This Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken is a dinner winner! Juicy chicken breasts swim in a rich garlic sauce that’s oh-so-creamy and simply irresistible.
You won’t believe how quick this meal comes together—perfect for busy weeknights when you need something tasty in a hurry. I love serving it with pasta or rice to soak up that yummy sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish, keeping it light and tender. If you’re looking for alternatives, chicken thighs can also add extra flavor due to their higher fat content.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a wonderful aroma and flavor. In a pinch, you can use garlic powder (about 1 teaspoon) or jarred minced garlic, but fresh is always tastier!
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce creamy and rich. If you want a lighter version, you could use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cornstarch, but know the texture will be slightly different.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a lovely nutty flavor. If you need a substitute, Pecorino Romano is a great option. Just keep in mind that it’s saltier, so adjust other salt in the recipe accordingly.
Italian Herbs: The dried herb blend enhances the dish’s aroma. You can always swap it out for fresh herbs—just use about three times more if you do!
How Can I Make Sure the Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken perfectly is key to your dish’s success! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use a meat thermometer—aim for 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the chicken.
- Cook over medium-high heat to create a nice sear without drying out the chicken.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking for a few minutes. This keeps it juicy as it allows the juices to redistribute.
By following these steps, your chicken will come out juicy and ready to soak up all that delicious creamy garlic sauce!
Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook. In just half an hour, you can have a creamy, comforting meal ready for your dining table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. This will help to enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
2. Sear the Chicken:
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant but be careful not to burn it!
4. Make the Sauce:
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and use a spatula to scrape up any delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These add extra flavor to your sauce! Then, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian herbs. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, and use a spoon to cover them with the creamy garlic sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to warm everything through.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with some chopped fresh parsley if you’d like, then serve your delicious creamy garlic chicken hot! It pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or steamed veggies. Enjoy your meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will add a bit more flavor due to their higher fat content. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as they may take a little longer to cook through.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and cornstarch (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 cup of milk). Just note that the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy as with heavy cream.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance! Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce on the stove and warm the chicken until heated through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.
