This recipe recreates that signature restaurant flavor with a foolproof method for tender chicken and creamy garlic-parmesan sauce.
You’ll achieve the same bold, savory taste as the original, but made fresh in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and precise technique.
Ingredients for Chicken Recipe with Bww Parmesan Garlic Sauce
Simple ingredients deliver that bold restaurant flavor right in your kitchen with precision.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts 🍗 | 1 ½ lb | Pounded to even thickness |
| All-Purpose Flour 🌾 | ½ cup | For dredging chicken |
| Garlic Powder 🧄 | 1 tsp | For breading seasoning |
| Paprika 🌶️ | 1 tsp | Sweet or smoked variety |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 tsp | Divided for seasoning |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | 4 tbsp | For cooking chicken |
| Olive Oil 🫒 | 2 tbsp | For cooking chicken |
| Heavy Cream 🥛 | 1 cup | Full-fat for creaminess |
| Fresh Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 4 cloves | Minced for sauce |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese 🧀 | ¾ cup | Freshly grated from block |
| Chicken Broth 🍲 | ½ cup | Low-sodium preferred |
| Dried Parsley 🌿 | 1 tsp | For garnish and flavor |
| Lemon Juice 🍋 | 1 tbsp | Freshly squeezed |
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The chicken is the foundation—boneless, skinless breasts pounded to even thickness ensure even cooking. Whole Foods or Costco offer quality options, but any supermarket will do. For the Parmesan, freshly grated from a wedge melts smoothly into the sauce, unlike pre-shredded which contains anti-caking agents. The heavy cream is non-negotiable for that signature richness (trust me on the full-fat version).
Need to swap the chicken? Thighs work too but adjust cooking time—they’re more forgiving. No heavy cream? Half-and-half at half the amount plus a pat of butter gets you close. Fresh out of Parmesan? Pecorino Romano brings a sharper bite. The garlic can be from a jar in a pinch, but freshly minced has unmatched aroma. For the broth, vegetable works if you’re avoiding chicken.
The sauce keeps 3-4 days in the fridge—reheat gently to avoid curdling. Chicken is best fresh but holds 2-3 days refrigerated. Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 3 months. Always bring refrigerated chicken to room temp before reheating for best texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Chopping Required: I just coat the chicken, pan-fry it, and let the BWW sauce do the rest—no veggie prep needed.
- That Garlic-Parmesan Punch: The sauce with the paprika-spiced crust gives this ridiculous good, restaurant-style kick.
- Feeds a Crowd: I’ve served this at game nights and weeknight dinners alike—always disappears fast.
- Leftovers? Even Better: Honestly, the flavors deepen overnight, so I make extra for tomorrow’s lunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken With Parmesan Garlic Sauce
Master this technique to recreate the iconic restaurant flavor with crispy chicken and velvety sauce.
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Pound the 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures uniform cooking and prevents dry spots. Pat the pieces completely dry with paper towels—this is essential for achieving a proper sear.
In a shallow dish, combine the 0.5 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Dredge each chicken piece thoroughly, pressing the flour mixture into the meat to create an even, adherent coating. Shake off any excess before cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat the 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts and begins to foam. The oil prevents the butter from burning, while the butter adds rich flavor to the crust.
Carefully place the dredged chicken in the hot pan, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The coating should be crisp and deeply colored. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Once melted, add the 4 cloves fresh garlic cloves (minced) and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Garlic burns easily, so keep it moving.
Pour in the 0.5 cup chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds depth of flavor. Stir in the 1 cup heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the 0.75 cup grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over each piece. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb some of the sauce. Stir in the 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp dried parsley just before serving—the acidity brightens the rich sauce while the parsley adds a fresh note.
Serve immediately while hot, with extra sauce spooned over the top. The chicken should be crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and coated in a luxuriously smooth, garlicky sauce that clings to every bite.
Pro Tips For Making Chicken Recipe With Bww Parmesan Garlic Sauce
- Pound the Chicken: Use a rolling pin or meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness—I learned this the hard way after too many dry, overcooked edges while waiting for the thicker parts to finish.
- Double Dredge Flour: After the first dusting of flour, dip the chicken in beaten egg or milk, then dredge again in the seasoned flour for a crust that actually holds up to the BWW parmesan garlic sauce.
- Skip Cold Chicken: Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking—sounds weird, but it works: the seasoning sticks better and the meat cooks more evenly.
- Rest Before Saucing: Give the fried chicken a solid 5 minutes on a wire rack before smothering it in sauce, or you’ll end up with a soggy, sad mess instead of that crispy coating you worked for.
Regional Styles of These Flavors
Buffalo Wild Wings Style
This version stays true to the restaurant’s signature approach, using a buttery, garlicky base with a smooth parmesan finish. The sauce should coat the chicken evenly, just like at BWW, with a balance of creaminess and bold garlic flavor. I always use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest texture. 💛
Southern Comfort Twist
Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper and 1 tbsp hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick that’s popular in Southern states. The heat complements the garlic and parmesan beautifully. Serve with buttered corn and biscuits for a full comfort meal.
Midwest Casual
In the Midwest, this dish often appears as a weeknight staple. I simplify by using pre-minced garlic from a jar and store-bought chicken broth for convenience. The focus remains on that rich, creamy sauce that kids and adults both love.
Northeastern Gourmet
Elevate it with high-quality ingredients like organic heavy cream and aged parmigiano-reggiano. Add 1 tbsp white wine when deglazing the pan for extra depth. This version feels restaurant-worthy but stays true to the original concept.
Southwest Fusion
Incorporate 1 tsp cumin and ½ tsp smoked paprika into the sauce, and serve with warm flour tortillas. The earthy spices pair surprisingly well with the creamy garlic-parmesan base, creating a Tex-Mex inspired variation.
Pacific Northwest Light
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. This lighter version maintains flavor while appealing to health-conscious diners in the region. 🌿
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work great! Cook them for 5-6 minutes per side instead of 4-5 minutes. Thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving with timing.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Use 1 cup half-and-half plus 1 tbsp butter for similar richness. For a lighter option, try 2% milk with 2 tbsp cornstarch to thicken.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep chicken and sauce separate in airtight containers for 2-3 days. Reheat sauce gently on low heat to prevent curdling.
Why did my sauce break or separate?
This happens if the sauce boils too hard. Fix it by whisking in 1 tbsp cold water or removing from heat and stirring until smooth.
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