This Creamy Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken is the kind of dish that feels elegant enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, it features juicy chicken cutlets seared to golden perfection and simmered in a rich garlic butter cream sauce with Parmesan and mozzarella. Comforting, flavorful, and naturally gluten-free, it’s a recipe that never fails to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: A restaurant-quality dinner in just half an hour.
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Flavor-Packed: Garlic, butter, Parmesan, and cream create a luscious sauce.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or gluten-free bake mix for breading.
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Versatile: Pairs well with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
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2 large chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
Breading
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4 tablespoons almond flour or gluten-free bake mix
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2 tablespoons canned Parmesan cheese
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½ teaspoon salt (reduce to ¼ teaspoon if using salty chicken stock)
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce
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2 tablespoons butter
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3 tablespoons minced garlic
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1¼ cups chicken stock
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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¼ cup grated mozzarella cheese
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½ cup Parmesan cheese
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½ teaspoon dried parsley or cilantro
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2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create cutlets. In a small bowl, mix the almond flour (or gluten-free mix), Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Coat both sides of each chicken cutlet with the mixture. -
Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken cutlets, turning occasionally, until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside. -
Make the Sauce
In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the chicken stock, heavy cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, and dried herbs. Cook until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth and creamy. -
Combine and Finish
Add the chicken back into the sauce and simmer for 1–2 minutes, or until fully cooked through. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.
Helpful Tips
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If using store-bought chicken stock, reduce the salt in the breading to prevent the dish from being overly salty.
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For extra depth of flavor, make your own chicken stock by simmering a rotisserie chicken carcass with water, salt, parsley, thyme, and black pepper.
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Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Freeze cooled chicken in sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
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Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken is proof that weeknight meals can feel indulgent without being complicated. With golden seared chicken and a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. Pair it with pasta, rice, or a crisp salad, and you’ll have a complete, crowd-pleasing dinner in no time.