Chicken Fillet in Spicy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce a juicy pan-seared chicken fillets meet a rich and spicy garlic parmesan cream sauce in this comforting yet elevated dish. It's the kind of meal I turn to when I want something hearty, flavorful, and easy enough for a weeknight but indulgent enough for guests. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, this recipe never fails to impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or fillets)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
I season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Then I remove it and set it aside.
In the same pan, I melt butter and sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes for about a minute, just until fragrant.
I pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up the browned bits for extra flavor.
I stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, letting it cook until the sauce thickens slightly — about 3–4 minutes.
I return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the fillets, and let it all simmer together for another 3–5 minutes so the flavors meld.
Before serving, I sometimes garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 425 kcal per serving
Variations
I swap out chicken breasts for chicken thighs when I want something even juicier.
Sometimes I add baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra color and flavor.
For a low-carb version, I skip the pasta and serve it with steamed veggies or cauliflower rice.
I occasionally use smoked paprika instead of regular for a deeper flavor.
When I want less heat, I reduce the red pepper flakes or leave them out entirely.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I do it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave at medium power to keep the sauce from breaking. If the sauce gets too thick, I just stir in a splash of cream or chicken broth to bring it back to life.
FAQs
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
I make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink inside.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
I’ve tried this, but milk makes the sauce thinner and less rich. If I must, I add a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken it up.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
I don’t recommend freezing it because creamy sauces tend to separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days from the fridge.
What’s the best pasta to serve with this?
I like it best with fettuccine, penne, or even linguine — something sturdy that can hold onto the sauce.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Absolutely. I just reduce the red pepper flakes or leave them out entirely if I’m cooking for someone who prefers a milder flavor.
Conclusion
This Chicken Fillet in Spicy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce is my go-to when I want comfort food with a kick. It’s quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether I’m cooking for my family or guests, it always gets rave reviews — and I love how easy it is to make. Serve it with whatever I have on hand, and it still tastes like something from a restaurant.
Recipe:
Chicken Fillet in Spicy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Juicy pan-seared chicken fillets are served in a rich, spicy, and creamy garlic parmesan sauce. This one-pan meal is quick to make and full of bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or fillets)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the fillets, and simmer for another 3–5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
For added flavor and color, include baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes in the sauce.
To reduce heat, omit or reduce red pepper flakes.
Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
