Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a quick and easy dish that feels indulgent yet takes just 20 minutes to prepare. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a comforting, creamy garlic sauce paired with tender, flavorful chicken. The simple yet rich combination of ingredients creates a dish that tastes restaurant-worthy, but you can easily make it at home for a fraction of the cost. Plus, it pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, making it a versatile family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally
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1 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
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1 tsp sweet paprika
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1/4 cup (35 g) plain flour
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Sauce:
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1 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
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1/2 cup (125 ml) chicken stock
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300 ml (10 fl oz) thick (double/heavy) cream
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1/2 cup (50 g) grated parmesan
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Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
To Serve:
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Mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or pasta
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Steamed greens
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1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
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Lemon wedges
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and thyme. Coat the chicken in flour on all sides.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
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Make the Sauce: In the same pan, melt the remaining butter, then add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken stock and cook for 1-2 minutes until it reduces by half. Stir in the cream and Dijon mustard, then simmer for 2 minutes until thickened.
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Finish the Sauce: Add the grated parmesan and season with salt and pepper. Return the chicken to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
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Serve: Serve the chicken with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta. Top with parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
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Chicken Thighs: Swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thighs will take a little longer to cook but are equally delicious.
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Add Vegetables: Include vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli in the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or chicken stock to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute. Just cook them for 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead and store the chicken with the sauce in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s not suitable for freezing.
How do I make sure the chicken is perfectly cooked?
Cook the chicken over medium-low heat for about 6-8 minutes per side to ensure it cooks evenly without burning the outside.
What can I serve with creamy garlic chicken?
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or steamed greens like broccoli or spinach.
Can I use heavy cream instead of double cream?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream for double cream if necessary. Both provide the same creamy texture.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, simmer it for a few more minutes until it reduces, or you can add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I freeze leftovers?
This dish is not suitable for freezing because of the creamy sauce, which may separate when thawed.
What cheese can I use instead of parmesan?
You can substitute parmesan with another hard cheese like pecorino or Asiago for a slightly different flavor.
How do I avoid dry chicken?
Cook the chicken on medium-low heat and avoid overcooking. Chicken breasts can dry out quickly, so be sure to cook them just until golden and no longer.
Can I add garlic powder to the sauce for extra flavor?
Yes, adding garlic powder to the sauce can enhance the garlic flavor. Just be cautious not to overpower the fresh garlic.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Chicken is the perfect quick and easy weeknight dinner. With its rich and creamy sauce and tender, flavorful chicken, it’s sure to impress. Plus, it’s customizable, pairing wonderfully with a variety of sides. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy nights when you still want something delicious and satisfying.
Creamy Garlic Chicken
This Creamy Garlic Chicken is an easy, flavorful weeknight dish featuring perfectly cooked chicken breasts in a rich and creamy garlic sauce. Quick to make in under 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy nights, offering a comforting meal with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-seared
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half horizontally)
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 300 ml thick (double/heavy) cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- To Serve:
- Mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or pasta
- Steamed greens
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and thyme. Coat in flour.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter, add garlic, then chicken stock and cook until reduced by half. Stir in cream, Dijon mustard, and simmer. Add parmesan and season.
- Finish: Return chicken to the pan, cook for 2-3 minutes. Serve with rice, potatoes, or pasta, topped with parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
Notes
Make Ahead: Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Not suitable for freezing.
