If you’re craving a dinner that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, you’re in for a treat! This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something quick, creamy, and utterly delicious — without fussing over complicated steps. The golden, tender chicken swimming in that rich garlic-Parmesan sauce will quickly become your new weeknight favorite, I promise.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy & Simple: From start to finish, this skillet recipe comes together in just about 25 minutes.
Creamy, Comforting Flavor: The garlic and Parmesan sauce is ultra-rich but balanced with a hint of lemon for brightness.
One-Pan Magic: Cook everything in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze — perfect for busy nights.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish, especially when served over creamy mashed potatoes.

A white plate holds a meal with three main parts: mashed potatoes on the right topped with a square of butter and sprinkled with green herbs, bright green beans in the upper middle sprinkled with coarse salt, and a golden-brown piece of meat covered with creamy white sauce that has small green herb pieces, placed on the left. Two lemon wedges rest behind the green beans, adding bright yellow color. The plate sits on a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet, Easy garlic Parmesan chicken, Creamy chicken skillet dinner, One-pan chicken with Parmesan, Quick weeknight chicken recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe combines simple pantry staples with fresh ingredients to create a beautifully balanced dish. The mix of spices brings depth, the Parmesan adds savoriness, and the cream sauce coats each bite just right.

Flat lay of two large raw chicken breasts with smooth pale pink skin, a small mound of fine white cornflour powder, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden oil, a peeled small white onion whole, three large peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl of grated pale yellow parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of fresh bright green chopped parsley, a small white bowl of cream with a smooth surface, a small white bowl with light yellow lemon juice, a small white bowl with pale beige chicken stock, a scattering of whole black peppercorns, and a small pinch of coarse salt crystals all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet, Easy garlic Parmesan chicken, Creamy chicken skillet dinner, One-pan chicken with Parmesan, Quick weeknight chicken recipe

Chicken breasts: I slice mine thin to ensure quick, even cooking and tender bites.
Cornflour (cornstarch): This helps create a delightful golden crust on the chicken.
Salt and pepper: Basics, but they elevate the flavors perfectly.
Garlic powder: Enhances that garlic flavor even before the fresh garlic starts cooking.
Paprika: Adds just the right smoky warmth and color to the seasoning mix.
Oil: For frying the chicken; I usually use vegetable oil because it has a neutral flavor.
Onion: Finely chopped to melt into the sauce for subtle sweetness.
Fresh garlic: Minced to bring that freshgarlic punch which this recipe lives for.
Chicken stock: Use a strong stock for maximum flavor; homemade or good-quality cubes work great.
Double (heavy) cream: The secret to that luscious, silky sauce you won’t want to stop dipping into.
Lemon juice: Balances out the creaminess with a little bright acidity.
Parmesan cheese: Finely grated — the real MVP for richness and the perfect cheesy punch.
Fresh parsley: Chopped, to garnish and impart a fresh herbal note.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe is. Once you have the base down, you can tweak it to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Don’t be shy to make it your own!

Low-carb option: Skip the cornflour and serve with cauliflower mash instead of potatoes — still creamy and satisfying.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning for a gentle kick.
Herb variations: Swap parsley for fresh basil or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
Cheesy upgrade: Stir in some mozzarella or fontina along with the Parmesan for even cheesier sauce.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prep & Coat Your Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts horizontally so you have four nice thin steaks. This is key for quick cooking and tender results. Next, mix the cornflour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a small bowl. Coat each piece of chicken on both sides with this seasoning blend — it’s this step that creates that mouthwatering golden crust you’ll love.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and let it cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally so each side gets a beautiful golden color. You want it cooked through but still juicy inside — thin pieces make this so easy. Once done, pile the chicken on one side of the pan.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the empty space of your skillet, add the chopped onion. If it looks dry, splash a bit more oil. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens. Toss in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook another minute until fragrant — trust me, this aroma is irresistible. Now stir in your chicken stock, cream, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Arrange the chicken evenly in the pan again.

Step 4: Simmer for Perfection

Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 3 minutes. You’re looking for a sauce that thickens just enough to cling to the chicken — rich, velvety, and flavorful. Give it a gentle stir to make sure the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet hot, topped with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and extra Parmesan. I love pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans—my family’s absolute favorite combo. But honestly, pasta, rice, or crispy sautéed potatoes also work wonders.

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe

Thin Chicken Slices: I learned that slicing chicken breasts thinly not only speeds up cooking but keeps the meat tender and juicy.
Don’t Skip Cornflour: The coating crisps up beautifully and thickens the sauce just a little — it’s a game-changer I discovered after some trial runs.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has a richer flavor compared to pre-grated packets.
Watch the Sauce Thickness: Avoid over-simmering or the cream might split; a gentle simmer is key to a silky sauce.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe

A white plate holds a meal with three sections. On the left is a golden-brown piece of cooked chicken topped with a creamy light beige sauce sprinkled with chopped green herbs. Below the chicken is a mousse-like creamy mashed potato with a square pat of melting butter on top, lightly dusted with black pepper and a few green herb bits. On the right side, a bunch of fresh bright green beans are neatly placed, sprinkled with some white grated cheese. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a small white bowl of grated cheese in the upper left and a small white bowl of chopped green herbs in the top right, along with a lemon wedge on the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet, Easy garlic Parmesan chicken, Creamy chicken skillet dinner, One-pan chicken with Parmesan, Quick weeknight chicken recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is my go-to garnish here. It adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal brightness that contrasts perfectly with the richness of the sauce. I also love sprinkling a bit of freshly grated Parmesan and cracked black pepper right before serving — little touches that elevate the dish!

Side Dishes

I usually serve this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet with buttery mashed potatoes and steamed green beans — a classic combo that never disappoints. But sometimes I switch it up with garlic butter pasta, rice pilaf, or crispy sautéed baby potatoes for extra comfort and variety.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the chicken over a swirl of mashed potatoes, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with whole parsley sprigs for a rustic yet elegant look. Toasted pine nuts or chopped sun-dried tomatoes sprinkled on top add a nice textural contrast too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend transferring the chicken and sauce to a shallow dish for quicker and more even cooling.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, although I find the cream sauce is best fresh. If freezing, cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It should keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the skillet gently over low heat or microwave in bursts to avoid the cream separating. Adding a splash of chicken stock or cream can help loosen the sauce back up to silky perfection.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While I recommend chicken breasts sliced thin for even cooking, you can use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat — just adjust cooking time as thighs might take a little longer to cook through and will give a slightly different texture.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream and Parmesan?

Yes! You can substitute the cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and nutritional yeast can stand in for Parmesan to provide that cheesy flavor. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ slightly from the classic version.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Since the chicken is sliced thin, 6-7 minutes of frying over medium heat usually cooks it through — the meat should be white and firm to the touch. If you want to be sure, cut into the thickest part to check there’s no pink.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely. Use gluten-free cornflour/cornstarch and check your chicken stock is gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe easy to adapt.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s simple enough for busy nights but special enough to feel like a treat. The creamy sauce with bright lemon and fragrant garlic always impresses my family and guests alike. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do — it’s a comforting, show-stopping dish you’ll come back to time and time again!