Learn how to make Creamy Parmesan Chicken Breast in just one skillet and 25 minutes. Enjoy juicy chicken in a rich, cheesy sauce with simple ingredients and minimal cleanup. This family-friendly recipe combines comfort and speed on busy nights.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
When Simple Ingredients Became a Favorite
One evening I had chicken breasts, Parmesan, garlic, and cream in the fridge. I didn’t feel like cooking, but I was craving something comforting. I sautéed the chicken, added the creamy Parmesan sauce, and watched my family dive in. It felt like a cozy weekend treat—but it was ready in just 25 minutes.
This dish brings that same satisfying cheesy flavor from our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes, but with a lighter, quicker twist.
Why This Creamy Sauce Works Every Time
Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, making it smooth and indulgent without being heavy. Garlic and a hint of butter round it out. It tastes rich but never feels overly filling—just like the comforting notes in our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes.
The skillet-based cooking seals in the juices and builds layers of flavor effortlessly. It’s the kind of recipe that makes cleanup easy yet feels impressive.
Ingredients & Prep
Ingredients Checklist
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
If you love creamy chicken like our Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Breast, you’ll feel right at home with this creamy Parmesan version.
Prep Steps
Pat chicken dry, season with salt and pepper. Mince your garlic and grate Parmesan. This prep ensures smooth cooking and sauce consistency.
Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F in the thickest part of the chicken—ensuring juiciness and perfect doneness.
Print
Creamy Parmesan Chicken Breast (25-Minute Skillet Recipe)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Parmesan Chicken Breast is a rich, cheesy skillet meal ready in 25 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry, season with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil and half the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining butter and garlic to skillet; sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning; simmer until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken, spoon sauce over, and cook 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For a lighter version, use half-and-half but expect a thinner sauce. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breast
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: creamy parmesan chicken, skillet chicken breast, cheesy chicken recipe, 25-minute chicken dinner
How to Cook It Right
Searing the Chicken
Heat olive oil and half the butter in a skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Making the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add remaining butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly.
Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and cook 2–3 more minutes to heat through.
Garnish with parsley, then serve over rice, pasta, or alongside roasted or mashed vegetables—or pair with our crowd-pleasing Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Potatoes for a full comfort meal.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes—dark meat works great. Cook 1–2 minutes longer per side.
Can I swap cream for something else?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of extra cheese, but sauce may be less thick.
How do I reheat this dish?
Gently warm on the stove with a splash of water or cream to loosen sauce.
How long do leftovers last?
Store up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently for best texture.
Conclusion
Creamy Parmesan Chicken Breast (25-Minute Skillet Recipe) delivers tender chicken, rich sauce, and easy cleanup—all in under half an hour. It’s ideal for busy evenings or casual date nights. Thanks to the creamy Parmesan sauce and garlic flavor, it feels comforting without being overly rich.
Serve it solo or pair it with potatoes, pasta, or veggies. And don’t forget our 15-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp for a delicious surf-and-turf option.