This Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken is a comforting dish that’s full of flavor! Made with tender chicken and a creamy garlic sauce, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Who doesn’t love a dish that’s creamy and garlicky? I could practically swim in this sauce! I like to serve it over pasta or rice for a complete meal that feels fancy but is super easy to make.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are tender and cook quickly. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian spin.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that robust flavor. If you’re in a pinch, use garlic powder, but fresh is always better for taste.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives that beautiful richness. For a lighter version, opt for half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a delightful salty kick. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast works well too for a vegan option.
Herbs: Dried Italian herbs are convenient, but feel free to use fresh basil, oregano, and thyme if you have them on hand. Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor!
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Cooked Without Drying It Out?
The key to juicy chicken is cooking it over medium-high heat and not overcooking it. Here are some simple tips:
- Flattening the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly.
- Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing. This retains the juices.
Following these steps will give you that perfectly cooked chicken, making the creamy garlic sauce even more enjoyable!
Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes getting everything ready and then about 20 minutes cooking the chicken and making the creamy sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by generously seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step adds a ton of flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Cook them until they are golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through; this should take about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and toss in the butter. Once melted, add in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
4. Make the Sauce:
Now, pour in the chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This adds a lot of flavor to your sauce!
5. Add the Cream and Cheese:
Next, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian herbs. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
6. Combine with Chicken:
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, making sure to coat them well with that lovely creamy sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes so that everything is heated through and delicious.
7. Serve It Up:
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. This creamy garlic chicken is fantastic over pasta, rice, or with some steamed veggies on the side. Enjoy!
Enjoy your creamy, garlicky chicken!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will offer a richer flavor and tend to stay juicier due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through—about 7-10 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can! For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
What Can I Serve with This Dish?
This creamy garlic chicken pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal!
