This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe is a rich and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners. Tender chicken breasts are cooked to perfection and smothered in a creamy garlic sauce that’s loaded with flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight meals.
- Versatile: Serve with a variety of sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Comforting and delicious: The creamy garlic sauce makes this dish irresistibly comforting.
- Customizable: Add herbs or vegetables to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic cloves
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Prepare the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over it. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately with your favorite side dish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Herbs: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Spicy: Incorporate red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Vegetables: Include spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes in the sauce.
- Protein swap: Use boneless thighs or even shrimp instead of chicken breasts.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to prevent the sauce from drying out. Avoid microwaving as it may alter the sauce’s texture.
FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce may be slightly less rich and creamy.
What can I serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken?
It pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative for the heavy cream and omit the Parmesan cheese.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it separately. Reheat and combine with freshly cooked chicken when ready to serve.
How can I thicken the sauce further?
Let it simmer longer, or whisk in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I freeze this dish?
Cream-based sauces may separate when frozen, so freezing is not recommended.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or grated Gruyere can work as substitutes.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as written, it is naturally gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger skillet and adjust cooking times as needed.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Chicken is an easy, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Customize it to suit your preferences, and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness that everyone will love!
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Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy garlic chicken is a rich and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to perfection and smothered in a luscious garlic cream sauce. Serve it with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Liquids: Stir in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Gradually add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth.
- Season the Sauce: Add Italian seasoning and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer on low for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with your choice of sides.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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