If you’re searching for a restaurant-worthy dinner that comes together in less than 30 minutes, look no further than Creamy Garlic Chicken. Plump chicken breasts are pan-seared until perfectly golden, then smothered in a luxuriously rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce that clings lovingly to every bite. This skillet classic manages to be both impressive and approachable, ideal for weeknights yet special enough for your next dinner party. Creamy Garlic Chicken will steal the show on any table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple, focusing on ingredients that deliver crave-worthy results. Each component brings something to the party, from depth of flavor to silky texture and a burst of color at the finish.
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless for quick cooking and a leaner main protein. Pounding them to an even thickness helps them cook more evenly and stay juicy.
- Olive Oil: Searing in olive oil gives the chicken that beautiful golden crust while imparting a subtle, fruity richness.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds velvety flavor to the sauce; unsalted lets you control the seasoning.
- Garlic: Five fresh cloves deliver bold, aromatic depth—the signature of this dish.
- Chicken Broth: Lifts the sauce with a savory note and helps deglaze the skillet for extra flavor.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to that blissfully creamy texture in your Creamy Garlic Chicken.
- Parmesan Cheese: Gives the sauce big, nutty flavor and a luscious, cheesy finish. Grated fresh is best!
- Italian Seasoning: Aromatic herbs bring warmth and a touch of the Mediterranean.
- Paprika: Adds a gentle, smoky flavor and a gorgeous blush of color.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Seasoning keeps every bite lively and flavorful from start to finish.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle at the end brightens the dish and makes it look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry so they’ll sear properly. Generously sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika. This quick step not only boosts flavor but also gives the chicken a lovely golden hue as it cooks.
Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once the oil is hot (you’ll see a shimmer), nestle in the chicken breasts. Let them sear undisturbed for 4–5 minutes per side. You want a deep, golden crust—resist any urges to fuss with them too soon! Once cooked through, set the chicken aside to rest and retain their juices.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Chicken Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté just until the kitchen smells irresistible—about 30 seconds is all it takes. Now, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up those flavorful browned bits from the pan. Every bit adds richness!
Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Simmer
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. The sauce will gently bubble as the cheese melts and thickens things up—let it go for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened but still pourable.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Slide the chicken breasts back into the skillet, bathing them in that creamy, garlicky sauce. Spoon a little extra over the top and let everything simmer together for another 2–3 minutes, just long enough for the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley and your Creamy Garlic Chicken is ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken
Garnishes
Top your Creamy Garlic Chicken generously with chopped fresh parsley to give it a pop of color and a touch of earthy brightness. A little extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan won’t hurt either! For a bit of zest, try a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving—it balances all the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This chicken is downright dreamy over buttered pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy steamed rice—all perfect for soaking up that fabulous sauce. For something lighter, try it with sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus. Garlic bread on the side is a bonus treat you’ll never regret!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, slice the chicken before saucing and fan it out beautifully on a platter, or pile it over a bed of silky mashed cauliflower for a lower-carb twist. Individual ramekins transform the dish into a dinner-party showstopper, or serve skillet-to-table for rustic charm and easy clean-up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, tuck your Creamy Garlic Chicken into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors get even dreamier as they mingle, so leftovers are always a treat. Just be sure to keep the chicken nestled in the sauce to help it stay moist.
Freezing
Cream-based dishes can be tricky to freeze, but if you must, portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge—the sauce might separate slightly, but a gentle stir while reheating will bring it back together.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, stirring often and adding a spoonful of chicken broth or cream if needed. Microwave reheating is quick, but do it in bursts and stir often to avoid uneven heating. You want the sauce lush and creamy, not overheated or oily!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully here; they’re even juicier and almost impossible to overcook. Just adjust the cooking time as needed—thicker pieces may need a minute or two longer per side.
How do I make Creamy Garlic Chicken lighter?
For a lighter take, substitute half-and-half or even evaporated milk for heavy cream. You can also use less Parmesan or try a reduced-fat version. The sauce won’t be quite as decadent, but it’ll still be dreamy and satisfying.
What variations can I try?
This dish is endlessly adaptable! Stir a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce for added color and flavor. For a kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper. Or, swap out Italian seasoning for fresh basil or thyme if you have it on hand.
How can I tell when the chicken is cooked through?
Chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, just cut into the thickest piece and make sure the juices run clear with no pink inside.
Is Creamy Garlic Chicken gluten-free?
It sure is, as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides like rice, gluten-free pasta, or veggies! Always double-check your chicken broth and Parmesan, but the sauce itself contains no flour or wheat-based thickeners.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Chicken is true comfort food: lively, luscious, and just a little bit luxurious. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can create such knockout flavor. Here’s to cozy dinners and happy faces at your table!
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Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Creamy Garlic Chicken, a delicious combination of tender chicken breasts in a decadent garlic parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
For the sauce:
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear chicken until golden brown, then set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter, add broth, cream, Parmesan, and seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
- Finish the dish: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over, and simmer until heated through. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts for even cooking.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
