If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe. It combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce that is simply irresistible. This recipe is quick, straightforward, and delivers a rich, savory flavor that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re making a cozy family dinner or impressing friends, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe will become a beloved favorite in your culinary rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients is all it takes to create this flavorful dish. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, texture, and color, making every bite a delight.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, offering tenderness and absorbing the delicious sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil: Provides a subtle fruitiness and helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
- Butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce as well as aids in cooking.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with vibrant, aromatic flavor that defines the recipe.
- Heavy cream: Creates the creamy, velvety sauce that envelops the chicken in indulgence.
- Chicken broth: Balances the richness of the cream and adds savory undertones.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the garlic profile, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Onion powder: Introduces a gentle sweetness and complexity.
- Salt and pepper: The essential seasonings to brighten and balance all flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch as a garnish, lifting the dish visually and in flavor.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This simple seasoning blend enhances the chicken naturally, setting the foundation for the dish’s bold flavors.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts, cooking them for 6 to 7 minutes on each side. This process locks in juices and gives the chicken a gorgeous golden-brown crust that adds texture and appeal.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
After removing the cooked chicken to rest, add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté it for about a minute until fragrant but not burnt. This quick step releases the garlic’s savory essence, ensuring your Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe has a deep flavor foundation.
Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring everything together. Let the sauce gently simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, which allows it to thicken beautifully. This rich, silky sauce is what truly makes this dish stand out from everyday chicken dinners.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over them. Let everything cook together an additional 3 to 4 minutes so the chicken absorbs the sauce’s flavors and stays moist and tender. By now, the aroma alone is enough to get your mouth watering!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a wonderful finishing touch for this dish. Sprinkle a handful of chopped parsley over the chicken, giving the plate a splash of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness that balances the luxurious cream sauce.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, complementary sides. Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp Caesar salad brighten the meal with freshness. For more comfort food vibes, buttery mashed potatoes or garlic bread soak up every bit of the heavenly sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, consider plating the chicken over a bed of creamy risotto or freshly cooked pasta. Drizzle extra sauce on top and garnish with a sprig of parsley or a lemon wedge for a professional, elegant look. Presentation is your chance to turn a family favorite into a stunning centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe (which is rare!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days and maintain its flavor when properly sealed.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it perfect for batch cooking. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring to pour some extra sauce on top before sealing. It keeps best for up to 2 months and thaws quickly in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until heated through. Adding a splash of broth or cream can help revive the sauce’s creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe as they are even juicier and more forgiving to cook, adding extra depth to the flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth is gluten-free. Always double-check labels if you have sensitivities.
Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk to cut calories, but keep in mind the sauce will be less thick and rich. To compensate, you might want to add a little flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes to reduce it further or whisk in a slurry made of cornstarch and water while the sauce is simmering. The sauce will thicken and cling more beautifully to the chicken.
Can I prepare this recipe for a large group?
Yes, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe scales up beautifully. Use a larger skillet or cook in batches to maintain the same results. Just keep an eye on the cooking times to ensure the chicken stays tender.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that brings such comfort and delight every single time. It’s simple enough for weeknight meals yet impressive for guests, balancing rich flavors with ease. I encourage you to give it a try—once you taste the creamy garlic sauce and tender chicken, it just might become your new go-to recipe!
Print
Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and flavorful Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a luscious garlic cream sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish combines simple ingredients to create a comforting and elegant meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 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, add the olive oil and butter and allow them to melt and combine to create a flavorful base for cooking the chicken.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to infuse deep flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside on a plate to rest while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until it becomes fragrant and soft, making sure not to burn it.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine with the garlic and any browned bits left in the pan for extra flavor.
- Simmer the sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes creamy.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness, then serve the creamy garlic chicken hot with your choice of side dishes.
Notes
- For an extra touch of flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce before simmering.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking that internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
