If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is absolutely your go-to. It’s a wonderfully simple yet luxurious meal where tender chicken breasts swim in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. From the first bite, you’ll appreciate how the garlic infuses the sauce with bold aroma and taste, while the cream adds a silky texture that brings everything together perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing friends, this recipe delivers a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, but each plays such an important role in building the rich taste and beautiful texture of this dish. From fresh garlic to creamy heavy cream, every item contributes to making the flavors pop and the sauce irresistibly smooth.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thin cut or pounded to about 1/4 to 1/2-inch thin): This ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly, staying tender and juicy.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
- Pepper: Adds a subtle kick that balances the creaminess perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided): Butter enriches the sauce and helps in browning the chicken beautifully.
- 8 cloves garlic (thinly sliced): The star ingredient that infuses the dish with that irresistible, aromatic garlic flavor.
- 1/2 cup chicken stock: Adds depth and a savory base to the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that signature silky, luscious texture of the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (minced, optional): A fresh, vibrant garnish that adds a pop of color and brightness.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. This simple step is the first layer of flavor, making sure every bite is well-seasoned and delicious.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Once it’s melted and shimmering, add your chicken breasts. Cook on one side until they’ve developed a beautiful golden brown crust; this usually takes about 4 to 6 minutes, depending on thickness.
Step 3: Finish Cooking the Chicken
Flip the chicken and cook the other side for another 4 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken is just cooked through and no longer pink inside. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. This keeps the chicken warm and juicy while you prepare the sauce.
Step 4: Build the Garlic Cream Sauce
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. As it melts, toss in the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for about 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. This step unlocks the garlic’s aroma without letting it burn.
Step 5: Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the chicken stock and let it simmer until it reduces by half—this concentrates the flavors beautifully. Afterward, slowly add the heavy cream and continue simmering until the sauce thickens to a rich, luscious consistency, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, gently coating them with the creamy garlic sauce. Let it simmer for a minute or two so the chicken can soak up all that flavor.
Step 7: Garnish and Finish
For an extra touch of freshness and color, sprinkle with minced parsley before serving. And just like that, your homemade Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a burst of green but also brings a light, herbaceous contrast to the rich cream sauce. Sometimes a dash of extra black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the dish wonderfully as well.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs brilliantly with a variety of sides. Fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta soak up every bit of the garlic cream sauce, while steamed green beans or a light arugula salad provide a refreshing balance. Even simple buttered noodles or crusty bread are perfect companions for this comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, consider plating the chicken on a bed of sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables. You can drizzle extra sauce over the top and garnish with a lemon wedge to add a subtle zing and elevate the presentation. It’s an easy way to make this homey dish feel a bit fancier.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days without losing its flavor or creamy texture—perfect for an easy lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too! Freeze portions in microwave-safe containers for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain the best quality of the sauce and chicken.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. This helps prevent the cream sauce from breaking and keeps everything smooth and comforting just like the day it was made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, though you may need to adjust cooking time since they’re thicker and fattier than breasts.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, a mixture of milk and cream cheese or half-and-half can work in a pinch, but the sauce may be slightly less thick and rich.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Try substituting butter with olive oil, and use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Keep in mind the flavor will shift slightly but remain delicious.
Is it okay to use pre-minced garlic?
Fresh garlic sliced thinly delivers the best flavor and aroma, but if pressed for time, pre-minced garlic can work—just add it with care to avoid burning and adjust cooking time accordingly.
Can I add vegetables directly to the skillet?
Yes! Adding quick-cooking veggies like spinach or sliced mushrooms towards the end can create a one-pan meal. Just sauté them until tender before returning the chicken to the skillet.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is truly one that brings warmth and flavor effortlessly to your table. Its marriage of tender chicken and a velvety, garlicky sauce makes every meal feel like a special occasion. I can’t recommend it enough for weeknight dinners or anytime you want a comforting dish that never fails to satisfy. Give it a try, and I promise it might just become your new favorite!
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Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A rich and flavorful Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts cooked in a luscious garlic-infused creamy sauce. This quick and easy stovetop dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that serves four.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thin cut or pounded to about 1/4 to 1/2-inch thin)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 8 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (minced, optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor before cooking.
- Heat butter: In a large, deep skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook chicken first side: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet; cook without moving them for 4-6 minutes or until the bottom side is golden brown, adjusting time depending on thickness.
- Cook chicken second side: Flip the chicken breasts carefully and cook for another 4-6 minutes until fully cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Rest chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place on a plate; cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- Cook garlic: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the thinly sliced garlic, cooking for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer stock: Pour in the chicken stock and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, about 2-3 minutes, concentrating flavor.
- Add cream: Slowly add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring and simmering until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan, coating them thoroughly with the creamy garlic sauce to absorb flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly minced parsley over the dish if desired for a fresh finish and visual appeal. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, pound chicken breasts to even thickness to ensure consistent cooking.
- You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock for a milder flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the cream a bit longer or add a small dusting of cornstarch slurry to thicken quickly.
- Use fresh garlic rather than pre-minced for maximum flavor impact.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
