If you are craving a dish that combines rich flavors with simple elegance, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and bathed in a luxurious, garlicky cream sauce make every bite pure comfort. This recipe balances hearty, savory notes with the fresh brightness of herbs and cheese, promising a dish that is as satisfying as it is straightforward to prepare. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because it uses a handful of everyday ingredients that pack a serious flavor punch. Each component is crucial in building the depth and creaminess that makes this dish so memorable.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy cooking and excellent sauce absorption.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity richness to sear the chicken perfectly.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to release an irresistible aroma and bold flavor.
- Chicken broth: Provides savory depth and helps deglaze the pan for extra taste.
- Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, velvety texture that defines the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, umami balance with a slight nuttiness.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings warmth and herbaceous notes to the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every element.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal bite as a garnish.
- Butter (optional): For extra richness and silkiness in the sauce if you’re feeling indulgent.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, which creates a perfect searing surface. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavor. Place them in the hot skillet and cook each side for about 6 to 7 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. The goal is to release that heavenly garlic aroma without letting it burn, as burnt garlic can introduce bitterness. This step creates the fragrant foundation for your creamy sauce.
Step 3: Add Liquids
Next, pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These little morsels are pure gold for flavor. Let the broth simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly, intensifying its savory qualities and setting the stage for a luscious sauce.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Parmesan
Bring in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir everything together and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes. This is when the sauce thickens and transforms into a dreamy, silky coating for the chicken. If it becomes too thick, simply add a splash more chicken broth or cream to reach your preferred consistency.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon over some of the creamy sauce. Let the chicken simmer for an additional 3 to 5 minutes so it heats through completely and soaks up all those delicious flavors. For an extra layer of creamy goodness, stir in a tablespoon of butter just before serving.
Step 6: Serve
Finally, garnish your dish with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, inviting finish. This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed with your favorite sides.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley isn’t just for aesthetics—it adds a fresh, subtle herbal note that balances the dish’s richness beautifully. You can also consider a little extra grated Parmesan or a few chili flakes if you enjoy a hint of heat or extra umami.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken pairs wonderfully with garlic mashed potatoes, which soak up every bit of the luscious sauce. For a lighter option, steamed green vegetables like asparagus or broccoli create a nice contrast in texture and color. Pasta tossed lightly in olive oil or a simple buttered noodle dish also works perfectly to make each bite complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, place each chicken breast atop a bed of creamy polenta or risotto, drizzle extra sauce creatively over the plate, and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation. In casual meals, spoon the sauce generously over the chicken and sides right in the skillet for a rustic yet inviting approach.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making the next day’s meal just as delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken breasts and sauce together, but be aware that the cream sauce might slightly separate upon thawing. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months, and thaw slowly in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture as much as possible.
Reheating
Reheat your Creamy Garlic Chicken gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at medium power. To prevent the sauce from breaking, add a splash of cream or broth while warming. Stir occasionally to keep everything smooth and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more fat and softness to the dish, which pairs wonderfully with creamy sauces. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
Is there a dairy-free version of this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
This dish is perfect for making ahead. Simply prepare the chicken and sauce, cool completely, then store in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving for a fast and flavorful meal.
What can I do if my sauce is too thin?
If you find your sauce is a bit too runny, simmer it a little longer to reduce and thicken, or sprinkle in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Is it necessary to use Parmesan cheese?
While Parmesan is traditional and adds a wonderful salty umami touch, you can substitute it with other hard cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano, or simply skip it for a milder flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe truly embodies comforting elegance without fuss. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug at the dinner table and an easy way to impress anyone from weeknight family to special guests. Don’t hesitate—give it a try and discover how just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps can create something magically delicious that will quickly become a staple in your home cooking.
Print
Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a flavorful garlic-infused cream sauce with Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs. Quick to prepare and rich in flavor, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garlic Cream 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)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the Cream and Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
- Finish the Dish: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some of the sauce over them, and simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and absorb some of the flavors. If you want an extra creamy texture, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with your favorite side, such as pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic as it cooks; cook it just until fragrant.
- If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with additional chicken broth or cream.
- For a richer sauce, butter is optional but highly recommended.
- This dish pairs well with a variety of sides like pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a full meal.
