If you’re searching for a dish that’s wonderfully rich, flavorful, and comforting, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe will quickly become one of your top favorites. Picture tender, juicy chicken breast enveloped in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce that’s kissed with Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs. It’s incredibly simple to whip up but delivers a decadent restaurant-quality meal you can enjoy any night of the week. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between decadent and approachable every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and familiar, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible flavor and creamy texture that defines this dish.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose even-sized breasts for uniform cooking and juicy results.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a light, fruity depth and helps achieve a golden crust on the chicken.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic delivers that signature pungent, aromatic punch.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Provides savory base notes and helps deglaze the pan for maximum flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The backbone of the sauce, making it rich, velvety, and luscious.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty complexity that complements the garlic beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme that infuses the sauce with classic Mediterranean herbs.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all flavors together perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A fresh pop of color and a mild herbal note to finish the dish.
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional): Use this for an extra touch of creaminess and richness in the sauce.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then carefully place them in the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for about 6 to 7 minutes per side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This step locks in flavor and keeps the chicken juicy. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside while you prepare the heavenly sauce.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Sauce
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook it over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. You want to release those beautiful garlicky aromas without letting it burn, which would bring unwanted bitterness.
Step 3: Add Liquids
Next, pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. Those bits infuse the sauce with deep, savory richness. Allow the broth to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes so it reduces and intensifies in flavor.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Parmesan
Now stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens to a creamy, spoon-coating consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, a splash more chicken broth or cream can easily loosen it back up.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them gently in the sauce. Spoon some sauce over each piece and allow them to simmer for another 3 to 5 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly and the chicken warms through. For extra indulgence, stir in a tablespoon of butter at this stage to make your Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe decadently rich and silky.
Step 6: Serve
Once everything is ready, it’s time to plate up. Don’t forget to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for that burst of freshness and color that makes the dish pop.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish, brightening the creamy sauce with a subtle herbal lift and vibrant green hue. You can also consider a light dusting of extra Parmesan or even a few red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous and want a hint of heat.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery pasta soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. Steamed or roasted seasonal vegetables add a fresh, crunchy contrast. Even a crisp garden salad can keep the meal balanced and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of wilted spinach or creamy risotto, drizzling the garlicky sauce artfully over the top. A rustic wooden board with crusty bread alongside also encourages everyone to savor every last drop of the delicious sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making it a great next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. To preserve the sauce’s texture, cool completely before sealing and freezing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power to avoid curdling the cream sauce. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating helps refresh its creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work just as well and can add extra juiciness and flavor to the dish. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for the heavy cream?
You can use coconut cream or a cashew-based cream substitute for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind, this will alter the flavor profile slightly but still create a creamy texture.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the garlic over medium or medium-low heat and stir constantly. Garlic cooks fast and can turn bitter quickly if browned too deeply, so keep a close eye when making the sauce.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
While the sauce tastes best fresh, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. Reheat gently and add a bit of broth or cream as needed to smooth it out before serving with warmed chicken.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, simply stir in a little more chicken broth or cream to loosen it and bring back that perfect creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is a true winner for weeknight dinners or special occasions. It’s comforting, elegant, and packs a delicious punch that’s sure to impress family and friends. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to recipe for effortless, creamy, garlicky goodness!
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Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and comforting skillet dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and simmered in a rich garlic-infused cream sauce with Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garlic Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and lift up any flavorful browned bits. Allow the broth to simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly reduce.
- Add the Cream and Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your preferred consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, adjust by adding a small amount of chicken broth or cream.
- Finish the Dish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, and simmer for another 3-5 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors and heats through. For extra creaminess, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter at this stage.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately alongside your favorite sides like pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth if you want to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides the best flavor for the sauce.
- Butter is optional but adds richness and a silky texture to the cream sauce.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and gently reheated.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a blend of milk and cream, but the sauce will be less thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
