There’s just something magical about a simple, cozy dish like Creamy Garlic Chicken. Thank you so much for stopping by! It means the world to me to share this delicious, soul-warming recipe with you. Right after the title, let’s dive into why creamy garlic chicken deserves a permanent place in your dinner rotation — it’s rich, savory, and packed with comfort. And guess what? It’s SO easy!
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Overview of Creamy Garlic Chicken
This creamy garlic chicken recipe is all about tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, silky garlic cream sauce. It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up on a weeknight but still feel fancy enough for a special occasion. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s a kitchen win you’ll want to repeat!
Reasons to Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy nights!
- One pan wonder – less cleanup, more time to savor.
- Incredibly versatile – pair it with pasta, rice, or veggies.
- Restaurant-quality flavor without the restaurant price.
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! This sauce is everything — rich, buttery, garlicky (but not overpowering!), and it clings perfectly to every bite.
What Does Creamy Garlic Chicken Taste Like?
Imagine a bite of juicy, seared chicken, enveloped in a velvety sauce that’s buttery with a mild kick of roasted garlic. It’s smooth, deeply savory, and slightly indulgent without being heavy. Trust me — the smell when this is simmering is incredible!!
Benefits of Making Creamy Garlic Chicken at Home
- Cost-effective compared to eating out.
- Healthier with control over ingredients (hello, no hidden preservatives).
- Customizable to fit dietary needs (dairy-free? keto? no problem!).
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet (preferably non-stick or cast iron)
- Tongs
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Swap the chicken breasts for thighs for extra juiciness.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies (and bonus nutrition).
- Go dairy-free by using coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Step-by-Step
Step 1:
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 2:
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken and sear for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant — about 1 minute (don’t let it burn!).
Step 4:
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan (that’s FLAVOR right there!). Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Step 5:
Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
Step 6:
Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Step 7:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately!
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken
The sauce begs to be soaked up! Try:
- Fluffy mashed potatoes
- Steamed white rice
- Buttered noodles
- Garlic bread (double garlic = double joy!)
- Roasted asparagus or green beans for a fresh contrast
If you’re in the mood for a light, sweet dessert after this rich dish, check out this dreamy No-Bake Lemon Dazzling Blueberry Cream Cake! It’s refreshing, creamy, and absolutely gorgeous.
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Pound thicker parts of the chicken slightly so they cook evenly.
- Let the skillet cool slightly before adding garlic to avoid burning.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture.
For a quick, protein-packed snack to meal prep alongside your dinner, you might also love these Brownie Protein Bites (Gluten-Free + Paleo). They’re chewy, chocolatey, and guilt-free!
General Information About Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy garlic chicken is a European-inspired dish that has found a beloved home in American kitchens. It’s a cousin to creamy Tuscan chicken, but with an even greater focus on garlic. It’s the kind of comforting food that’s timeless — rustic yet elegant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce separately, refrigerate, and reheat together before serving.
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
While fresh is always best for flavor, pre-minced can work in a pinch — just use a good quality brand.
Is it okay to use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. To thicken, you can mix a teaspoon of flour into the milk before adding it.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
Simply whisk in a splash of chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Looking for more guilt-free treats that taste indulgent? Try this amazing Protein Cookie Dough Recipe (Healthy and Delicious) — it’s a no-bake snack you’ll crave!
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Chicken is the ultimate easy comfort food — packed with rich flavor, ready in a snap, and endlessly adaptable. Whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe guarantees happy plates and full hearts. I truly hope you love it as much as I do!
Craving even more creamy goodness and sweet delights?
Explore more mouthwatering recipes over on RecipeDune’s Pinterest page! Pin your favorites and find inspiration for every craving!
🌟 If you make this Creamy Garlic Chicken, please leave a review and share your beautiful creations on Pinterest! I absolutely LOVE seeing your photos!!
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
Creamy Garlic Chicken
-
Pound thicker chicken breasts slightly to ensure even cooking.
-
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives the best flavor.
-
Let the pan cool slightly before adding garlic to avoid burning.
-
If the sauce thickens too much, whisk in a splash of chicken broth.
-
Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Sauté, Simmering
- Cuisine: American, European-Inspired
Ingredients
-
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
-
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken and sear for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
-
In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add the butter. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
-
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
-
Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
-
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
-
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately!
Instructions
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
2 tablespoons butter
-
6 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Notes
-
Pound thicker chicken breasts slightly to ensure even cooking.
-
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives the best flavor.
-
Let the pan cool slightly before adding garlic to avoid burning.
-
If the sauce thickens too much, whisk in a splash of chicken broth.
-
Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
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