This creamy garlic chicken is a quick and tasty dinner solution! With juicy chicken cooked in a rich garlic sauce, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
I love how easy it is to whip up this dish after a busy day. Just sauté the chicken, mix in the creamy sauce, and dinner is ready in no time—talk about a win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep this dish quick and easy. You can substitute them with chicken thighs for a richer flavor or use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time. Just skip the browning step if using cooked chicken!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides great flavor, but jarred garlic can work in a pinch. If you prefer a milder taste, roasted garlic is a fantastic alternative—it’s sweet and creamy!
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce super creamy. If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a non-dairy option. Just be cautious as these will slightly alter the flavor and texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice salty kick. For a dairy-free version, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy taste. Alternatively, try Pecorino Romano for a stronger flavor.
How Do You Get the Sauce Just Right?
The sauce is where this dish really shines! Here are some tips to achieve the perfect creamy consistency:
- After adding garlic and butter, ensure not to brown the garlic. Sauté it just until fragrant.
- Deglazing with chicken broth is key! This step adds depth by incorporating those tasty browned bits from the chicken.
- When you reduce the cream, keep stirring. It should thicken nicely within 3-5 minutes.
- If it’s too thick, just add a splash more chicken broth, and cook it a bit longer if needed.
These tips should help you create a gorgeous sauce that clings to your chicken. Enjoy your cooking, and have fun with it!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and 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 Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy garlic chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, making a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have a delicious dinner ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. This ensures great flavor in your chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Garlic:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown.
4. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth, and use a wooden spoon to stir and deglaze the skillet, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Add Cream and Cheese:
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir the mixture continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes to warm everything through.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once everything is heated through, garnish your creamy garlic chicken with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot alongside your favorite sides, like steamed vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. Enjoy your wonderfully flavorful dinner!
FAQ for Creamy Garlic Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to thaw it completely first. The best way to do this is overnight in the refrigerator or by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water until thawed. Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning to prevent excess moisture in the skillet.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream works well, but it will give a different flavor to the dish. Just note that using milk may result in a thinner sauce, so consider adding a little cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to help loosen the sauce. You can also use a microwave, but heat in short intervals to prevent overcooking.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat together just before serving. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it holds up well when reheated!
