Easy Olive Garden Italian Chicken Recipe – Perfect for Meal Prep

If you’re a fan of the delicious and comforting dishes from Olive Garden, you’re likely familiar with their famous Italian Chicken recipe.

This creamy, flavorful dish features tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re craving something indulgent for a special dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, this copycat recipe brings the taste of Olive Garden right to your kitchen.

What’s even better is that this homemade version is quick and easy to make, so you can enjoy all the creamy, savory goodness without ever having to leave your home.

In this recipe, we’ll show you how to prepare the perfect Olive Garden Italian Chicken with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious, comforting dish!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Olive Garden Italian Chicken Recipe

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to recreate this Olive Garden favorite. The beauty of this recipe is that it requires just a handful of items, most of which are pantry staples.

Here’s everything you’ll need:

Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this dish. They’re juicy, tender, and cook quickly, making them perfect for this recipe. Make sure to pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking.

Olive Oil or Butter

A combination of olive oil and butter is used for sautéing the chicken. This mixture ensures a crisp, golden-brown crust on the chicken while adding rich flavor.

Flour for Dredging

The chicken breasts are lightly dredged in flour to give them a crispy coating when cooked. This helps seal in moisture, keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful.

Italian Seasoning

A blend of Italian herbs, such as oregano, basil, and thyme, adds a burst of flavor to the chicken. It’s the perfect way to bring those authentic Italian flavors to your dish.

Garlic Powder

A little garlic powder goes a long way in enhancing the flavor of the chicken and the sauce. It complements the Italian herbs and gives the dish a savory kick.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream is the base for the creamy sauce that envelops the chicken. It creates a smooth, velvety texture that makes the dish rich and indulgent.

Parmesan Cheese

Grated Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the sauce and helps thicken it. Freshly grated Parmesan works best for this recipe.

Mozzarella Cheese

For extra creaminess and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, mozzarella cheese is added to the sauce. It gives the dish a cheesy, gooey finish.

Fresh Basil or Parsley

Fresh herbs like basil or parsley bring a bright, fresh element to the dish. They’re perfect for garnishing the chicken and add a pop of color.

Chicken Broth or Stock (Optional)

Adding a little chicken broth (or stock) to the sauce provides extra flavor and depth. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can skip this ingredient.

Lemon (Optional)

For a touch of brightness, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can balance the richness of the cream and cheese. It’s optional, but it adds a lovely zesty note to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Olive Garden Italian Chicken at Home

Making Olive Garden Italian Chicken at home is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to create this creamy, savory dish that will leave everyone asking for more.

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken breasts. If they’re thick, use a meat mallet to gently pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. This ensures they cook evenly and remain tender. Once they’re ready, season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. You can also sprinkle a little garlic powder for extra flavor.

2. Dredge the Chicken

Next, lightly dredge the seasoned chicken breasts in flour. Use a shallow dish or plate to coat the chicken on both sides. The flour will help create a crispy, golden crust when it’s cooked. Shake off any excess flour before moving to the next step.

3. Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to add more flavor to the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese, mixing until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

If you’re using chicken broth, pour it in at this stage and stir to combine. This will add depth to the flavor and create a slightly thinner sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for a couple of minutes, but don’t let it boil.

5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the creamy sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to make sure it’s covered. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This will also give the chicken a chance to soak up some of the delicious sauce.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is fully coated in the creamy Parmesan sauce, remove it from the heat. Garnish the dish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle additional Parmesan on top before serving.

Tips for Making the Best Olive Garden Italian Chicken Recipe

Creating the perfect Olive Garden Italian Chicken requires attention to detail, but with these helpful tips, you can elevate your dish to restaurant-quality perfection.

Use Fresh Ingredients

Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese make a huge difference in the quality of your sauce. Pre-grated cheeses often contain additives that can affect the texture and taste, so take the time to grate your cheese for a smoother, richer sauce.

Don’t Skip the Flour Dredging

While it might seem tempting to skip the dredging step, coating the chicken in flour helps to create a crispy exterior that locks in the juices and flavors. This step ensures the chicken is tender and doesn’t dry out during cooking.

Perfect Your Searing Technique

For the best results, make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. The oil or butter should shimmer, not smoke, to ensure the chicken sears properly. Searing the chicken at the right temperature will create a beautifully golden, crispy crust while keeping the inside moist and juicy.

Adjust the Sauce Consistency

The creamy Parmesan sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or a little extra cream to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken.

Add Extra Flavor Variations

For a little kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you prefer a more herb-forward flavor, experiment with adding fresh thyme or oregano to the sauce along with the Italian seasoning. You can even add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy, savory touch.

Make It Ahead of Time

You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Cook the chicken and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the sauce to bring it back to its creamy, flavorful best.

Pair It with the Right Sides

Serve your Olive Garden Italian Chicken with pasta, garlic bread, or a simple green salad. The sauce is rich, so a light side like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad can help balance out the meal.

