Creamy garlic chicken breasts are a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a luscious garlic cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. It’s an easy yet elegant meal that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy: The garlic cream sauce is indulgent and full of flavor.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Serve with a variety of sides like rice, vegetables, or pasta.
- Customizable: Adjust the garlic and creaminess to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- All-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt
- Black pepper
Directions
- Prepare the chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter base:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Create the sauce:
- Stir in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Gradually add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Thicken the sauce (optional):
- If the sauce is too thin, whisk in a small amount of flour or cornstarch dissolved in water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Return the chicken:
- Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 4 servings
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Herb-infused: Add thyme, rosemary, or basil to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Mushroom version: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic before adding the cream.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
- Lemon twist: Stir in a splash of lemon juice or zest for brightness.
- Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to prevent the sauce from thickening too much.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and remain juicy in the creamy sauce.
2. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, half-and-half or coconut cream can be used for a lighter or dairy-free option.
4. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
A slurry of cornstarch and water or a small amount of flour whisked into the sauce works well.
5. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Add spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The sauce and chicken can be prepared in advance and reheated just before serving.
7. What sides pair best with this dish?
Pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread are all excellent options.
8. How do I keep the sauce smooth?
Stir continuously while adding the cream and Parmesan to prevent curdling.
9. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce.
10. What’s the secret to a flavorful sauce?
Sauté the garlic to release its aroma and use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy garlic chicken breasts are a delicious and comforting dish that’s easy to make yet elegant enough for special occasions. The rich garlic cream sauce elevates simple chicken to a luxurious meal that pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Try this recipe tonight for a satisfying, restaurant-quality dinner at home!
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Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a quick and delicious one-pan dish featuring juicy chicken breasts in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, serve it over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 3–4 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, but note the sauce may be less thick.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.