If you have a craving for something rich, comforting, and downright delicious, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce that’s both velvety and bursting with flavor. It’s an effortless dish that comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights yet special enough to impress guests. The balance of savory garlic, buttery goodness, and delicate herbs makes every bite a warm hug on a plate, turning simple ingredients into a truly memorable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect blend of taste, texture, and color that makes this dish so irresistible.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing a tender and juicy base.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and prevents sticking while cooking the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Enhances flavor and helps create a silky sauce texture.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Builds that unmistakable fragrant garlic flavor throughout the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to the sauce’s creaminess and rich consistency.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce light enough and layers in a subtle savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the overall garlic punch in every bite.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity to the seasoning.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish: Brightens the dish with a pop of fresh green color and mild herbal notes.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Begin by heating olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a flavorful base. While the skillet warms, season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for an even seasoning layer. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. This step ensures a beautifully seared outer crust locking in moisture, making every bite juicy.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside temporarily. Add the minced garlic directly into the hot skillet and sauté for about a minute, releasing that divine garlicky aroma. This quick sauté infuses the base for your creamy sauce with an irresistible depth of flavor without turning bitter or burnt.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth directly into the skillet with the garlic. Stir well to combine all elements, then let the mixture simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes. This simmering allows the sauce to thicken beautifully, developing a luscious texture that will coat your chicken perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over each piece. Allow the chicken to cook in the creamy mixture for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, letting all those incredible flavors meld together. This final step guarantees the chicken stays moist while soaking up the rich, garlicky goodness.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley does more than add color — it lends a fresh, slightly peppery note that cuts through the richness and brightens the entire plate. You can also add a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan for an extra burst of umami.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the creamy sauce. Try fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or garlic roasted vegetables. A crisp green salad or steamed broccoli can provide a fresh contrast, balancing the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken atop a bed of sautéed spinach or creamy polenta, allowing the sauce to cascade over. Alternatively, slice the chicken thinly and fan it out on the plate, drizzling with extra sauce and garnishing with herbs for an elegant touch. The key is to highlight that creamy, garlicky sauce—because that’s the star of the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so you might want to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to bring it back to its perfect consistency.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken along with the creamy garlic sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the flavor and texture integrity.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. If it seems too thick, add a little chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. Microwaving is possible but use short intervals to avoid overheating and curdling the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to stay moist thanks to their higher fat content. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is there a low-fat alternative for the heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour to thicken, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be quite as rich or creamy. For the fullest flavor, heavy cream is ideal.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, swap butter for olive oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious with the garlic and seasoning.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Garlic burns quickly, so sauté it over medium or medium-low heat for just about a minute, until fragrant but not browned. Cooking it too long or on high heat will create a bitter taste.
Can I double this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Just use a larger skillet or cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause uneven cooking. The sauce ingredients can be doubled in the skillet after all the chicken is cooked.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe truly embodies comfort food at its finest—simple ingredients elevated to create a luscious, flavorful dinner you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish brings warmth and richness to the table with every creamy, garlicky bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love just like I did!
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Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy garlic chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked in a rich and velvety garlic cream sauce. Perfectly seasoned and pan-seared to golden perfection, the chicken is simmered in a luscious sauce made with heavy cream, chicken broth, and a blend of garlic and onion powders. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish offers a comforting and flavorful meal ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Cooking Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the fats: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and butter together until melted and hot, creating a perfect base for cooking the chicken.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to infuse flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it’s fully cooked and juicy.
- Set aside the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden but not burnt.
- Add liquids: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine and deglaze the pan by loosening any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
- Simmer the sauce: Let the cream sauce simmer gently over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or until it thickens to a creamy consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Return chicken to sauce: Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet with the creamy sauce and spoon sauce over them. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the sauce and heat through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken and sauce just before serving for a burst of color and fresh herb flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use chicken breasts of similar thickness to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but expect a thinner consistency.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to complement the creamy sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- To enhance the flavor, add a splash of white wine when pouring in the chicken broth.