Serving Suggestions for Olive Garden Italian Chicken

This dish is a rich and creamy delight, and pairing it with the right sides can turn it into a well-rounded meal.

Here are some great ideas to complement your Olive Garden Italian Chicken:

Pair with Pasta for a Classic Italian Meal

One of the best ways to serve Olive Garden Italian Chicken is with a side of pasta. Whether it’s spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne, the creamy Parmesan sauce will coat the pasta beautifully, making every bite a little indulgence. You can even toss the pasta in the sauce from the chicken to absorb all the rich flavors.

Serve with Garlic Bread for a Flavorful Side

Garlic bread is the perfect companion to this dish. The crispy, buttery bread is great for dipping into the creamy sauce, ensuring that none of it goes to waste. It also adds a nice crunch that balances the softness of the chicken and the smoothness of the sauce.

Roasted Vegetables for a Healthy Balance

To add some freshness and balance out the richness of the dish, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini. The slight bitterness of roasted vegetables pairs wonderfully with the creamy chicken and adds a healthy touch to your meal.

Fresh Salad for Lightness

If you’re looking for something a little lighter, a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette is the way to go. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the chicken and helps cleanse your palate between bites. Try mixing arugula, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for a refreshing salad.

Sautéed Spinach or Asparagus

If you want to stick to a vegetable-based side that’s more in line with Italian cuisine, sautéed spinach or asparagus would be an excellent choice. Their natural flavors won’t compete with the chicken but will enhance the overall meal.

Olive Garden Italian Chicken Recipe Variations

If you’re in the mood for something different, there are plenty of ways to give this classic dish a twist. Try one of these variations to add a new spin to your Olive Garden Italian Chicken.

Chicken Parmesan Twist

If you love the flavors of Chicken Parmesan, why not add it to this recipe? After cooking the chicken, spoon marinara sauce over the top, and sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese. Place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating your own Italian Chicken Parmesan.

Add Mushrooms for Extra Depth

For a richer, more earthy flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms to the sauce. Mushrooms pair perfectly with the creamy Parmesan sauce and bring a savory, umami element to the dish. Simply cook the mushrooms in the same pan as the chicken before preparing the sauce, and stir them in once the cream is added.

Lemon Garlic Chicken

For a bright, zesty variation, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce. You can even add lemon zest to enhance the citrusy flavor. This adds a refreshing contrast to the creaminess and gives the dish a burst of flavor.

Spicy Italian Chicken

For those who enjoy a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick. You can also drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the chicken just before serving. This spicy version will still maintain the creamy base but with an extra layer of heat.

Make It with Chicken Thighs

If you prefer dark meat over chicken breasts, you can easily swap in boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’re juicier and more flavorful, which adds a different depth to the dish. Cook the thighs the same way as you would the breasts, but be sure to check for doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach the proper internal temperature.

Creamy Garlic Alfredo Sauce

If you’re craving something even creamier, replace the Parmesan sauce with a homemade Alfredo sauce. The Alfredo sauce is just as rich and indulgent, made with butter, heavy cream, and garlic. This variation brings even more creaminess to the dish, making it an extra luxurious option.

Vegetarian Version

To make this dish vegetarian, you can replace the chicken with a hearty vegetable like portobello mushrooms or eggplant. Slice the vegetable into thick rounds, season, and cook as you would the chicken. Top with the same creamy Parmesan sauce for a rich, satisfying meatless alternative.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Olive Garden Italian Chicken Recipe

This Olive Garden Italian Chicken recipe brings the flavors of your favorite restaurant right into your home, with a creamy, savory sauce and tender chicken that’s impossible to resist. The combination of rich Parmesan and mozzarella creates a comforting dish that will impress your family and guests alike.

Whether you’re serving it with pasta, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables, this recipe is versatile enough to pair with many sides, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, so you can enjoy this Italian classic without the hassle of dining out.

Give this recipe a try, and you’ll understand why it’s a beloved favorite among Olive Garden fans. It’s a great way to bring a little taste of Italy into your kitchen — and everyone will be asking for seconds!

Frequently Asked Questions About Olive Garden Italian Chicken Recipe

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer dark meat. They tend to be more flavorful and juicy. Just be sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, and adjust the cooking time as necessary, since thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce on the stovetop and warm the chicken in the sauce until heated through. This makes it a great option for meal prep or dinner parties.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Olive Garden Italian Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to bring back the creamy texture of the sauce.

4. Can I freeze Olive Garden Italian Chicken?

Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Be sure to allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

5. How can I make this recipe lighter?

To make this dish lighter, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream, and use a smaller amount of cheese. You can also skip the butter and use a small amount of olive oil for sautéing. For a low-carb option, serve the chicken with a side of vegetables instead of pasta.