Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a comforting skillet dinner featuring tender, golden chicken breasts coated in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce. Fresh garlic, Parmesan, and herbs create incredible savory flavor in every bite. This easy recipe comes together in one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without a lot of cleanup. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Oven Temperature
N/A
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken breasts: Create a tender, hearty main dish. Substitute boneless chicken thighs.
- Fresh garlic: Provides the signature bold garlic flavor. Substitute 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce rich and silky. Substitute half-and-half.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and helps thicken the sauce. Substitute Romano cheese.
- Chicken broth: Adds flavor and balances the creamy sauce. Substitute vegetable broth.
- Italian seasoning: Adds aromatic herb flavor. Substitute a mix of dried oregano and thyme.
Tips
- Pound thicker chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking.
- Sear the chicken until golden before making the sauce.
- Cook garlic briefly so it becomes fragrant without burning.
- Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to maintain a smooth texture.
Ingredients You'll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If the breasts are thick, gently pound them to an even thickness.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
- Cook the garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and slightly thickened. Return the chicken and spoon sauce over the top.
- Finish and serve: Simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches 165°F internally. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Garnish & Serving
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Add freshly cracked black pepper and a little red pepper flakes.
- Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice.
Storage
Store leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened. Avoid boiling the sauce during reheating to keep it smooth and creamy.
Make Ahead
Cook the chicken and sauce up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stovetop and add a small splash of broth or cream before serving.
Variations
- Spinach garlic chicken: Stir in fresh spinach during the final few minutes.
- Mushroom garlic chicken: Sauté sliced mushrooms before making the cream sauce.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
Serving Pairings
- Garlic butter pasta
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
Creamy Garlic Chicken is an easy one-pan dinner with juicy chicken and a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce that's perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
Comments
Post a Comment