Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and comforting: Loaded with garlic and a creamy sauce that’s simply irresistible.
Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
Versatile: Perfect as a main dish with a variety of sides.
One-pan wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
Olive oil
Unsalted butter
Garlic, minced
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese, grated
All-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Salt
Black pepper

Directions

Prepare the chicken:

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper.

Cook the chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the garlic butter sauce:

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Create the cream sauce:

Stir in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet for added flavor. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Thicken the sauce (optional):

If the sauce is too thin, whisk in a small amount of flour or cornstarch dissolved in water to reach your desired consistency.

Combine the chicken and sauce:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.

Garnish and serve:

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 4 servings
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Herb-infused: Add thyme, rosemary, or basil for extra flavor.
Mushroom addition: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy touch.
Spicy kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for heat.
Lemon twist: Add a splash of lemon juice or zest to brighten the dish.
Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s texture.
Freezing: Freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and remain tender and juicy.

2. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Avoid overcooking and ensure you use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.

3. Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes, half-and-half or coconut cream can be used for a lighter or dairy-free alternative.

4. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

Use a slurry made of cornstarch and water or whisk in a small amount of flour directly into the sauce.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?

The sauce and chicken can be prepared in advance and reheated just before serving.

6. What sides pair best with this dish?

Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side of crusty bread.

7. How do I keep the sauce from separating?

Whisk continuously while adding the cream and Parmesan to prevent curdling.

8. Can I add spinach?

Yes, stir in fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added greens.

9. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, replace flour with cornstarch to thicken the sauce if needed.

10. How do I add extra flavor?

Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the chicken broth.

Conclusion

Creamy garlic chicken is a versatile and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, flavorful sauce and tender chicken, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

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Creamy Garlic Chicken is a mouthwatering dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a luscious, garlic-infused cream sauce. This easy one-pan recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a rich and satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create four thinner cutlets.
Season both sides with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off any excess.

Cook the Chicken:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Garlic:

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter.
Once melted, add the peeled garlic cloves and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and golden.

Deglaze the Pan:

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Make the Cream Sauce:

Stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder, and lemon juice.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly for 3-4 minutes.

Combine and Serve:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over each piece.
Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, whisk in a slurry made from 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water.
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables.