My Go-To Easy Comfort Food: Creamy Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bake

Name: My Go-To Easy Comfort Food: Creamy Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp butter; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

March 20, 2025

Recipes

There are days when I need a dinner that feels like a warm hug — something rich, flavorful, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s exactly where this creamy garlic butter Parmesan chicken bake comes in. It’s the kind of simple recipe I can pull together on a busy weeknight, yet it feels indulgent enough for a Sunday dinner.

Juicy chicken breasts smothered in a thick, velvety sauce made from butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan — every bite is pure comfort. The best part? It’s all made with ingredients I almost always have on hand, and the oven does most of the work.

Let me show you how I make this dish and why it’s become one of my favorite easy comfort foods.

Why This Recipe Works

I’ve tried a lot of creamy chicken recipes, but this one has become my go-to for several reasons:

The sauce is rich and full of flavor: Garlic, butter, Parmesan, and cream come together to create a smooth, savory sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
Minimal prep: Just a few simple steps and pantry staples, and it’s ready to bake.
The chicken stays juicy: Baking the chicken in the sauce keeps it moist and tender.
Versatile and family-friendly: It pairs with just about anything — pasta, rice, veggies, or crusty bread for soaking up every drop.
One dish, easy cleanup: The skillet-to-bake method keeps it simple with fewer dishes to wash.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe serves two, but you can easily double or triple it for a family meal.

(Serves 2 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes)

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

How I Make My Creamy Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Bake (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat and Prep

I start by preheating my oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a small baking dish.

2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a skillet over medium heat, I melt the butter and add the minced garlic, cooking for about a minute until fragrant. Then I stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. I let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. The aroma of garlic and cheese at this point is amazing.

3. Prepare the Chicken

I place the chicken breasts in the baking dish and pour the hot, creamy garlic butter sauce right over the top, making sure each piece is generously coated.

4. Bake to Perfection

I pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling and slightly golden around the edges. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. Rest and Serve

I let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving so the sauce settles. Then I spoon some extra sauce over each piece and plate it up.

My Favorite Tips and Variations

Add fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or thyme before serving adds a pop of color and freshness.
Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce adds just the right amount of heat.
Use chicken thighs: For an even juicier dish, boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully.
Add veggies: Sometimes I tuck fresh spinach or sliced mushrooms around the chicken before baking for a complete one-pan meal.

What I Serve with This Chicken Bake

This creamy garlic butter Parmesan chicken pairs well with so many sides. Here’s what I usually serve it with:

Buttered pasta or fettuccine to soak up the sauce
Steamed broccoli or green beans for something light and fresh
Garlic mashed potatoes for an indulgent pairing
Crusty bread to mop up every drop of sauce
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness

FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.

Q: Does this reheat well?
A: It does! I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or gently in the microwave. The sauce stays creamy and delicious.

Q: Can I use grated Parmesan instead of shredded?
A: Shredded Parmesan melts more smoothly, but grated works in a pinch — just use a high-quality grated Parmesan for the best flavor.

Q: What can I do with leftover sauce?
A: If you have extra sauce, pour it over pasta or roasted vegetables. It’s also delicious drizzled on top of baked potatoes.

Why You Need to Try This Recipe

This creamy garlic butter Parmesan chicken bake is one of those recipes that feels like it belongs in a restaurant, yet it’s so simple to make at home. The tender, juicy chicken swimming in a rich, garlicky, cheesy sauce makes every bite comforting and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish I crave when I need something cozy and flavorful without fussing over complicated ingredients or long cooking times.

If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it goes! Did you add your own twist? Maybe you tossed in some mushrooms or served it over pasta? I’d love to hear your take on it — and I’m always up for new ideas to make this comfort food favorite even better.