If you love rich, comforting dinners that come together easily yet impress every time, then you are going to adore this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Recipe. Tender, juicy chicken breasts bathed in a luscious garlic and Parmesan cream sauce create the perfect cozy meal that feels indulgent but comes together without fuss. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and leaves you with that satisfied feeling that only a deeply flavorful, creamy baked dinner can provide. Whether you’re cooking for family or looking for a simple weeknight winner, this recipe truly delivers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white round plate sits in the center on a white marbled surface, holding three raw chicken thighs with light pink smooth skin side up, arranged slightly overlapping in a neat row. Around the plate are eight small white dishes each filled with different ingredients: a lemon half, golden olive oil, a creamy sauce, bright red paprika powder, mixed peppercorns, coarse salt, fresh green parsley, and a whole garlic bulb. The colors are soft and natural, showcasing freshness and preparation for cooking. The scene is bright and clean, with a clear focus on the raw chicken thighs and the fresh seasonings. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are beautifully straightforward but pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each one plays a critical role: from seasoning the chicken just right to enriching the sauce with a velvety creaminess that makes every bite irresistible.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender, protein-packed star of the dish that soaks up the creamy sauce fantastically.
1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection, sealing in juicy flavor.
1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of garlic flavor that complements the fresh minced garlic in the sauce.
½ tsp onion powder: Enhances the savory base of the seasoning for a well-rounded taste.
½ tsp paprika: Brings just a touch of smoky warmth and a hint of color.
½ tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
½ tsp black pepper: Adds a mild kick and aromatic heat.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, silky base of the Parmesan sauce.
½ cup chicken broth: Lightens and adds a subtle savory depth to the sauce.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: The star cheese that gives the sauce its signature sharp, nutty, and creamy flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic that infuses the sauce with bright, aromatic intensity.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that amplifies the overall herbal profile.
2 tbsp cream cheese (optional): For an extra luscious, creamy finish that takes the sauce to the next level.
Fresh parsley (optional garnish): Adds vibrant color and a fresh, mild herbal note.
Extra Parmesan cheese (optional garnish): Perfect for finishing with an extra cheesy kick.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing your baking dish. Season your chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning blend builds the flavorful foundation needed to complement the luscious sauce that will surround the chicken.

Step 2: Sear for Extra Flavor

Heat olive oil or melted butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and quickly sear the chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they acquire a beautiful golden crust. This step is optional but highly recommended because it locks in juices and adds a savory depth that baking alone won’t achieve.

Step 3: Combine the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, freshly minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and cream cheese if you are using it. This silky sauce is the heart of the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Recipe, delivering that unforgettable creamy texture and savory richness.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Place the seared chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish and pour the cream sauce over them, making sure every piece is generously covered. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. You want the sauce to bubble and thicken slightly, and the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Recipe

This image shows a white, round pan filled with a cooked dish on a white marbled surface. Inside the pan, there are six pieces of chicken browned on top with a slightly golden and crispy skin. The chicken pieces rest on a creamy sauce with a light yellow to beige color, mixed with visible small chunks of bacon and thinly sliced mushrooms that are brownish. The sauce looks thick and covers the bottom of the pan while some red pepper flakes are sprinkled over the chicken. A silver spoon is placed inside the pan on the right side. In the top right corner, some chopped fresh green herbs are scattered on the surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing touches like freshly chopped parsley bring a pop of brightness and complement the richness of the sauce beautifully. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese just before serving adds a cheesy intensity that turns this meal into a true comfort food favorite. These simple garnishes not only enhance taste but also make the dish visually irresistible.

Side Dishes

This baked chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the delectable sauce perfectly, while steamed green beans or roasted vegetables add freshness and color to your plate. For a more substantial meal, serve it over buttery noodles or fluffy rice to catch every luscious drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style presentation, serve the entire baking dish at the table so everyone can dig in and enjoy the steaming creamy sauce. Alternatively, plating individual chicken breasts with a drizzle of the sauce and a sprinkle of herbs makes a beautiful, restaurant-worthy presentation that will impress guests effortlessly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The creamy sauce thickens as it chills, so you may want to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to bring it back to luscious perfection.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to prepare it ahead of time. Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to retain texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly over low heat on the stove or in the oven to avoid curdling the sauce. Adding a tablespoon of cream, milk, or broth while warming helps restore the creamy consistency that makes this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Recipe so satisfying.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work beautifully and add even more juiciness to the dish. Just keep in mind that thighs may require a few extra minutes to cook through due to their higher fat content and thickness.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing is optional but highly encouraged. It enhances flavor and creates a lovely crust that locks in juices, making the finished chicken even more delicious and tender.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or lower in fat?

To lighten the sauce, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt, though the texture won’t be quite as rich. For dairy-free, try coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, but flavor will be slightly different.

How spicy is this dish?

This dish has very mild heat with just a touch of paprika and black pepper. If you want to add a little more spice, consider a pinch of red pepper flakes or swap the paprika for smoked chipotle powder for a smoky kick.

Can I add vegetables to the bake?

Yes! Adding mushrooms, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes before baking enhances flavor and nutrition. Just make sure any added veggies are evenly distributed so they cook through at the same time as the chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen for good reason. It’s comforting, easy to prepare, and packed with layers of flavor that make it feel special without demanding hours of work. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do — it’s truly a dinner winner you’ll want to come back to again and again.