Third time making this recipe tonight—I'm obsessed with that delicious sauce! And once you taste it, you’ll understand why. This dish is all about a rich, silky, crave-worthy sauce that clings to tender chicken and begs to be spooned over everything on your plate. It’s cozy, indulgent, and shockingly easy—exactly the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.
This is the meal you make when you want something that feels restaurant-level but comes together fast, in one pan, with everyday ingredients. The chicken stays juicy, the garlic is mellow and aromatic, and the sauce turns luxuriously creamy without being heavy. Serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread—because wasting even a drop of this sauce would be a tragedy.
I made this once out of necessity on a busy night. Then I made it again the next day because I couldn’t stop thinking about the sauce. By the third time, it was official: obsession confirmed.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season chicken with salt and pepper and sear in olive oil until golden. Remove from pan.
- Add garlic to the same pan and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in cream and Parmesan and simmer until sauce thickens.
- Return chicken to pan and cook until done. Spoon sauce over chicken and serve.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why This Recipe Gets Made on Repeat
That sauce steals the show
The sauce is creamy, savory, and deeply comforting without feeling overwhelming. Garlic adds warmth, Parmesan brings umami, and a splash of broth keeps everything balanced instead of cloying.
It thickens naturally in the pan and coats the chicken beautifully. You’ll find yourself dragging bread through the skillet without shame.
One pan, low stress
This recipe uses a single skillet from start to finish. That means fewer dishes, faster cleanup, and more time to enjoy dinner.
It also reheats well, which makes leftovers just as exciting as the first serving.
Ingredients That Make the Sauce So Good
Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work. Thighs bring extra juiciness, while breasts stay lean and tender when cooked properly.
Garlic
Fresh garlic is essential here. It infuses the sauce with flavor without overpowering it.
Cream and broth
Heavy cream gives richness, while chicken broth keeps the sauce smooth and balanced. Together, they create a sauce that feels indulgent but not heavy.
Parmesan
Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding depth and a subtle salty bite.
How to Make This Obsession-Worthy Chicken
Step 1: Sear the chicken
Season the chicken well and sear it in a hot skillet until golden. Remove and set aside. This builds flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Build the sauce
In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits. Stir in cream and let it simmer gently.
Step 3: Finish with cheese
Add Parmesan and stir until the sauce thickens and turns silky.
Step 4: Bring it together
Return the chicken to the pan and simmer until cooked through. Spoon sauce over the top and let everything meld.
Tips for Sauce Perfection
Keep the heat gentle
High heat can cause cream sauces to split. A gentle simmer keeps everything smooth.
Use freshly grated cheese
Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly. Fresh Parmesan makes a big difference.
Taste before serving
Adjust salt and pepper at the end. Parmesan adds saltiness, so balance carefully.
What to Serve With It
Classic sides
Mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles soak up the sauce perfectly.
Lighter options
Serve with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad to balance the richness.
Bread is non-negotiable
Crusty bread is essential. Trust this advice.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Freezing
Cream sauces are best fresh, but this can be frozen if needed. Reheat slowly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Cream works best, but half-and-half can be used with slightly thinner results.
Does this work with pasta?
Yes. Toss the sauce and chicken with cooked pasta for a full meal.
Can I add vegetables?
Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes work beautifully.
Is this very rich?
It’s creamy but balanced, not heavy.
Can I double the sauce?
Yes, and you probably should.
Conclusion
Third time making this recipe tonight—I'm obsessed with that delicious sauce! is not an exaggeration. This is the kind of meal that hooks you after one bite and keeps calling you back. Simple, comforting, and wildly satisfying, it proves that the best recipes are often the ones built around an unforgettable sauce.
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