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Home / Recipes
30 minutes
4.39 from 36 votes
12 Comments

Creamy Parmesan Chicken

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  • 338
by: Joanna Cismaru
05.03.22

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pin for creamy parmesan chicken.

This comforting and decadently Creamy Parmesan Chicken can be made in just about 30 minutes. For a gourmet looking and tasting meal, this is a must try.

closeup of creamy parmesan chicken in a skillet.

Super Easy Creamy Parmesan Chicken

This parmesan chicken is tremendously creamy, delicious, and completely satisfying. The thinly sliced chicken is dredged in an amazing coating that includes wonderful spices such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, and some nutty freshly grated parmesan cheese. It is then served with a simple creamy sauce for a lot of extra decadence. This is one of those wonderful easy dishes, with minimal prep that cooks in about 20 minutes.

Although you can eat creamy parmesan chicken by itself, I prefer to serve this creamy chicken recipe with a side of noodles, such as fettuccine, linguini or spaghetti, especially since all that fantastic sauce will smother the pasta in a lot of rich goodness. Don’t worry if you’re not into pasta, mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, or rice work just as well. To top everything off, cook up some vegetables to make it a well rounded meal.

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Highlights

✅ DELICIOUS AND COMFORTING. This chicken is so delicious and filled with a heap of fantastic flavors to entice your palate.

✅ SIMPLE. This creamy chicken has minimal prep and uses only a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your fridge and pantry.

✅ QUICK AND EASY. For a dish this good, it doesn’t seem possible that you can have it cooked in about 30 minutes, but you sure can. Perfect for a weekend dinner or even a special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

overhead shot of ingredients needed to make creamy parmesan chicken.
  • Chicken – Use a couple of large chicken breasts that are boneless and skinless. You want to cut them in half horizontally, this will help cook them faster. 4 smaller breasts work also.
  • Cheese – Freshly grated parmesan cheese is used for the coating to dredge the chicken in.
  • Breadcrumbs – I used panko crumbs, the plain ones, also part of the chicken coating.
  • Seasoning – I used Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper. The combination of these spices for the chicken really amp up the flavor.
  • Butter – Use unsalted butter to cook the chicken in and make the sauce. Did you know 4 tablespoons is equal to ¼ cup?
  • Garlic – Fresh garlic is minced and is great for the sauce. I also use some garlic powder in the breading.
  • Parsley – Use some chopped fresh parsley. Fresh is best but if you only have dried, use that.
  • Red pepper flakes – If you like a little heat, these dried red pepper flakes work well. Add a little extra if you like more spice.
  • Broth – I used low sodium chicken broth to control the amount of salt but regular chicken broth works as well.
  • Cream – Using heavy cream of at least 30% MF will really help to make the creamiest sauce ever. However, a lower fat cream can be used if you prefer, but it will not be quite as creamy.

How To Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken

detailed process shots showing how to make creamy parmesan chicken.

Prep And Cook The Chicken

In a shallow plate combine the parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Dredge the chicken breasts through the cheese mixture and shake off any excess.

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over low heat, you can always use olive oil if you prefer. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden on each side and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes per side. If you notice the chicken browns too quickly and doesn’t cook in the middle, lower the heat and cook slowly. Transfer the tender cooked chicken to a plate.

Make The Sauce

If there’s too much parmesan cheese left in the bottom of the skillet, wipe clean with a paper towel. Add the remaining butter to the skillet and add the garlic, parsley, red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning. Whisk ingredients and then cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic is aromatic. Deglaze the pan with the chicken broth. Stir in the heavy cream. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as necessary.

Return the chicken back to the skillet and simmer for another minute to warm up the chicken. Turn off the heat and spoon some of the sauce over the chicken. Serve immediately with pasta or steamed veggies.

closeup of creamy parmesan chicken in a skillet.

What Can I Use Instead Of Panko?

Panko is a Japanese-style of breadcrumbs. If you’re out, there are a number of easy substitutions from your pantry. Try toasted shredded bread, cracker crumbs, crushed melba toasts, or even just regular breadcrumbs.

Can I Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken Gluten-Free?

Yes! Swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten free panko. I have used them before and you won’t be able to tell the difference.

How Can I Tell When The Chicken Is Cooked Through

The best way and only way to accurately test whether the chicken is done is to use an instant read meat thermometer. Chicken breast is cooked with it reaches 165F, anything over that could result in a dry chicken breast.

creamy parmesan chicken over noodles.

Expert Tips

  1. Customize your dish by adding other seasonings such as a pinch of nutmeg or include more red pepper flakes for more heat, or try adding some fresh spinach or broccoli. Feel free to get creative with ingredients.
  2. If you like a thicker sauce, add a tablespoon of flour after melting the butter in step 3. Whisk it and cook it for about 30 seconds then continue with the sauce as instructed.
  3. You can substitute some of the cream with milk in this recipe to suit how rich you’d like it to be or if you want a healthier sauce.
  4. The chicken broth can be replaced with some dry white wine.

Leftovers

You can store this recipe easily in the fridge. In an airtight container it’ll keep for 3 – 5 days, just be sure it’s properly cooled before storing. Unfortunately this dish doesn’t freeze well so I recommend either making it day of or a few days before and storing in the fridge.

closeup of creamy parmesan chicken in a skillet.

