One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe: Savory, Crispy & Flavorful Dish

When I first made this One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken, I couldn’t believe how easy it was to pull together such a flavorful dish in one skillet.

The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce instantly reminded me of something you’d order at a cozy Italian restaurant. I loved how the chicken stayed juicy and tender while soaking up all those rich flavors.

What really amazed me was how quickly it came together, making it a weeknight lifesaver. Now, it’s one of my go-to recipes whenever I want comfort food without the stress of a big cleanup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe brings out a special layer of flavor. Using fresh, good-quality items really makes a difference.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Pound them to ½-inch thickness for quick, even cooking.
2 shallots, finely diced – Adds mild sweetness and depth without overpowering the sauce.
3 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic works best; avoid pre-minced for a stronger flavor.
½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated – Always grate it fresh, as it melts creamier than packaged cheese.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – Adds brightness and color to the finished dish.
2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps the chicken sear beautifully golden.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Gives the sauce a silky, rich texture.
1 cup half-and-half or whole milk – The creamy base; half-and-half balances richness and lightness.
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth – Prevents the sauce from being too heavy while adding savory flavor.
½ teaspoon kosher salt – Seasons the dish evenly without being too sharp.
¼ teaspoon black pepper – Just enough to add a light kick.

Note: This recipe serves four generously. Adjust ingredient quantities if cooking for more people or prepping extra for the week.

Variations to Try

This recipe is flexible, and I’ve tried a few fun twists that worked beautifully.

Go dairy-free: Use almond milk or coconut milk, along with dairy-free Parmesan. The sauce still comes out creamy.
Add vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes blend in perfectly for extra flavor and nutrition.
Switch the protein: Pork chops or turkey cutlets can easily replace chicken without losing flavor.

Cooking Time

This dish is weeknight-friendly and quick to prepare.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes this dish stress-free.

Large skillet – Everything cooks in here, so choose one with enough space.
Tongs – Makes flipping the chicken easy without breaking its crust.
Grater – For freshly grated Parmesan that melts smoothly into the sauce.

How to Make One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

This recipe is straightforward, but taking each step slowly makes a big difference in the final taste.

Prep the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag. Pound them to about ½-inch thick so they cook evenly. Season both sides with salt and pepper to start building flavor right away.

Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and keep the skillet as-is—the browned bits will flavor the sauce.

Cook the Aromatics

Reduce the heat and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the shallots and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. This forms the aromatic base of your sauce.

Make the Sauce

Pour in the half-and-half and chicken broth, stirring while scraping up the browned bits. Add the Parmesan slowly, letting it melt and thicken the sauce. You should have a creamy, garlicky sauce at this point.

Simmer and Finish

Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over each piece. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so the chicken soaks up the flavors. Finish with fresh parsley on top for color and freshness.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this dish several times, I’ve learned a few tricks that always make it taste better.

I always pound the chicken evenly—it cooks quicker and stays juicy.
I grate the Parmesan fresh every time; it melts much smoother than pre-grated.
I taste the sauce before finishing, adjusting salt or cheese to balance the flavors.
I scrape up every browned bit from the skillet—they’re pure flavor!

How to Serve One Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

This dish is versatile and pairs with almost anything. I love switching sides depending on my mood.

Serve it over pasta and toss the noodles in the sauce for a cozy Italian-style dinner.
Place it on top of fluffy rice that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
Pair it with steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a lighter option.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 563
Protein: 67g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fat: 29g

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can prep the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat gently and add chicken when ready to serve.
Storage: Leftovers stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm it in a skillet on low heat, stirring the sauce. For quick meals, the microwave works fine too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe is a keeper because it ticks all the right boxes.

It’s super easy to prepare with minimal steps and ingredients.
The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce feels rich but is surprisingly simple.
You can serve it with pasta, rice, or veggies—always a hit.
The flavors are mild enough for kids yet satisfying for adults.
One pan cooking means less cleanup and more time to relax.

Ash Tyrrell