This creamy garlic chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a velvety garlic cream sauce. It’s the perfect dinner for those who love indulgent, comforting meals. Paired with pasta, rice, or vegetables, it creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just a quiet dinner for yourself, this dish is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Garlic Chicken is one of those dishes that’s as comforting as it is delicious. The creamy sauce, made with garlic, heavy cream, and parmesan, brings a depth of flavor to the chicken that is simply irresistible. It’s easy to make and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients, making it a great weeknight meal. Plus, the garlic flavor is bold but not overpowering, and the richness of the sauce pairs perfectly with the succulent chicken.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any bits of chicken left in the skillet.
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Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
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Stir in the parmesan cheese and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
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Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon some sauce over the chicken, and let it simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 5 minutes
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Cook time: 20 minutes
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Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Add Vegetables: You can incorporate vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce for added flavor and texture.
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Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer chicken thighs, they’ll work just as well in this recipe, offering a slightly richer flavor.
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Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and use a dairy-free cheese substitute to make this dish dairy-free.
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Herb Infused: Add a variety of herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover creamy garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a little bit of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
How can I make the creamy garlic sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer for a few more minutes or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it up.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat and add the chicken back into the sauce when ready to serve.
What can I serve this creamy garlic chicken with?
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts. They will add a richer flavor to the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbs, making it a great choice for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
How do I keep the chicken moist while cooking?
Be sure not to overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should be 165°F for optimal juiciness.
Can I freeze creamy garlic chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm it on the stovetop.
What kind of garlic should I use?
Fresh garlic cloves work best for this recipe, as they offer the most intense and aromatic flavor. Garlic powder can be used as a substitute in a pinch, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like some heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of hot sauce while cooking.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute parmesan with another hard cheese like pecorino romano or asiago for a different twist on the flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a delicious and easy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The rich, flavorful garlic cream sauce pairs perfectly with tender chicken, making every bite irresistible. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking time, it’s a simple yet luxurious meal the whole family will love.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken
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- Author: Amelia
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe is an indulgent and flavorful meal that combines succulent chicken breasts with a velvety garlic cream sauce. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this dish is simple to make and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or vegetables. Enjoy a rich and comforting dinner that’s guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken in the skillet for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (be careful not to burn).
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Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to loosen any chicken bits stuck to the pan.
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Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
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Add parmesan cheese and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
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Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over it. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the chicken to soak up the flavors.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
Chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts for a richer flavor.
For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and use a non-dairy cheese substitute.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few more minutes or use a cornstarch slurry.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American