Quick & Cozy: One-Pan Parmesan Chicken

If you’re searching for a knockout weeknight meal that feels like it belongs in your favorite trattoria, look no further than this one-pan creamy garlic butter Parmesan chicken! Succulent chicken breasts are enveloped in a silky, garlicky cream sauce with a generous snowfall of Parmesan, all ready in just 30 minutes. This is CUISINE
Italian
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4 servings at its most comforting and approachable—decadent but easy, with flavors that wow every time. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy dinner or impressing friends, this dish will quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this dish? The ingredient list is brief, fuss-free, and every item earns its keep. These elements combine effortlessly to deliver that signature CUISINE
Italian
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4 servings experience: tender chicken, bold flavor, and a creamy finish that begs to be mopped up with bread.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Using breasts keeps things lean and quick-cooking, but you can swap for thighs for more juiciness.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and building flavor.
• Garlic powder: Adds an extra punch of savory depth to the chicken before searing.
• Paprika: A touch of this spice lends subtle warmth and color to the meat.
• Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and adds that classic Mediterranean note.
• Butter: Lends richness and creates a base for the creamy sauce.
• Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for that signature aromatic kick.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luscious and smooth, perfect for swirling with Parmesan.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated if possible for the creamiest melt and the biggest flavor payoff.
• Chicken broth: Lightens the sauce and balances out all that richness.
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a flash of color and freshness right before serving.

How to Make CUISINE
Italian
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4 servings

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Begin by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this helps them brown beautifully. Generously sprinkle each side with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a dusting of paprika. Letting the chicken sit with these seasonings for a moment sets the stage for that irresistible CUISINE
Italian
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4 servings flavor you love.

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Place your seasoned chicken breasts in the pan, letting them sizzle untouched for 5 to 6 minutes per side. You want a gorgeous golden crust and chicken cooked all the way through. Once done, remove them to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same pan (don’t wipe it out—you want all those browned bits!), melt a pat of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 1 minute. This short step infuses the entire sauce with deep, savory aroma—a hallmark of CUISINE
Italian
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4 servings cooking.

Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in your chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring as you scrape up any flavorful bits left at the bottom of the skillet. Lower the heat and whisk in your grated Parmesan until the sauce turns creamy and thickens slightly. The sauce will cloak the back of a spoon when it’s ready, smelling absolutely heavenly.

Step 5: Finish & Simmer

Return the chicken to the skillet, tucking it right into that velvety sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of each breast, and let everyone simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes. This final step melds the flavors and lets each piece soak up plenty of creamy, cheesy goodness—now that’s the essence of CUISINE
Italian
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4 servings!

How to Serve CUISINE
Italian
SERVINGS
4 servings

Garnishes

Nothing finishes a CUISINE
Italian
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4 servings masterpiece quite like a flourish of fresh parsley. Scatter chopped parsley over the finished dish for a flash of green and a bright, herbal lift. If you’re feeling fancy, a little extra grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper takes this over the top.

Side Dishes

This chicken begs to be paired with something that can mop up every drop of sauce. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery noodles, or even classic crusty bread. For a lighter touch, a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon provides a fresh contrast to the rich main event—ensuring your CUISINE
Italian
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4 servings meal is perfectly balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this meal straight from the skillet at the table for a rustic, family-style presentation that screams comfort. Or, slice the chicken breasts and fan them over a bed of polenta for a restaurant-level plating. For a special twist, add sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes right into the sauce as the chicken simmers—the customization possibilities are endless with CUISINE
Italian
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4 servings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce will thicken as it chills, but that’s an easy fix! Enjoy your CUISINE
Italian
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4 servings dish for up to three days after cooking.

Freezing

While the cream sauce might change texture after freezing, you can still stash cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. To keep the sauce from separating, thaw slowly in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

For best results, warm leftovers over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s silky consistency. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Your CUISINE
Italian
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4 servings creation will taste freshly made all over again!

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and soak up the sauce beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, since thighs may take a few more minutes to cook through.

Is it okay to use pre-grated Parmesan?

You can, but freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly into the sauce and offers a much richer flavor. It’s worth the little bit of extra effort if you have a block on hand!

What’s the best way to tell if my chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part has reached 165°F. Otherwise, cut into the center to ensure the juices run clear and there’s no pink left in the middle.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You certainly can prep it ahead! The flavors actually improve as they meld. Reheat gently with extra broth or cream and the sauce will revive beautifully for your next CUISINE
Italian
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4 servings.

How can I lighten up the sauce without losing flavor?

Try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, or even swap in a mix of chicken broth and a spoonful of Greek yogurt at the end for tang and body.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about gathering around a table for a meal that feels both luxurious and totally doable on a weeknight. When you serve up CUISINE
Italian
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4 servings, you’re sharing a little joy and a lot of flavor with everyone at your table—so go ahead and give this recipe your own spin, and watch it become a cherished favorite in your home too!

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