Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Your Ultimate Recipe for a Delicious Weeknight Dinner
Welcome to the epitome of comforting home cooking: this incredible Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken. It’s a dish designed to gather everyone around the table, boasting succulent, golden-baked chicken thighs perfectly complemented by tender cremini mushrooms and crispy, savory bacon. Everything is generously coated in an irresistibly rich and aromatic garlic parmesan cream sauce. This recipe isn’t just about satisfying your hunger; it’s about delivering a heartwarming, flavor-packed meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly straightforward to prepare.
Whether you’re in pursuit of a hearty, low-carb dinner option or simply seeking a crowd-pleasing creamy mushroom chicken recipe that never disappoints, this dish effortlessly meets every expectation. It’s naturally gluten-free, brimming with an abundance of savory goodness, and profoundly satisfying with every single forkful. One taste, and you’ll quickly understand why this creamy garlic mushroom chicken has become a cherished weeknight favorite for countless home cooks – its popularity is truly well-earned!
Why This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite
There’s an undeniable allure to creamy chicken and mushrooms, a combination that has long been synonymous with comfort. However, this particular recipe elevates that classic pairing into something truly extraordinary by introducing beautifully crisped, golden-baked chicken thighs and the irresistible crunch of savory bacon. The result is a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
The secret to its success lies in the meticulous cooking process: the chicken thighs are first expertly seared to achieve a wonderfully crisp skin, then finished in the oven to ensure they remain incredibly juicy and tender on the inside. As the chicken bakes, the cremini mushrooms are sautéed in the flavorful pan drippings, allowing them to absorb every nuance of garlic and bacon, transforming into tender, earthy bites. The rich garlic parmesan cream sauce, the heart of this dish, brings everything together in a harmonious blend, coating each ingredient in its luscious embrace.
Another fantastic aspect of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is its adaptability. You have the freedom to choose between using rich heavy cream for an ultra-decadent experience or opting for half-and-half for a slightly lighter, yet still wonderfully creamy, sauce. This flexibility makes it a foolproof dish that perfectly balances indulgence with surprising simplicity. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need a quick yet impressive meal, perfect for satisfying family dinners, or simply whenever you’re yearning for a truly satisfying and memorable creamy mushroom chicken experience.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Crafting this exquisite Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken requires just a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that, when combined, create an explosion of comforting flavors. From the star of the show – juicy chicken thighs – to a luxurious garlic parmesan cream sauce brimming with earthy mushrooms and salty bacon, every component plays a vital role in making each bite a truly savory delight.
- Chicken Thighs – We recommend bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the most flavorful and juicy results. The skin crisps up beautifully in the oven, creating an extra layer of texture. If you prefer, boneless, skinless thighs or even chicken breasts can be used, though cooking times may vary slightly. The rich dark meat of the thigh holds up exceptionally well to the creamy sauce.
- Fresh Garlic – This recipe calls for a generous amount of crushed fresh garlic, used both to season the chicken and infuse the cream sauce with its bold, pungent, and incredibly aromatic flavor. Fresh garlic is key for that authentic, deep taste profile.
- Bacon – Diced and pan-fried until gloriously crispy, bacon is more than just a garnish here. It renders its fat, which forms a crucial base for sautéing the vegetables, and adds an undeniable smoky depth and salty counterpoint to the creamy sauce.
- Cremini Mushrooms – Also known as “baby bella” mushrooms, cremini are chosen for their tender texture and earthy, slightly richer flavor compared to white button mushrooms. They absorb the garlicky bacon drippings beautifully, becoming incredibly savory and soft within the sauce. Sliced portobello mushrooms also make a great substitute if you want a more robust mushroom presence.
- Cream & Broth – The foundation of our luscious sauce. You have the flexibility to use either heavy cream for maximum richness and body or half-and-half for a lighter yet still deliciously creamy consistency. This is combined with chicken broth, which adds depth of flavor and helps achieve the perfect sauce viscosity without making it overly heavy.
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan Reggiano or a good quality Grana Padano is essential for achieving that characteristic salty, nutty richness in the sauce. Don’t forget a little extra for garnishing each serving, adding a final flourish of flavor and visual appeal.
- Olive Oil, Salt, and Black Pepper – These pantry staples are used to season the chicken and build the foundational flavors of the dish. A good quality olive oil helps achieve that perfect sear on the chicken.
- Fresh Parsley – Used both in the chicken rub and as a fresh garnish, chopped parsley adds a vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the rich flavors of the dish.
Note: For a detailed breakdown of all ingredients and their exact measurements, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this page.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Creating this show-stopping Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is simpler than you might imagine. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly juicy chicken and a rich, irresistible sauce that will impress everyone at your dinner table.
