A Rich and Flavorful Comfort Dish
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a luscious, indulgent dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a velvety garlic-infused sauce. This meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or simply when you want a hearty and satisfying dish. The creamy sauce, enriched with garlic, butter, and Parmesan, pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Rich and creamy – A decadent garlic cream sauce that elevates simple chicken breasts.
- Versatile – Serve it with rice, pasta, or even crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Customizable – Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise to create cutlets)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added color and flavor)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
- Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and paprika, then let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Parmesan and Return Chicken
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce.
- Let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is heated through.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with steamed vegetables.
Variations
- Mushroom Lovers – Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Spicy Kick – Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Cheesy Twist – Mix in mozzarella or Gruyère for an extra cheesy sauce.
- Healthy Swap – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The sauce may separate when frozen, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm on low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent my sauce from curdling?
Use heavy cream instead of milk, and avoid boiling the sauce at high heat.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work great and add extra juiciness.
What sides go well with Creamy Garlic Chicken?
Pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even crusty bread.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
How do I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water).
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes add great texture and flavor.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! The dish is naturally low in carbs, making it a great keto meal option.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dish and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.
What can I use instead of Parmesan?
Try Romano, Asiago, or nutritional yeast for a different taste.
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Fresh garlic is best, but pre-minced can work in a pinch—just use a bit more for a stronger flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a delicious, quick, and comforting meal that fits any occasion. With its rich garlic sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it with pasta, rice, or veggies, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it today and savor the creamy goodness!
Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a rich and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a velvety garlic-infused sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile meal pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or vegetables for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise to create cutlets)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added color and flavor)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
- Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and paprika, then let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Parmesan and Return Chicken
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce.
- Let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Sauce may separate when frozen but can be stored for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm on low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore consistency.
- Customization: Add mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: creamy garlic chicken, garlic Parmesan chicken, easy chicken dinner, one-pan chicken recipe, creamy chicken skillet
