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One pan garlic parmesan chicken is a simple, creamy, and flavorful dinner for busy nights. This easy recipe uses tender chicken, fresh garlic, parmesan cheese, and simple seasonings.
Delilah Cooks

One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

One pan garlic parmesan chicken is a simple, creamy, and flavorful dinner for busy nights. This easy recipe uses tender chicken, fresh garlic, parmesan cheese, and simple seasonings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American-Italian Inspired
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
Optional Additions
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Extra parmesan cheese
  • Fresh lemon wedges

Method
 

Cooking Instructions for One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken
    Prepare the Chicken
    1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This removes extra moisture and helps the seasonings stick better during cooking.
    Flatten Thick Chicken Breasts
    1. If the chicken breasts are very thick, gently pound them to an even thickness. This helps them cook more evenly.
    Season the Chicken
    1. Mix parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
    Coat the Chicken
    1. Rub the seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts. Make sure each piece receives an even coating.
    Heat the Skillet
    1. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and allow it to become hot before adding the chicken.
    Sear the Chicken
    1. Place the chicken into the hot skillet. Cook for several minutes until the bottom becomes golden and lightly browned.
    Flip the Chicken
    1. Turn each chicken breast carefully using tongs. Cook the other side until it becomes golden and lightly crisp.
    Remove the Chicken
    1. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate. It does not need to be fully cooked yet because it will finish later.
    Cook the Garlic
    1. Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet, then cook until fragrant.
    Add the Chicken Broth
    1. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet. Scrape the browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor.
    Make the Creamy Sauce
    1. Add heavy cream and parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir gently until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce.
    Add the Chicken Back
    1. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon some garlic parmesan sauce over the top of each piece.
    Finish Cooking
    1. Cover the skillet loosely and cook until the chicken becomes tender and fully cooked throughout.
    Check the Temperature
    1. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part. Chicken should reach 165°F internally before serving.
    Add Fresh Flavor
    1. Turn off the heat and add fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken and creamy sauce.
    Serve Warm
    1. Serve the chicken immediately with extra parmesan cheese. Spoon the flavorful garlic sauce over each serving.

    Notes

    • Pat the chicken dry before seasoning for better browning.
    • Use chicken breasts with similar thickness for even cooking.
    • Do not cook the chicken over extremely high heat.
    • Fresh garlic gives the strongest and best flavor.
    • Use freshly grated parmesan for a smoother sauce.
    • Avoid boiling the cream sauce too aggressively.
    • Scrape the browned bits from the skillet for extra flavor.
    • Let the chicken rest briefly before slicing.
    • Add lemon juice at the end for fresh flavor.
    • Use chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
    • Add spinach during the final minutes of cooking.
    • Add broccoli after the sauce begins simmering.
    • Check the chicken temperature before serving.
    • Use a heavy skillet for better heat distribution.
    • Add red pepper flakes if you enjoy gentle heat.