More Great Recipes To Try

  • Easy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
  • Crispy Parmesan Potatoes
  • Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
  • Cajun Shrimp with Tomato Alfredo Pasta
  • Zucchini Pizza Bites
  • Eggplant Parmesan

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closeup of creamy parmesan chicken in a skillet.

Creamy Parmesan Chicken

4.39 from 36 votes
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Total: 30 mins
Author: Joanna Cismaru
Serves: 4
Print Pin Rate
This comforting and decadently Creamy Parmesan Chicken can be made in just about 30 minutes. For a gourmet looking and tasting meal, this is a must try.

Equipment

  • 12″ AllClad Stainless Skillet
  • Instant Read Meat Thermometer

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs such as Panko
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon pepper or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 large chicken breasts boneless and skinless cut in half horizontally or 4 smaller breasts

Sauce

  • ¼ cup butter unsalted (4 tablespoons)
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup chicken broth low sodium
  • 1 cup heavy cream
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Make the coating: In a shallow plate combine the parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Dredge the chicken breasts through the cheese mixture and shake off any excess.
  • Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over low heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden on each side and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes per side. If you notice the chicken browns too quickly and doesn't cook in the middle, lower the heat and cook slowly. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.
  • Make the sauce: If there's too much parmesan cheese left in the bottom of the skillet, wipe clean with a paper towel. Add the remaining butter to the skillet and add the garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic is aromatic. Deglaze the pan with the chicken broth. Stir in the heavy cream. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as necessary.
  • Finish and serve: Return the chicken back to the skillet and simmer for another minute to warm up the chicken. Turn off the heat and spoon some of the sauce over the chicken. Serve immediately with pasta or steamed veggies.

Video

Recipe Notes

  1. Customize your dish by adding other seasonings such as a pinch of nutmeg or include more red pepper flakes for more heat, or try adding some fresh spinach or broccoli. Feel free to get creative with ingredients.
  2. If you like a thicker sauce, add a tablespoon of flour after melting the butter in step 3. Whisk it and cook it for about 30 seconds then continue with the sauce as instructed.
  3. You can substitute some of the cream with milk in this recipe to suit how rich you’d like it to be or if you want a healthier sauce.
  4. The chicken broth can be replaced with some dry white wine.
  5. You can store this recipe easily in the fridge. In an airtight container it’ll keep for 3 – 5 days, just be sure it’s properly cooled before storing. Unfortunately this dish doesn’t freeze well so I recommend either making it day of or a few days before and storing in the fridge.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1servingCalories: 539kcal (27%)Carbohydrates: 15g (5%)Protein: 25g (50%)Fat: 43g (66%)Saturated Fat: 26g (163%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 165mg (55%)Sodium: 896mg (39%)Potassium: 397mg (11%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 1g (1%)Vitamin A: 2088IU (42%)Vitamin C: 7mg (8%)Calcium: 388mg (39%)Iron: 2mg (11%)
Course:Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine:American
Keyword:creamy chicken parmesan, parmesan chicken breast
Tried this recipe? Rate it belowtag @jocooks on instagram and hashtag it #jocooks!
  • 338

Meet Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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Comments

  1. Renee says

    February 19, 2022 at 5:56 pm

    5 stars
    Fantastic! It’s so hard to find a recipe that everyone in my family will eat. Everyone loved it. Served it with roasted broccoli and home-made Parmesan-rosemary breadsticks. Thanks for a great recipe!

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      February 20, 2022 at 10:38 am

      My pleasure, so glad you guys enjoyed it!

      Reply
  2. Chris W. says

    February 4, 2022 at 10:38 am

    5 stars
    Made this last night for dinner and we LOVED it! Served it with some oven roasted halved baby potatoes and green beans. This really was a great meal and simple to put together.

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      February 4, 2022 at 11:37 am

      So glad you liked it! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Jim J says

    January 30, 2022 at 10:00 pm

    5 stars
    We loved it. The only thing I changed was cooking it in the air fryer and made the sauce in the sauce pan.. put the sauce over some noodles and Broccoli. Another great recipe. Thanks Jo.

    Reply
  4. Anne says

    January 25, 2022 at 10:18 am

    Could you use creme fraiche instead of the cream?

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      January 25, 2022 at 10:36 am

      I haven’t tried it, but I think it would be just fine.

      Reply
      • Anne says

        January 25, 2022 at 10:41 am

        Thanks for the quick reply! I want to make it but only have creme fraiche in so I’ll give it a go (and let you know) x

  5. Jocelyne says

    January 24, 2022 at 5:48 pm

    5 stars
    The whole family loved this recipe. I kept the chicken out of the sauce as we loved how crispy they were. I thickened the sauce slightly too. Was amazing! Thank you so much for this recipe! 💗

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      January 24, 2022 at 6:49 pm

      My pleasure, glad you guys enjoyed it!

      Reply
  6. Chris W. says

    January 24, 2022 at 10:29 am

    It’s very close to lunch time and I just saw this post – made my stomach do flips. This is definitely going on my menu for next week. Sometimes, I just like to have the entire meal be done in one pan – appeals to my laziness, I guess. Even though I love to cook and try new things, there are times when quick is good. Hope you’re doing well and saying warm – it’s in the 20’s here and is actually kind of a heat wave after the last several days.

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      January 24, 2022 at 11:07 am

      Trust me, as much as I love to cook, I love a good easy one pot dish. We’re actually in the middle of a chinook so right now it’s in the 30’s and will get a bit warmer throughout the day, so can’t complain. 🙂

      Reply

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I'm Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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