This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a perfect dish for a cozy dinner. The juicy chicken breasts simmer in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce that brings comfort in every bite. It’s the kind of meal that’s easy to prepare yet feels indulgent, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it combines simple ingredients with bold flavors. The chicken turns out perfectly tender and juicy, while the creamy garlic sauce adds depth and richness to every bite. The Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning bring a wonderful savory note, and the fresh parsley gives a burst of color and freshness. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, with minimal prep time required.
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
Salt & pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, allowing them to simmer in the creamy garlic sauce for a few minutes.
Add the Finishing Touches: Stir in the lemon juice for a hint of freshness. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
Add mushrooms: For extra flavor and texture, I sometimes add sliced mushrooms to the sauce while it’s simmering. They pair wonderfully with the creamy garlic sauce.
Use chicken thighs: If I prefer a more juicy and flavorful cut of meat, I can swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
Add spinach: For a pop of color and nutrients, I add a handful of fresh spinach to the sauce near the end of cooking. It wilts beautifully into the sauce.
Serving Tips:
Presentation: Serve the Creamy Garlic Chicken on a warm plate to retain its heat and flavors.
Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes: Pair with your favorite sides such as pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad to complete the meal.
Bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to sop up the delicious creamy sauce.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: While the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat the chicken and sauce on the stove over low heat to avoid breaking the sauce. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to restore the creamy consistency.
Microwave: If reheating in the microwave, cover the container loosely to prevent splattering and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
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FAQs:
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, I can make this recipe ahead and store it in the fridge. It’s great for meal prepping, and the flavors even improve after a day or two.
Can I freeze Creamy Garlic Chicken?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing this dish because the cream sauce may separate when thawed, which can affect the texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
What sides go well with Creamy Garlic Chicken?
I like pairing this dish with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a simple green salad. Roasted vegetables also make a great side!
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, I can use half-and-half as a lighter alternative to heavy cream. Just note that the sauce may be a little less rich and creamy.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If I want a thicker sauce, I can simmer it for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, I can add a cornstarch slurry (mixing a little cornstarch with cold water) to help thicken it.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe is a delightful and easy weeknight meal that promises rich flavors and creamy indulgence. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Pair it with your preferred side dish for a complete and satisfying dinner. Enjoy the delicious taste and comforting aroma of this classic dish.
📖 Recipe:
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Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe. Perfectly seasoned chicken breasts are cooked to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce. This easy weeknight meal is quick to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
Salt & pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, allowing them to simmer in the creamy garlic sauce for a few minutes.
- Stir in the lemon juice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (mix of cornstarch and water).
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and flour for a lighter option.
Use chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
