When I first made this One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe, I was amazed at how it turned a busy weeknight into a gourmet experience! The tender chicken, paired with a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, was like a dish you’d order at a fancy restaurant. You can also enjoy similar recipes like this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for more creamy, cheesy goodness.

Best of all, the flavors were sublime. Creamy, garlicky, cheesy perfection that paired beautifully with a side of rice, veggies, or pasta. And because everything cooks in one skillet, the cleanup? An absolute dream. This is one recipe I find myself making on repeat because it’s just that good.

What You Need to Make This Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

Each ingredient plays a key role in bringing out the best flavors in this dish. Here’s your list to get started.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounded to ½-inch thickness for even cooking.
2 shallots, finely diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
3 garlic cloves, minced: The star ingredient that infuses the sauce with bold flavor.
½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated: Melts beautifully into the sauce for a rich, cheesy taste.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: For a touch of freshness and color.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce and makes it silky smooth.
1 cup half-and-half or whole milk: The creamy base of the sauce.
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth: Enhances the savory flavors and keeps the sauce from being too heavy.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: To season the dish just right.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: For a subtle kick in both the chicken and the sauce.

Note: This recipe serves four. Adjust quantities if you’re cooking for a larger group or meal prepping for the week.

Easy Variations to Personalize Your Dish

Make this recipe your own by tweaking ingredients or throwing in something new!

Go dairy-free: Substitute coconut milk or almond milk for the half-and-half and try vegan Parmesan for a creamy, non-dairy option.
Add veggies: Toss in fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
Use a different protein: Try boneless pork chops or turkey cutlets instead of chicken; they work just as beautifully in this recipe.

Cooking Time Breakdown

This creamy, garlicky chicken dish comes together in a flash!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Essential Tools for This Recipe

You don’t need much to make this one-pan meal. Here’s what I recommend having on hand:

Large skillet: The star of this dish, where all the magic happens.
Tongs: Perfect for flipping the chicken without breaking that beautiful golden crust.
Grater: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better, and a grater makes it easy.

How to Make One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

This recipe is straightforward and so rewarding to make. Follow these step-by-step instructions for success.

Prep the Chicken

Start by laying your chicken breasts flat in a zip-top bag or between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them evenly to about ½-inch thick. This ensures even, quick cooking. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.

Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for about 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate, but don’t clean the skillet—that’s where all the flavor is!

Cook the Aromatics

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and melt it, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken. Toss in the diced shallots and garlic, cooking gently until they’re soft and fragrant. This will create the base of your mouthwatering sauce.

Make the Sauce

Pour in the half-and-half and chicken broth, stirring as you go. Bring the mixture to a simmer while scraping the skillet to deglaze it. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt completely into the sauce. The result should be a creamy, velvety sauce with a hint of garlic and cheese.

Simmer and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon the sauce over each piece to coat it evenly. Simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to ensure the chicken absorbs the flavors and the sauce thickens slightly. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish just before serving to add a pop of freshness.

Extra Tips to Perfect This Dish

These tips—from my experience making this recipe multiple times—will help you get the best results every time!

Pound the chicken evenly: This guarantees quicker cooking and prevents unevenly cooked meat.
Use quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan delivers a silkier sauce and richer flavor. Avoid pre-packaged, powdered alternatives.
Taste as you go: Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasoning as needed for the perfect balance.
Deglaze the skillet well: Those browned bits add fantastic depth to your sauce. Scrape them thoroughly when adding the broth and cream.

How to Serve One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

The beauty of this dish lies in how easily it pairs with a variety of sides. Here are my favorite ways to serve it.

Cozy pasta night: Serve it over fettuccine or spaghetti and toss the noodles in the sauce for a creamy, comforting meal.
Rice lover’s dream: Pair it with a bed of rice to soak up every drop of that delicious sauce.
Veggie-packed plate: Steamed asparagus or broccoli makes a perfect healthy side, balancing the richness of the dish. For another flavorful chicken dish, check out this Tuscan Pancetta Chicken Breast in Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe.

Nutritional Information

Here’s what you can expect nutritionally in each serving of this dish.

Calories: 563
Protein: 67g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fat: 29g

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Busy schedules are no match for this dish. Here’s how to prep and store it.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it separately. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce in a skillet, add the chicken, and simmer until warmed through.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

Reheating: Reheat the dish in a skillet over low heat, stirring the sauce occasionally. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

This recipe stands out for so many great reasons.

Super easy to make: With one pan and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for any weeknight.
Rich yet approachable: The garlic Parmesan sauce feels sophisticated but is incredibly easy to make.
Versatile serving options: Pair it with pasta, rice, or veggies, and the results will always be fantastic.
Kid-friendly: The mild, creamy flavor appeals to even the pickiest eaters.
Minimal cleanup: One pan means fewer dishes, giving you more time to relax and enjoy!

If you’re a fan of easy skillet dinners, this One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken is bound to become a regular in your meal rotation. Its rich sauce, tender chicken, and versatility make it a winner every time. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll have a new favorite go-to recipe! If you’re looking for more dinner ideas, explore our collection of dinner recipes for inspiration.