Creamy Garlic Chicken is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken breasts and a luscious sauce bursting with garlicky goodness. This dish captures the essence of home-cooked comfort food while being incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe will surely impress everyone at the table. The creamy sauce envelops the chicken in flavor, making each bite delightful. Plus, it pairs beautifully with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. If you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a special dish for an occasion, this creamy garlic chicken checks all the boxes. Follow along as we guide you through the steps to create this mouthwatering dish in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create this delightful dish without stress
- Flavorful and Versatile: The combination of ingredients delivers outstanding flavor. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting the spices to suit your palate
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a holiday gathering, this creamy garlic chicken is sure to be a hit
- One-Pan Wonder: This recipe requires just one pan for cooking, making cleanup a breeze while still offering incredible taste
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor
- Heavy Cream: This adds richness and creaminess to the sauce; opt for full-fat cream for the best texture
- Chicken Broth: Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish while enhancing its flavor profile
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing the chicken; it adds healthy fats and depth of flavor
- Dried Italian Herbs: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil complements the garlic beautifully in this recipe
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance their flavor during cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add minced fresh garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth while scraping up any bits stuck to the pan. Stir in dried Italian herbs and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon some of that delicious sauce over them and let everything simmer together for another few minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times.
- Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results.
- Add Extra Flavor: For enhanced flavor, try marinating your chicken in garlic and herbs overnight.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken
This Creamy Garlic Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Pasta: A delightful option that complements the creamy texture beautifully.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the creamy garlic sauce in advance. Cook it up to two days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat when you’re ready to serve.
- Storing: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Use an airtight container to keep the chicken fresh and flavorful.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat for about 10 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to maintain its creamy consistency.
FAQs for Creamy Garlic Chicken :
What ingredients do I need for Creamy Garlic Chicken?
To prepare Creamy Garlic Chicken, gather the following ingredients: boneless chicken breasts, garlic cloves, heavy cream, chicken broth, olive oil, butter, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. For added flavor, consider including Parmesan cheese or Italian herbs like oregano and thyme. The combination of these ingredients creates a luscious sauce that complements the tender chicken beautifully. You can also customize the recipe by adding vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms. Make sure to use fresh garlic for the best flavor. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a rich and satisfying meal that your family will love.
How long does it take to make Creamy Garlic Chicken?
Creamy Garlic Chicken takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes from start to finish. First, you will need about 10 minutes to prep the ingredients. This includes chopping garlic and seasoning the chicken breasts. Cooking the chicken typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on thickness. After browning the chicken in olive oil and butter, you will create the creamy sauce by adding garlic and other ingredients. Allowing the sauce to thicken will take an additional 5 to 10 minutes. In total, this dish is quick enough for busy weeknights while still delivering delicious flavors that impress.
Can I substitute heavy cream in Creamy Garlic Chicken?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream in Creamy Garlic Chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option or have dietary restrictions. For a healthier alternative, consider using half-and-half or whole milk combined with cornstarch to achieve a thicker consistency. Another option is coconut cream for a dairy-free version that still retains richness and creaminess. If you’re avoiding dairy altogether, cashew cream or blended silken tofu can work well too. Keep in mind that these substitutes may slightly alter the flavor profile of the dish but will still deliver a creamy texture.
Is Creamy Garlic Chicken suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Creamy Garlic Chicken is an excellent choice for meal prep because it stores well and reheats nicely. To prepare it ahead of time, cook the dish according to your recipe and allow it to cool completely before storing it in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When stored properly, it can last up to three days in the fridge. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat until heated through or microwave portions individually until hot. Pair with freshly cooked rice or pasta when serving again for a quick and satisfying meal.
What can I serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken?
Creamy Garlic Chicken pairs beautifully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Consider serving it alongside fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes which soak up the delicious sauce perfectly. For a healthier option, steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans add color and nutrition without overpowering the dish. A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette provides freshness that balances out the richness of the chicken. Additionally, crusty bread makes an excellent accompaniment for dipping into that luscious creamy sauce.
Can I make Creamy Garlic Chicken in advance?
Absolutely! Making Creamy Garlic Chicken in advance is both convenient and practical for busy schedules. After cooking it according to your recipe instructions, allow it to cool down completely before transferring it into airtight containers for storage. It can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen if you want to keep it longer—up to three months works well in most cases! Just remember that freezing may affect its texture slightly upon reheating; however, adding a splash of broth during reheating can help restore its creamy consistency.
Conclusion for Creamy Garlic Chicken :
Creamy Garlic Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly flavorful and satisfying—a perfect option for any dinner table! With simple ingredients like boneless chicken breasts and garlic combined with heavy cream, this dish delivers comfort food at its finest. Its quick preparation time makes it ideal for busy weeknights while being impressive enough for guests at special occasions. Remember that you can customize this recipe by substituting ingredients according to your preferences or dietary needs without sacrificing taste. Whether paired with rice, pasta, or veggies, this creamy delight will surely become a favorite among family and friends!
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Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe – Easy and Delicious
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a delectable dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, garlicky sauce, making it the ultimate comfort food. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, delivering restaurant-quality flavor right in your kitchen. The creamy sauce envelops the chicken, creating a delightful dish that pairs beautifully with rice, potatoes, or fresh salad. Impress your family and friends with this satisfying meal that’s both quick to prepare and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3-4 pieces)
- Fresh garlic (4 cloves, minced)
- Heavy cream (1 cup)
- Chicken broth (1 cup)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Dried Italian herbs (1 teaspoon)
Instructions
1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chicken in olive oil for 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; stir in dried herbs and simmer gently.
5. Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and let simmer for an additional few minutes.
6. Serve hot, drizzled with sauce.
Notes
– For added depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in garlic and herbs before cooking.
– Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 40g
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