Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts

If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting meal that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor, look no further than this creamy garlic chicken breasts recipe. The chicken breasts are pan-seared to perfection, locking in moisture and flavor, and then bathed in a rich and velvety garlic cream sauce made with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. The result is a dish that’s creamy, savory, and irresistible. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests.

The garlic cream sauce infuses each bite with a robust, aromatic flavor, while the chicken remains tender and juicy. Whether served with a side of roasted vegetables, pasta, or mashed potatoes, this creamy garlic chicken is versatile and pairs beautifully with many sides. The dish’s balance of creamy and savory flavors is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s a one-pan recipe, making cleanup a breeze. Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

With a prep time of only 10 minutes and a cooking time of 20 minutes, this dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

2. Rich, Creamy Sauce

The creamy garlic sauce with Parmesan cheese is packed with flavor and makes the chicken breasts extra moist and tender.

3. One-Pan Wonder

This recipe requires just one skillet, which makes both cooking and cleaning up a breeze.

4. Versatile

Serve this dish with rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or even over mashed potatoes—there are endless ways to enjoy it.

5. Crowd-Pleaser

The savory, creamy flavors in this recipe are sure to please everyone at the table, from kids to adults.

Ingredients

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic, minced
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Variations

  • Add Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an extra depth of flavor.
  • Lemon Garlic Chicken: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the cream sauce for a fresh citrusy twist.
  • Spicy Chicken: Stir in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
  • Low-Carb Version: Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional carbs for a healthier, low-carb option.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and add them to the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken

Return the chicken to the skillet. Let the chicken simmer in the creamy sauce for about 10 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is fully cooked, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy, garlic-infused chicken breasts!

Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken juicy, be sure to monitor the cooking time carefully. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken breasts.
  • Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water to help thicken the sauce.
  • Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor in this dish. Avoid using pre-minced garlic from a jar for optimal taste.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed.

How to Serve

This creamy garlic chicken pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For extra flavor, drizzle the creamy sauce over your sides as well!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover creamy garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits, so you may want to add a splash of chicken broth when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken and sauce together for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and sauce on the stove over low heat, adding a little more chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well for this recipe and can add extra juiciness to the dish.

2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can use a dairy-free cream substitute, such as coconut cream, and skip the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.

3. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water.

4. Can I use fresh parsley instead of dried?

Yes, fresh parsley is a great addition for garnish as it adds a fresh flavor and vibrant color to the dish.

5. What if I don’t have chicken broth?

You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth, or even use water and add a bouillon cube or paste for flavor.

6. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the skillet when making the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken breasts and sauce in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

8. How can I make this dish spicier?

For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

9. Can I serve this with something other than pasta or rice?

This dish is also delicious served with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a crisp green salad.

10. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! Just ensure that you have a large enough skillet or use two pans to cook the chicken.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts are an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table. With tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich and creamy garlic sauce, this dish delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, this recipe will become a go-to favorite for quick, delicious meals. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a comforting dinner that’s perfect for any occasion!

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Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts


  • Author: Ellie
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Breast recipe is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. The creamy sauce, with hints of garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, perfectly complements the tender chicken breasts. It’s a quick and indulgent meal that pairs well with pasta, rice, or vegetables.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and add them to the skillet. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6-7 minutes per side.
  • Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
  • Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For added richness, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • This recipe pairs wonderfully with pasta or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce.
  • You can also add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

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