Elevate weeknight dinners with this show-stopping Creamy Parmesan Chicken Breasts recipe. Perfectly seared chicken breasts are nestled in a dreamy Parmesan-garlic sauce, brightened by sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. With simple pantry staples—flour, butter, olive oil, garlic, cream, and cheese—you’ll create a restaurant-quality dish in under 30 minutes. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside mashed potatoes, this recipe will become a family favorite for its rich flavor, elegant presentation, and effortless cooking method.
Cooking Time
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Preparation: 10 minutes
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Searing Chicken: 10 minutes
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Sauce & Finish: 8 minutes
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Total: 28 minutes
Ingredients (serves 4)
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 600–700 g total)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
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1 cup (240 ml) chicken stock
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1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
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1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 tsp dried thyme
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1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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1/3 cup (50 g) chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
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Handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Score & Season the Chicken
Lightly score the tops of each chicken breast in a shallow checkerboard pattern—this helps seasoning penetrate and promotes even cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. -
Dredge in Flour
Spread 1/2 cup flour on a plate. Lightly coat each breast, shaking off excess flour for a light crust. -
Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp butter and let it melt, swirling to coat the pan. Place chicken breasts in the pan and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized. Transfer to a plate and set aside. -
Sauté the Garlic
In the same pan, add chopped garlic. Sauté 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning. -
Build the Sauce
Pour in 1 cup chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the pan bottom for extra flavor. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. -
Add Cheese & Seasonings
Whisk in 1/2 cup Parmesan until melted and smooth. Stir in 1/2 tsp dried thyme and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for a subtle herbal and spicy note. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. -
Incorporate Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Fold in 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, allowing their sweet, tangy flavor to infuse the sauce. -
Finish the Chicken
Return the chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon sauce over each piece, cover, and cook 5 more minutes until the chicken cooks through (internal temperature of 74 °C/165 °F). -
Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the chicken for a bright, aromatic finish. Serve immediately with your choice of starch.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 550 kcal • Protein: 38 g • Carbohydrates: 8 g • Fat: 38 g • Fiber: 1 g • Sodium: 750 mg
Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Creamy, cheese-laden sauces in chicken dishes trace back to European home cooking traditions, especially French bistros and Italian trattorias. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes nods to Mediterranean sun-soaked flavors. Over the past decade, such skillet dinners have soared in popularity across social media for their swift cooking time, minimal cleanup, and gourmet taste—making them staples in busy households and weeknight meal plans.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Speed: Ready in under 30 minutes.
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Simplicity: Uses common pantry ingredients.
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Flavor Depth: Caramelized chicken, garlicky cream, tangy tomatoes, and fresh basil create multiple taste layers.
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Versatility: Perfect over pasta, rice, potatoes, or with bread to mop up the sauce.
Health Benefits
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High Protein: Chicken and cream deliver muscle-supporting protein.
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Calcium & Vitamin D: Parmesan and cream contribute to bone health.
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Antioxidants: Garlic and tomatoes offer immune-boosting compounds.
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Portion Control: Serving size can easily be adjusted for balanced meals.
Serving Suggestions
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Over Pasta: Fettuccine or penne tossed with sauce before plating.
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Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mash complements the rich sauce.
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Steamed Rice: Absorbs every drop of the garlic-Parmesan gravy.
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Sautéed Greens: Spinach or kale on the side cuts richness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Burning the Garlic: Sauté garlic only until fragrant (30–60 seconds) to prevent bitterness.
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Cold Chicken: Ensure chicken rests at room temperature for even cooking.
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Skipping Sauce Scraping: Always deglaze pan to capture flavor-packed bits.
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Over-thick Sauce: If sauce clots, whisk in a splash of more stock or cream.
Pairing Recommendations
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Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio balances the creamy sauce.
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Beer: Belgian witbier or pilsner complements garlic and cheese notes.
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Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with a twist of lemon or iced herbal tea offers refreshing contrast.
Cooking Tips
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Butter & Oil Combo: Butter adds richness; oil prevents burning.
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Uniform Chicken Size: Pound thicker ends for even thickness and cooking.
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Fresh Cheese: Grate Parmesan fresh; pre-grated often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
Similar Recipes to Try
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken: Includes spinach and sun-dried tomatoes in a Parmesan sauce.
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Garlic Butter Chicken: Simpler pan-fry with lemon-garlic butter sauce.
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Chicken Alfredo Skillet: Broader, pasta-centric version with Parmesan-heavy sauce.
Variations to Try
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Mushroom Medley: Add sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms to sauce.
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Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or stir in chopped jalapeños.
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Herb Freshness: Swap thyme for rosemary or add chopped oregano.
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Prosciutto Crisp: Top chicken with prosciutto slices and broil for 2 minutes.
Ingredient Spotlight
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intensely flavored, chewy tomatoes impart sweet-tart complexity and vivid color to sauces, complementing creamy bases and savory proteins.
Conclusion
With its lush Parmesan-garlic sauce, tender seared chicken, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Breasts recipe offers gourmet flavors in a straightforward skillet meal. Perfect for any night of the week, it’s destined to become a go-to when you crave comfort food that feels special—without hours in the kitchen.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
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Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes—bone-in thighs add richness. Adjust sear time to 5–6 minutes per side. -
How do I make sauce thicker?
Whisk in 1 tsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 TBSP cold stock. -
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Cook chicken only; freeze sauce separately for up to 2 months. -
Can I use half-and-half instead of cream?
Yes—a 50/50 mix of milk and cream works fine. -
How to reheat leftovers?
Gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding splash of stock if needed. -
What can replace Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago give a sharper cheese flavor. -
Why dredge chicken in flour?
Creates a light crust and helps thicken the sauce. -
What side dishes pair best?
Garlic mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or roasted Brussels sprouts. -
Can I skip sun-dried tomatoes?
Omit or replace with roasted red peppers for sweetness. -
How to prevent sauce separation?
Simmer gently and avoid boiling cream too vigorously.