If you’re looking for a deeply satisfying, utterly craveable dinner you can confidently serve to family and guests alike, look no further than Creamy Garlic Chicken. Succulent chicken breasts, kissed with golden sear, are bathed in an irresistibly rich sauce loaded with heaps of fresh garlic, a touch of Parmesan, and silken cream. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that tastes like a decadent weekend feast—yet relies on simple staples and straightforward steps. Let’s dive in and make this guaranteed favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Garlic Chicken is how a handful of well-chosen ingredients combine for such lush flavor. Each components brings a different element to the table, from richness and body to that unmistakable garlicky warmth.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a tender, juicy canvas for all the creamy flavors to shine.
- Olive Oil: Adds depth while helping achieve that perfect golden-brown sear on the chicken.
- Unsalted Butter: Delivers richness and marries beautifully with the garlic in the sauce.
- Fresh Garlic: Six cloves infuse the entire dish with irresistible aroma and punchy flavor—don’t skimp!
- Chicken Broth: Deglazes the pan, releasing all those delicious browned bits and building the sauce’s backbone.
- Heavy Cream: The source of silky-smooth texture and that luxurious mouthfeel in every bite.
- Parmesan Cheese: Offers a subtle nuttiness and helps thicken the sauce while it melts.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds balance with its blend of herbs—feel free to use your own mix!
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer and letting the flavors pop.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): Brightens the finished dish and brings a splash of color as a garnish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness—this step ensures they cook evenly and stay oh-so-juicy. Pat them dry for a gorgeous sear, then season both sides liberally with salt and pepper. This simple touch locks in flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in your largest skillet over medium-high. Once shimmering, add the chicken and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side. You’re looking for golden brown color and cooked-through centers. When done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside, keeping all those flavorful bits in the pan.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Chicken Sauce
Lower heat to medium and melt butter in the same pan. Toss in the minced garlic, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes until the kitchen smells like garlicky heaven (keep watch—it cooks fast!). Pour in chicken broth, scraping up the brown bits on the bottom for extra flavor, and let simmer for 2–3 minutes so everything melds.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Watch the sauce come together as it simmers gently for 3–4 minutes, thickening up to just the right consistency. This is where Creamy Garlic Chicken gets that silky, lush magic!
Step 5: Return the Chicken & Serve
Carefully nestle the chicken breasts back into the pan, spooning the hot, creamy sauce over the top. Let them simmer together for another 2–3 minutes so every bite is infused with flavor. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish before bringing to the table.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken
Garnishes
A final flurry of chopped fresh parsley lifts the colors and flavor of this dish, but don’t overlook a dusting of extra Parmesan or a grind of black pepper. For a simple touch, a squeeze of lemon brightens and balances the richness.
Side Dishes
Creamy Garlic Chicken is dreamy over fluffy mashed potatoes, tender pasta noodles, or a steamy bowl of rice—anything that can soak up all that velvety sauce. For a lighter plate, serve alongside roasted green beans or crisp steamed broccoli.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn leftovers into a decadent garlic chicken sandwich by tucking sliced breast and plenty of sauce into a toasted ciabatta. Or, spoon the creamy chicken over polenta and top with sautéed spinach for bistro-style flair. This recipe is just as perfect for a casual weeknight as it is for a cozy dinner with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld even more, making for a fabulous next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
While the creamy sauce can sometimes change texture after freezing, you can freeze portions of the chicken and sauce together for up to two months. For the smoothest results, reheat gently and consider adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
Reheating
Warm leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often so the sauce stays smooth and luscious. Microwaving works too—cover the dish and use medium power in short bursts to avoid overcooking the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs are fantastic in this recipe—they stay extra moist and tender. You may need to adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
How strong is the garlic flavor?
The garlic is front and center, but when cooked with butter and cream, it mellows into a fragrant, savory backbone for the whole dish. If you adore garlic, you can add even more to suit your personal taste!
Is this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe contains no flour or gluten-based thickeners. Always double-check your chicken broth and Parmesan to be sure if you’re serving someone with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Can I make this ahead for a dinner party?
Definitely! You can sear the chicken in advance and prepare the sauce just before serving. Or, make everything up to a day ahead and reheat gently right before your guests arrive for a fuss-free, impressive main course.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk will work in a pinch, but heavy cream truly gives the sauce its signature texture. If substituting, simmer the sauce slightly longer so it thickens well.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to bring Creamy Garlic Chicken into your dinner rotation—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a treat, yet is practical for busy weeknights. Give it a try, and you might just find it becomes your new comfort food classic!
Print
Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful Creamy Garlic Chicken, a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pound chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add chicken broth, then simmer. Stir in cream, Parmesan, and seasoning.
In a skillet, sear chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Return chicken to the skillet and simmer with sauce. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.
- For extra flavor, add white wine with broth.
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