings slightly to the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Combine and Cook
- Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon some of that creamy garlic goodness over the top of the chicken. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes. This ensures the chicken cooks through and soaks up all those incredible flavors. The smell wafting through your kitchen at this point? Absolutely irresistible.