Creamy Garlic Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a one-pan dish that’s packed with flavor. The chicken is cooked to perfection, tender and juicy, while the sauce is rich and velvety. The garlic adds an aromatic depth to the dish, and the creaminess of the sauce makes it incredibly indulgent. It’s an easy recipe to prepare for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough to serve at a dinner party. This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, pasta, or even a side of roasted vegetables. It’s comfort food at its finest!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Make the garlic sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.

3. Add the broth and cream: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits left from the chicken. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

4. Add seasonings: Stir in the parmesan cheese, thyme, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, until it thickens slightly and becomes smooth.

5. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the chicken. Simmer for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up some of the sauce.

6. Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is around 20 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal.

Variations

• Add vegetables: You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for added flavor and texture.

• Use chicken thighs: For a juicier, more flavorful option, use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.

• Make it dairy-free: Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream, and swap the parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative.

• Add white wine: For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of white wine to the skillet after the garlic and before the broth.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. If cooking from frozen, you may need to increase the cooking time.

2. Can I use heavy whipping cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes, heavy whipping cream will work in place of heavy cream for this recipe. The texture will be just as rich and creamy.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and cook the chicken, then combine them together.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses such as Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even mozzarella for a different twist.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?

If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also serve the dish with a drizzle of hot sauce for extra spice.

6. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Cook the chicken breasts on low for 3-4 hours, then remove the chicken, make the garlic sauce in a separate pan, and add the sauce to the slow cooker. Let it cook for another 30 minutes before serving.

7. Can I use this sauce with other proteins?

Yes, this creamy garlic sauce works wonderfully with other proteins, like shrimp. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly based on the protein you’re using.

8. Can I add more garlic to the sauce?

If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add more minced garlic to the sauce. Just be cautious, as garlic can become bitter if it’s cooked too long.

9. Can I make this recipe without the parmesan?

Yes, you can omit the parmesan if you want a lighter version of the sauce, though it will lose some of its richness. You can also substitute with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.

10. How can I thicken the sauce further?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can stir in a little cornstarch mixed with water (about 1 tablespoon cornstarch to 1 tablespoon water) and let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy, garlicky sauce. The savory flavors, paired with the smooth texture of the sauce, make this a satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether served with pasta, rice, or vegetables, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect addition to your dinner rotation.

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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• Author: Alice
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish with tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy, garlicky sauce. This one-pan meal is savory, creamy, and aromatic, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Paired with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables, it’s sure to be a family favorite.

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Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

• Prepare the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

• Make the garlic sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant (but not burnt).

• Add broth and cream: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the skillet to release any browned bits from the chicken. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

• Add seasonings: Stir in parmesan cheese, thyme, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

• Combine chicken and sauce: Return cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon some sauce over the top. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors of the sauce.

• Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite side dishes.

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Notes

Variations: Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.Substitutes: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier and more flavorful option.Make it dairy-free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a vegan option.Add white wine: For a more complex flavor, add a splash of white wine to the skillet after cooking the garlic and before adding the broth.