Creamy garlic chicken is a rich and indulgent dish featuring tender, juicy chicken simmered in a luscious garlic cream sauce. This one-pan recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, pairing beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and comforting: Loaded with garlic and a creamy sauce that’s simply irresistible.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
- Versatile: Perfect as a main dish with a variety of sides.
- One-pan wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup!
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 generously 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 from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Create the cream sauce:
- Stir in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet for added flavor. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese 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 reach your desired consistency.
- Combine the chicken and sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot 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 for extra flavor.
- Mushroom addition: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy touch.
- Spicy kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for heat.
- Lemon twist: Add a splash of lemon juice or zest to brighten the dish.
- 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 maintain the sauce’s texture.
- Freezing: Freeze the 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 tender and juicy.
2. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and ensure you use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 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 alternative.
4. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Use a slurry made of cornstarch and water or whisk in a small amount of flour directly into the sauce.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
The sauce and chicken can be prepared in advance and reheated just before serving.
6. What sides pair best with this dish?
Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side of crusty bread.
7. How do I keep the sauce from separating?
Whisk continuously while adding the cream and Parmesan to prevent curdling.
8. Can I add spinach?
Yes, stir in fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added greens.
9. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, replace flour with cornstarch to thicken the sauce if needed.
10. How do I add extra flavor?
Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the chicken broth.
Conclusion
Creamy garlic chicken is a versatile and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, flavorful sauce and tender chicken, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Try this recipe for a restaurant-quality meal that’s quick and easy to make at home!
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Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a luscious one-pan dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich garlic cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners, this recipe pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (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
- 6 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)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove 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 until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits. 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 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For a healthier option, use half-and-half or light cream instead of heavy cream.
- Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus to the sauce for extra nutrition.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.