- Prepare the Chicken and Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a robust 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, arrange your chicken thighs on a plate or in a shallow dish. In a small jug or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, 2 cloves of crushed garlic, chopped parsley, a pinch of Kosher salt, and a pinch of black pepper. This fragrant mixture will form the initial flavor layer for your chicken. Liberally rub this aromatic blend all over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This step not only infuses flavor but also helps create that desirable crispy skin.
- Sear for Golden Crispiness: Heat a large, oven-proof skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best) over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs into the skillet, skin-side down. Sear for approximately 2–3 minutes per side, or until the skin is beautifully golden brown and wonderfully crispy. This crucial step locks in moisture and develops incredible flavor and texture. Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if necessary.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet directly from the stovetop to your preheated oven. Roast the chicken for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until it is thoroughly cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a clean plate, tented loosely with foil to keep warm and allow the juices to redistribute. Crucially, leave about half of the rendered chicken juices and any flavorful browned bits in the skillet – these are essential for building the sauce!
- Build the Sauce Base: Return the same skillet (with the reserved juices and browned bits) to medium heat on the stovetop. Add the remaining 4 cloves of crushed garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it becomes wonderfully fragrant but not browned. Next, add the diced bacon to the skillet and cook until it just begins to crisp. This step infuses the garlic and bacon flavors into the pan, creating a deeply savory base for your cream sauce.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Introduce the sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they soften significantly and release their natural juices. As they cook, the mushrooms will beautifully absorb all the rich flavors from the bacon fat and sautéed garlic, becoming incredibly tender and flavorful. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Craft the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and chicken broth. Stir well, making sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this is called deglazing and adds immense flavor. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly to a luscious consistency.
- Season and Integrate Chicken: Season the simmering sauce with freshly ground black pepper. It’s crucial to taste the sauce before adding any additional salt, as the bacon and Parmesan will have already contributed a significant amount of salinity. Adjust with salt only if absolutely necessary. Gently return the seared and baked chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Allow everything to simmer together for another 1–2 minutes, giving the chicken a chance to absorb the incredible flavors of the rich sauce.
- Garnish and Serve Immediately: For a vibrant finish, generously top your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with extra chopped fresh parsley and an optional sprinkle of fresh shaved or grated Parmesan cheese. Serve this magnificent dish hot. It pairs beautifully over a bed of fluffy rice, your favorite pasta, or alongside steamed or roasted vegetables for a complete and utterly satisfying meal.
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is undeniably rich and robust in flavor, making the choice of side dishes crucial for balancing and enhancing your plate. Consider serving it with Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi – the soft, pillowy gnocchi and the sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce would perfectly complement the garlicky cream sauce of the chicken, creating an ultra-comforting and truly unforgettable culinary combination.
For those seeking something a bit lighter to accompany this decadent chicken, One Pot Orzo Primavera offers a delightful contrast with its fresh burst of lemon and an assortment of spring vegetables. Alternatively, if you prefer an easy roasted side that brings its own bold flavors, try Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli & Green Beans. These vegetables develop crispy edges and a savory garlic-Parmesan crust that harmonizes wonderfully with the main dish. Any of these three options will transform your creamy mushroom chicken into a perfectly rounded and complete meal experience.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Using half-and-half is a great way to create a lighter sauce while still maintaining a creamy texture and rich flavor profile. While the resulting sauce may be slightly thinner in consistency compared to one made with heavy cream, it will remain incredibly delicious and satisfying. If you desire a slightly thicker sauce with half-and-half, you can whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1-2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with an equal amount of cold half-and-half) towards the end of cooking to achieve your preferred thickness.
Cremini mushrooms, also known as baby bella mushrooms, are truly ideal for this recipe. Their earthy flavor and firm, meaty texture stand up beautifully to the rich cream sauce, absorbing all the wonderful garlicky bacon flavors. However, if cremini mushrooms aren’t available, common white button mushrooms are a perfectly fine substitute, offering a milder flavor. For a more robust and intense mushroom presence, sliced portobello caps can also be used, adding a heartier bite to the dish.
The key to incredibly juicy chicken thighs in this recipe lies in a two-part cooking process: searing first, then finishing in the oven. Searing the chicken skin-side down at a medium-high heat creates a beautiful, crisp skin and locks in much of the moisture. Transferring the skillet to the oven allows the chicken to cook through gently and evenly, preventing it from drying out. To guarantee perfect doneness without overcooking, consider using an instant-read meat thermometer. The thickest part of the thigh should register 165°F (74°C).
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating. We do not recommend freezing this dish, as dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate or become grainy upon thawing and reheating.
