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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken (Million Dollar Chicken)

Tender chicken breasts seared then baked in a rich, velvety garlic Parmesan cream sauce with cream cheese, mozzarella, and crispy bacon for an indulgent million-dollar flavor. Ready in 45 minutes.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Seasonings
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts 6-8 oz each
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened and cubed
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated, divided
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach optional

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet
  • Tongs
  • Whisk
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Melt the butter in the skillet and sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and onion powder. Cook until smooth and slightly thickened, about 4 minutes. Add spinach if using and cook until wilted.
  5. Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce generously over each piece.
  6. Sprinkle the tops with shredded mozzarella, remaining Parmesan, and crumbled bacon.
  7. Bake in the oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  8. Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and room-temperature cream cheese. Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of cream.