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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This dish features juicy chicken seared to golden perfection, simmered in a rich garlic and Parmesan cream sauce with a splash of white wine. A touch of lemon brightens the flavor while freshly grated cheese adds depth. Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home. Ideal for weeknights or casual entertaining, this skillet dish is both elegant and satisfying.

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Last modified on Sun, 08 Jun 2025 09:37:47 GMT
A pan of garlic Parmesan chicken. Pin it
A pan of garlic Parmesan chicken. | dinabakery.com

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a flavor-packed dinner I find myself turning to over and over. It features juicy chicken breasts pan-seared until golden then simmered in a creamy white wine and garlic sauce with a generous helping of fresh Parmesan. It is the kind of dish that makes everyone quiet at the dinner table in the best way.

I first made this on a cold night with just what I had in my fridge and pantry. It instantly became a family favorite and now it is part of our regular rotation.

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean when pounded evenly and cooked just right
  • Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken and adds flavor without heaviness
  • Garlic: Use fresh cloves for the most intense aroma and flavor
  • Dry white wine: Adds acidity and depth choose a bottle you would enjoy drinking
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps build the roux for a silky sauce
  • All purpose flour: Thickens the sauce smoothly when cooked into the butter
  • Chicken broth: Adds savory base notes to the sauce use low sodium if possible
  • Heavy cream: Just a splash makes the sauce lush and creamy
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty nutty depth always grate it from a block
  • Worcestershire sauce: A small amount boosts umami flavor in the background
  • Mustard powder: Adds gentle tang and complexity to the sauce
  • Honey: Balances the savory with just a hint of sweetness
  • Dried herbs: Oregano basil parsley and onion powder work together to season every layer
  • Fresh lemon juice: Brightens everything right before serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Chicken:
Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise for even cooking then cover with plastic wrap and pound to half inch thickness using the textured side of a mallet
Season and Sear:
Season both sides of the chicken with salt pepper and dried parsley then heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high and sear chicken for four to five minutes per side until a golden crust forms set aside
Deglaze the Pan:
Turn off heat add wine and then return heat to medium use a spatula to scrape the browned bits from the bottom let wine bubble and reduce for two minutes then add minced garlic and cook another two to three minutes until fragrant and reduced
Build the Roux:
Add butter to the skillet and let it melt then sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for one to two minutes to cook off the raw taste
Add the Sauce:
Slowly pour in your pre mixed sauce ingredients while stirring constantly bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cook for eight minutes until slightly thickened
Melt the Cheese:
Lower the heat and gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth finish with lemon juice for brightness
Return the Chicken:
Add the chicken back to the skillet spoon the sauce over top and heat through for five more minutes serve garnished with fresh parsley
A pan of garlic Parmesan chicken. Pin it
A pan of garlic Parmesan chicken. | dinabakery.com

I always look forward to grating the Parmesan by hand the aroma alone tells me this dish is going to be good. One night my youngest daughter took a bite and shouted this is better than pizza. That moment is why I keep making it.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage freeze in individual portions with sauce and reheat gently in a covered skillet or microwave with a splash of broth to refresh the texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have white wine chicken broth works just fine though the sauce will be slightly less sharp. You can use boneless thighs instead of breasts just cook a bit longer. For dairy free swap the cream with full fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan though flavor will differ.

Serving Suggestions

Mashed potatoes soak up the sauce perfectly. Roasted green beans or asparagus make a crisp contrast. You can also serve over buttered noodles or with garlic bread to scoop up every drop.

A pan of garlic Parmesan chicken. Pin it
A pan of garlic Parmesan chicken. | dinabakery.com

Cultural Context

This dish draws from Italian American influences particularly the pairing of garlic cream and Parmesan. It is not traditional Italian but feels familiar and comforting in the way many Italian inspired recipes do in home kitchens across America.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Adjust cook time as needed.

→ What white wine is best for the sauce?

Dry white wines like Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc offer the best flavor balance.

→ Can I make this dish without wine?

Yes, substitute chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version. The flavor will still be rich and savory.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

→ What's the best cheese for this sauce?

Always use freshly grated Parmesan from a block for the best melting and flavor. Avoid pre-shredded varieties.

→ Can this dish be served with pasta?

Absolutely! Toss the chicken and sauce with cooked pasta for a hearty meal variation.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet

Juicy chicken in garlic-Parmesan sauce with a white wine finish. Perfect with veggies or mashed potatoes.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
35 minutes
Total Preparation Time
50 minutes
By: Dina

Featured in: Main Dishes

Difficulty Level: Medium

Cuisine Type: American

Number of Portions: 4 Serving Size

Dietary Options: ~

The Ingredients You'll Need

→ Sauce

01 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
02 ¼ cup heavy cream
03 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
04 1 teaspoon mustard powder
05 1 teaspoon honey
06 ½ chicken bouillon cube
07 ½ teaspoon onion powder
08 ½ teaspoon dried oregano
09 ½ teaspoon dried basil
10 ½ teaspoon dried parsley

→ Chicken

11 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
12 Salt, to taste
13 Black pepper, to taste
14 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
15 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
16 ¾ cup dry white wine
17 4 cloves garlic, minced
18 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
19 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
20 ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
21 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Combine chicken broth, cream, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, honey, bouillon cube, onion powder, oregano, basil, and parsley in a measuring cup with a spout and set aside.

Step 02

Slice chicken breasts lengthwise into thinner cutlets. Cover with plastic wrap and pound to ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet.

Step 03

Season chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and parsley. Sear in a heated skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Set aside.

Step 04

Turn off heat, add white wine, then return to medium heat. Scrape skillet to release browned bits, bring to a gentle simmer, and reduce for 2 minutes.

Step 05

Add garlic to the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes until reduced. Stir in butter and flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.

Step 06

Gradually add sauce mixture in small splashes while stirring. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 8 minutes until thickened.

Step 07

Lower heat and gradually stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice until fully melted and combined.

Step 08

Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Heat through for 5 minutes until fully coated and warmed. Serve garnished with parsley.

Extra Tips

  1. Grate cheese from a block for optimal melt and flavor; avoid pre-shredded varieties.
  2. Use a 12-inch skillet to allow the sauce to reduce properly and develop flavor.
  3. Dry white wines such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay are ideal; substitute with chicken broth if needed.

Tools You'll Need

  • 12-inch stainless steel sauté pan
  • Meat mallet
  • Measuring cup with spout
  • Silicone spatula
  • Box cheese grater
  • Kitchen tongs
  • Measuring spoons
  • Garlic peeler

Allergy Information

Check ingredient labels to avoid allergens, and speak to an expert if necessary.
  • Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, butter)
  • Contains gluten (flour)

Nutritional Details (per serving)

These figures are for informational purposes only. Always consult a professional if needed.
  • Calorie Count: 351
  • Fat: 23 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 10 grams
  • Proteins: 19 grams