Chicken Fillet in Spicy, Creamy Garlic-Parmesan Sauce with Fries is one of those bold, indulgent meals I love to make when I’m craving something rich and satisfying. The juicy chicken fillet is seared to golden perfection, then coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce with just the right kick of spice. Paired with a pile of crispy fries, this dish is pure comfort food with a flavorful twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe combines crispy, tender chicken with a creamy sauce that’s bursting with garlic, Parmesan, and heat. The sauce clings to the fillet in all the right ways, making every bite packed with flavor. It’s a dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is easy enough to make at home. And serving it with fries? That just takes it over the top — in the best way possible.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the chicken fillet:
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken fillets
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Salt and black pepper
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Smoked paprika or cayenne pepper
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Garlic powder
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Olive oil or butter (for searing)
For the creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce:
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Butter
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Garlic, minced
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Heavy cream
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Grated Parmesan cheese
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Red pepper flakes or chili paste (for heat)
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Salt and pepper
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Parsley (optional, for garnish)
For serving:
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Crispy French fries (frozen or homemade)
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Optional: lemon wedges, extra grated Parmesan
Directions
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I start by seasoning the chicken fillets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika or cayenne.
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I heat olive oil or butter in a skillet and sear the chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes per side depending on thickness. I set them aside to rest.
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In the same pan, I melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
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I pour in the cream, bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan and red pepper flakes.
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I cook the sauce until it thickens slightly, then return the chicken to the pan and coat it in the sauce.
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I let it simmer for a minute or two so the flavors can meld, then top with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon if I want.
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I serve the saucy chicken fillets hot over a bed of fries, spooning extra sauce over everything for good measure.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 2 to 4 servings and takes around 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s a fast and flavorful meal that works well for both weeknights and special occasions.
Variations
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I swap the fries for mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or pasta.
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I add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for more texture.
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I use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
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I make it extra spicy by adding hot sauce or doubling the chili flakes.
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I sprinkle in some mozzarella or provolone for a cheesier finish.
storage/reheating
I store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. I make fresh fries when reheating, since they don’t keep their crispiness well.
FAQs
Can I make this less spicy?
Yes, I reduce or skip the red pepper flakes or chili paste. The garlic-Parmesan flavor still shines without the heat.
Can I use pre-cooked or grilled chicken?
Absolutely. I just slice it and heat it in the sauce for a few minutes so it absorbs the flavor.
What kind of cream should I use?
I use heavy cream for the richest result, but half-and-half works too — the sauce just won’t be as thick.
Do I need to bread the chicken?
No breading needed. I keep it simple with seasoning and a good sear — the sauce is the star here.
Can I air-fry the fries?
Yes, air-frying works great. I toss frozen fries in a bit of oil and cook at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Conclusion
Chicken Fillet in Spicy, Creamy Garlic-Parmesan Sauce with Fries is the kind of bold, satisfying dish I crave when I want something rich, flavorful, and just a little indulgent. It’s fast to make, full of comforting textures, and perfect for any night I want to treat myself to something seriously delicious. From the spicy cream sauce to the golden fries on the side, every bite is pure comfort.
Print
Chicken Fillet in Spicy, Creamy Garlic-Parmesan Sauce with Fries
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet + Fries (Oven/Air‑fryer)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Juicy chicken fillets seared golden and smothered in a creamy garlic‑Parmesan sauce with a kick of heat, served with a pile of crispy fries. A rich, indulgent comfort‑meal with bold flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or fillets
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or cayenne pepper (adjust heat to preference)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 Tbsp olive oil or butter (for searing)
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (for sauce)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½–1 tsp red pepper flakes or 1 Tbsp chili paste (for heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- For serving: crispy French fries (frozen or homemade)
- Optional: lemon wedges, extra grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Season the chicken fillets on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder and smoked paprika (or cayenne).
- Heat olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Once hot, add the chicken fillets and sear until golden brown and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes per side depending on thickness). Remove chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (~30 seconds).
- Pour in the heavy cream, bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (or chili paste). Stir until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. For reference, similar creamy garlic‑Parmesan chicken sauce recipes cook the cream and Parmesan until melted and thickened. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- Return the cooked chicken fillets to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and allow them to simmer in the sauce for another minute or two so flavors meld. Optionally squeeze a lemon wedge over top and sprinkle chopped parsley for freshness.
- Meanwhile, cook the French fries (according to package instructions if using frozen, or bake/air‑fry homemade) so they are crisp.
- Serve the saucy chicken fillets atop or next to a generous portion of crispy fries. Spoon extra sauce over the fries if desired, and finish with extra grated Parmesan or parsley.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by reducing the red pepper flakes/chili paste or omitting the smoked paprika/cayenne. The base garlic‑Parmesan flavor remains excellent.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can use half‑and‑half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce may be thinner. Recipes note heavy cream gives a more luxurious texture. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- If the sauce thickens too much or you are reheating, stir in a splash of cream or broth to loosen it up. Many garlic‑Parmesan chicken recipes recommend this for reheating. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- For the fries: homemade oven‑baked or air‑fryer fries work beautifully and keep the dish from feeling too heavy compared with deep‑fried.
- Leftover chicken with sauce can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid separating the sauce. The fries will be best freshly cooked.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet + fries
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