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Creamy Baked Chicken Thighs with Mushrooms & Bacon
AN ORIGINAL CAFEDELITES RECIPE
Ingredients
FOR THE CHICKEN:
- 6 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on or off, for best flavor and juiciness
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for seasoning and searing
- 2 cloves garlic freshly crushed, for the chicken rub
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 pinch Kosher salt to taste, for seasoning chicken
- 1 pinch ground black pepper to taste, for seasoning chicken
FOR THE CREAM SAUCE:
- 4 cloves garlic freshly crushed, for the sauce base
- 7 ounces diced bacon adds smoky, savory flavor
- 14 ounces brown mushrooms Cremini, sliced, for earthy texture
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half, for a luscious sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth adds depth to the sauce
- 1/2 cup parmesan freshly grated, for optimal flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground, to taste for the sauce
- 1 pinch salt only if needed, taste before adding
- 1 pinch fresh parsley extra chopped, to garnish for freshness
- 1 pinch parmesan fresh shaved or grated, to garnish
Instructions
BAKED CHICKEN THIGHS
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a large, oven-safe skillet on your stovetop.
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Arrange the chicken thighs on a plate. In a small bowl or jug, combine the olive oil, crushed garlic (2 cloves), chopped parsley (2 tbsp), Kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Rub this aromatic oil mixture generously over all sides of the chicken to ensure it’s completely coated, infusing flavor and preparing the skin for crisping.
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Heat the large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat until it’s quite hot. Carefully place the chicken, skin-side down first, into the hot skillet. Sear until the skin turns crisp and beautifully golden brown, typically about 2-3 minutes. Then, flip the chicken thighs and sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes to get a nice color. This initial sear is vital for flavor and texture.
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Transfer the entire skillet (with the chicken) to the preheated oven. Roast for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer at the thickest part.
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Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the chicken thighs to a clean plate and set them aside, loosely tented with foil to keep them warm and allow the juices to settle. Crucially, pour out about HALF of the rendered chicken juices and fat left in the pan. We need some of those flavorful drippings for the sauce, but not too much.
CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN SAUCE
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Using the same skillet (with the remaining chicken drippings) over medium heat, add the remaining 4 cloves of crushed garlic. Fry the garlic, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Immediately add the diced bacon to the skillet and continue to fry until it just begins to crisp up. Next, stir in the sliced cremini mushrooms and cook until the mushrooms soften and release their moisture, absorbing all the savory bacon and garlic flavors.
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Pour in the heavy cream (or half-and-half), chicken broth, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together, ensuring you scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate them into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken slightly to a rich, creamy consistency.
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Season the sauce with freshly ground black pepper. It’s very important to taste the sauce before adding any additional salt, as both the bacon and the Parmesan cheese contribute significant saltiness. Adjust with salt only if absolutely necessary, according to your preference.
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Carefully return the cooked chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the rich, creamy sauce. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes. This brief simmer ensures the chicken absorbs the incredible flavors of the garlic parmesan cream sauce, making every bite harmonious.
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Garnish generously with extra chopped fresh parsley and an optional sprinkle of fresh shaved or grated Parmesan cheese for a final touch of freshness and flavor. Serve this decadent Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken hot over your choice of fluffy rice, al dente pasta, or steamed/grilled vegetables for a truly complete and comforting meal.
Notes for Success
TIPS FOR A PERFECT CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN
- If using cream for a thicker sauce: While heavy cream naturally thickens, if you prefer an even richer, thicker sauce, you can easily achieve this. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 level teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of the cream (before adding it to the pan) until thoroughly smooth and lump-free. Stir this cornstarch slurry into the simmering cream sauce continuously until it reaches your desired thickened consistency. This is a quick and effective way to adjust the sauce’s body.
- If using half and half for a lighter sauce: Half-and-half will create a lighter but still creamy sauce. To ensure it thickens properly without being too thin, bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. In a separate small bowl, whisk 2 teaspoons of cornstarch into 1-2 tablespoons of *extra* half-and-half until smooth. Pour this cornstarch mixture into the center of the simmering pan while stirring continuously. Continue stirring until the sauce visibly thickens and achieves a luscious, “creamy” texture.
- Choosing Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are highly recommended for their superior flavor and ability to stay moist during cooking. The skin crisps up beautifully, adding a delightful texture. If using boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, reduce the oven baking time accordingly to prevent them from drying out. They will likely cook in 15-20 minutes, so monitor with a meat thermometer.
- Flavor Depth: Don’t skip the step of searing the chicken and cooking the bacon and mushrooms in the same pan. The browned bits (fond) left in the skillet are packed with flavor and are crucial for the sauce’s richness. Deglazing the pan with the broth helps incorporate these delicious bits.
Nutrition facts provided are calculated based on using skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs and heavy cream, and are an approximation.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Individual results may vary based on exact ingredients and preparation methods.