Zesty Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe: A Tantalizing Family Favorite

Weeknight dinners demand a knockout chicken dish that brings comfort and flavor to the table.

This creamy garlic chicken recipe delivers pure culinary magic in less than 30 minutes.

Tender chicken breasts swim in a luscious, velvety sauce that packs serious punch.

Garlic lovers will swoon over the intense, rich flavors infusing every single bite.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a restaurant-worthy meal right in your kitchen.

Each forkful promises a decadent experience that feels both indulgent and satisfying.

Ingredients Needed for Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender cut of meat that serves as the primary protein in this creamy garlic chicken dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: These fats provide rich flavor and help create a golden-brown exterior on the chicken while preventing sticking to the skillet.

• Garlic: A pungent and aromatic ingredient that adds deep, savory flavor to the creamy sauce.
• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps create the base of the sauce and adds depth to the overall taste.
• Heavy Cream: A rich dairy product that creates a smooth, luxurious texture in the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard, salty cheese that melts beautifully and adds a nutty, complex flavor to the sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright, green color and a light, clean taste to the finished dish.

Stepwise Directions for Creamy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Poultry

Generously sprinkle salt and black pepper over both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring an even coating that will help create a delicious flavor profile.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Warm a skillet over medium heat, combining olive oil and butter until they create a golden, shimmering base for cooking.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the pan.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Allow the chicken to sizzle and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust, cooking each side until the meat is completely cooked through.

Once done, transfer the chicken to a separate plate.

Step 4: Awaken the Garlic

In the same skillet, add finely chopped garlic, stirring quickly to release its aromatic essence without burning.

The kitchen will fill with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 5: Create the Luxurious Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Gently stir the liquids together, creating a smooth and creamy base for the sauce.

Step 6: Enrich the Sauce

Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the sauce transforms into a thick, velvety consistency that clings beautifully to the chicken.

Step 7: Reunite Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, gently turning them to ensure they’re completely covered in the rich, creamy sauce.

Step 8: Final Simmer and Garnish

Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb all the incredible flavors.

Just before serving, scatter freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips for Garlic Chicken with Creamy Sauce

• Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust and lock in juiciness.
• Simmer sauce slowly and stir constantly to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, velvety texture.
• Use fresh minced garlic instead of pre-minced for a more vibrant, intense flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for richer taste or use turkey breast for a leaner protein alternative.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat.

Ways to Vary Creamy Garlic Chicken Dinners

• Dairy-Free Comfort: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly, creamy sauce that keeps the rich flavor profile.
• Herb Garden Remix: Swap Parmesan with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil to create a lighter, more aromatic chicken dish with Mediterranean notes.
• Low-Carb Power Plate: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more fat content, and replace broth with white wine for enhanced depth, perfect for keto dieters.
• Spicy Global Fusion: Introduce smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a splash of sriracha to transform the classic recipe into a bold, zesty chicken experience.

Serving Creamy Garlic Chicken with Sides

• Dinner Party Delight: Present this chicken on a large platter garnished with extra fresh parsley, creating an elegant centerpiece that impresses guests.
• Comfort Meal Companion: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice to soak up the delicious garlic sauce, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
• Veggie Pairing Perfection: Roast some asparagus, broccoli, or green beans as a side dish to balance the richness of the creamy chicken and add nutritional value to the meal.
• Bread Lover's Dream: Offer warm crusty bread or garlic bread to help guests mop up every last bit of the luxurious sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.

Storage for Creamy Garlic Chicken to Stay Fresh

• Transfer leftover chicken and sauce to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out and restore the sauce's creamy consistency.

FAQs

• What makes the garlic cream sauce so flavorful?

The combination of sautéed garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that perfectly complements the golden-brown chicken.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re often more tender and juicy, and will absorb the creamy garlic sauce beautifully.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The chicken and sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for preparing meals in advance.

• How can I make the dish lower in calories?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, use less butter, and choose skinless chicken breasts to reduce the overall calorie content.

Creamy Garlic Chicken – Rich Flavor in Every Bite

• Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps.
• Savor Rich Flavors: Creamy garlic sauce with Parmesan cheese creates a luxurious, restaurant-quality meal that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.
• Family-Pleasing Dinner: Tender chicken bathed in a velvety sauce appeals to both adults and kids, making it an ideal choice for family meals that everyone will enjoy.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and a single skillet mean less cleanup, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your delicious meal and less time washing up.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent creamy garlic chicken delivers comfort and elegance with minimal effort. Rich pan sauce and tender chicken promise a restaurant-quality meal you’ll savor in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt
• Pepper

Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of olive oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) of chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) of grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even seasoning on both sides.
2. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat, combining olive oil and butter to create a rich cooking base.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust, approximately 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked through.
4. Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a clean plate, keeping it warm.
5. Without cleaning the skillet, add minced garlic and quickly sauté until aromatic, releasing its intense flavor.
6. Introduce chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, whisking gently to blend the pan drippings and create a smooth liquid foundation.
7. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and develops a velvety consistency.
8. Gently return the cooked chicken to the skillet, delicately coating each piece with the luxurious garlic cream sauce.
9. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, ensuring complete heat integration and flavor absorption.
10. Finish the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant touch of color and fresh herbaceous notes before serving.

Notes

• Ensure chicken breasts are evenly seasoned with salt and pepper for maximum flavor absorption.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken without drying out.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories and fat content.
• Quickly brown chicken at high heat to lock in juices and create a delicious golden crust that seals in moisture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg