Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe

If you’re in the mood for something ultra comforting, quick to assemble, and guaranteed to be a weeknight hero, you absolutely have to try Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken. Tender slices of chicken are smothered in a decadent, cheesy sauce spiked with fresh garlic, then baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Each bite is rich, savory, and just a little bit fancy—yet totally foolproof. Perfect for family dinners or impressing company, this dish is about to become your new favorite way to elevate chicken night.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of everyday staples to make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken, but don’t underestimate their power! Each ingredient brings something essential—whether that’s velvety texture, bursts of salty flavor, or that irresistible cheesy topping. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Chicken Breasts: Thinly sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts cook through evenly and soak up all that luscious sauce.
• Mayonnaise: Acts as a secret weapon, keeping the chicken moist and giving the sauce its signature silky, creamy consistency.
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and meltable, parmesan is the backbone of both the sauce and cheesy crust.
• Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses the entire dish with warmth and zesty flavor—don’t skimp!
• Garlic Salt (or Seasoned Salt): Balances the richness of the sauce and boosts overall savoriness in each bite.
• Freshly Cracked Pepper: Adds a little zing and depth to complement the creamy sauce.
• Chopped Parsley (optional): Just a sprinkle brings color and a dash of freshness to every plate.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F—this temperature is perfect for making sure the chicken cooks through without drying out. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or any large baking dish. Lay your thinly sliced chicken breasts in an even layer. Spacing them out ensures each piece gets a good smothering of sauce and bakes up juicy every time.

Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ½ cup of shredded parmesan cheese, the freshly minced garlic, garlic salt or seasoned salt, and cracked pepper. The mayo is the secret to that unforgettable creamy texture, while the fresh garlic and seasonings give every spoonful tons of flavor. Stir until smooth and well-combined—you want a rich, thick sauce ready to slather over your chicken.

Step 3: Top the Chicken Generously

Spoon the creamy sauce over each chicken breast, making sure to coat every piece from edge to edge. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of parmesan cheese over everything. This double layer of cheese forms a glorious, bubbling top crust once baked—and trust me, you want every bit of it.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes. The chicken will cook through and the top will get beautifully golden and bubbly. Check with an instant-read meat thermometer; you’re looking for the chicken to hit at least 165°F in the thickest part. If you like an even crispier top, pop it under the broiler for a couple of extra minutes—but watch closely!

Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Let the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken rest for a few minutes out of the oven so the sauce thickens just a bit more. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness, if you’d like. Now you’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped parsley not only brings gorgeous color but also adds a gentle freshness that plays perfectly with the creamy richness of the dish. For an extra touch, try a few grinds of black pepper or a fine dusting of extra parmesan just before serving.

Side Dishes

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is heavenly with sides that help soak up every drop of cheesy sauce. Think buttery mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or a bed of fluffy white rice. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad or simply blanched green beans bring lovely balance and crunch to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to get a bit fancy? Serve the chicken sliced atop al dente pasta, or pile it onto toasted baguette rounds for a fun party appetizer. For a hearty twist, make it into a rustic sandwich with arugula and roasted red peppers layered on a soft roll—absolutely irresistible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, making reheated portions even more flavorful!

Freezing

If you need to make this ahead, simply bake as directed, cool fully, then wrap portions individually or store the whole pan tightly covered. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

For the best flavor and texture, reheat Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken in a 350°F oven, covered, until warmed through—about 15 minutes. If the sauce seems a bit thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth before reheating. You can also microwave, but keep it low and slow to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and will be extra juicy. You may need to add just a few minutes to the baking time to ensure they cook fully.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

If you’re not a fan of mayo, try using plain Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and a little sour cream. The sauce will be tangy and just as creamy!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken up to a day ahead. Simply cover and refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready. It’s a great option for busy nights or entertaining.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the center of the thickest piece—there shouldn’t be any pink left.

Is there a way to lighten up the recipe?

You can use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in place of full-fat mayo for a lighter sauce, and try reducing the amount of cheese just a bit. It’s still delicious and creamy, with all the classic flavors you love!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving pure comfort and flavor with minimal fuss, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is the answer. It’s one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to whenever you need to impress—or just feel extra cozy at home. Give it a try and let it become your new family favorite!

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