If you have a hankering for something truly comforting yet elegant, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. It balances juicy, perfectly cooked chicken breasts with a luscious sauce packed full of garlic, Parmesan, and just the right amount of herbs to make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress your guests without breaking a sweat, this dish delivers big on flavor and creaminess that warms the soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s wonderful about this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and texture. These essentials come together seamlessly to create a hearty, satisfying meal.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up all the delicious sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides the perfect searing base for golden, flavorful chicken.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuse an irresistible aromatic punch that defines this dish.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and keeps the sauce light and flavorful while deglazing the pan.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to the sauce’s velvety smooth and decadent texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings nutty richness and helps thicken the sauce with its melty goodness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to elevate every bite.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors into balance.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, colorful finish when garnishing.
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional): For an extra layer of luxurious creaminess if you feel 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. As the pan warms, season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet and cook without disturbing for 6 to 7 minutes until the first side achieves a beautiful golden crust. Flip and repeat until the chicken is cooked through and juicy inside, aiming for that perfect internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Sauce
Stick with the same skillet — those browned bits from cooking the chicken are pure flavor gold. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to release its sweet and pungent aroma. Just be careful not to burn it because burnt garlic tints the sauce bitter.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and use your spoon to gently scrape the bottom of the pan, lifting all that caramelized goodness into the sauce. Let the broth simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly. This step is crucial for concentrating flavor in the base of your sauce.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Parmesan
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, mixing everything well to meld the flavors together. Simmer this comforting sauce for about 5 minutes until it thickens up nicely, swirling occasionally. If it gets too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or cream to adjust the consistency just how you like it.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Return your chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them gently into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top and let everything simmer together an additional 3 to 5 minutes so the chicken warms through and absorbs the garlicky, creamy goodness. For an indulgent touch of richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter now. It’s the kind of finish that makes this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe utterly irresistible.
Step 6: Serve
Once your chicken is warm and bathed in that luxurious sauce, it’s time to plate and shine. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for brightness and a pop of color, ready to serve alongside your favorite side dishes.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley adds that vibrant green hue and a fresh herbal note balancing the richness of the sauce beautifully. Feel free to add a bit of cracked black pepper on top for visual appeal and a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
This creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes that soak up every drop, or alongside al dente pasta that twirls effortlessly in the sauce. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans add a crisp, fresh contrast to the rich chicken for a well-rounded plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive twist, try slicing the chicken and fanning it out over a creamy polenta or buttery risotto base. Or serve it family-style in the skillet itself for a rustic, cozy presentation where everyone can help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and chicken together to maintain the creamy texture and full flavor.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze this dish if needed. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of cream or broth during reheating helps restore the creamy consistency perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and stay juicy and tender, especially in creamy sauces. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs can cook a bit faster.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can try substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative, though the flavor will be different. Olive oil or dairy-free butter can replace the butter for richness.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic or finish with a drizzle of hot sauce. It adds a nice kick that complements the creaminess wonderfully.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can mix dried basil, oregano, and thyme yourself in equal parts for a simple homemade blend that will work just as well in the sauce.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead, then gently reheat and combine just before serving to keep everything fresh and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe quickly becomes a beloved classic in any home kitchen. Its comforting, rich sauce paired with tender chicken feels like a warm hug on a plate. I encourage you to give it a try soon—it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again for yourself and those you love.
Print
Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy garlic chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a rich and velvety garlic Parmesan sauce. The sauce combines heavy cream, chicken broth, and Italian herbs for a flavorful and comforting meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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 chicken breasts are of even thickness to cook evenly; pounding them gently if needed can help.
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor, but garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less thick and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving, as Parmesan can add saltiness.
- The sauce can be made thicker by simmering longer or adding a small slurry of cornstarch mixed with water.
