This creamy garlic chicken is a dream come true for garlic lovers! Juicy chicken pieces are cooked with a rich and creamy sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
I can’t help but pour this sauce over everything when I make it. It’s perfect with rice or pasta. Trust me, you’ll want to have extra on hand for dipping! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are easy to cook and absorb flavors well. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier option. They may require a bit more cooking time.
Garlic: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work too, but start with a smaller amount (1/2 teaspoon) since it’s more concentrated.
Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess to the sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version, though this might affect the richness of the flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese is the way to go for better melt and flavor. No Parmesan? Try pecorino or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Italian Seasoning: This blend enhances flavor, but you can mix your own using basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary if you don’t have it on hand.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Juicy and Tender?
Cooking chicken can sometimes be tricky, but following these tips will help keep it juicy:
- Check for even thickness by pounding the chicken slightly for uniform cooking.
- Cook on medium-high heat, avoid high heat as it can lead to dry chicken.
- Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps the juices inside.
By following these steps, you’ll enjoy tender, flavor-packed chicken every time! Plus, don’t skip the resting step—it makes a big difference!
Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy garlic chicken recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough for guests. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and seasoning the chicken, and then around 20 minutes cooking the dish to perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This enhances the flavor right from the beginning!
2. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts, cooking for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and fully cooked through. When they’re done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Garlic:
Now, in the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, sautéing until the garlic is fragrant, which will take about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it burn!
4. Adding the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth, using a spoon to scrape any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Let the broth simmer and reduce by half for about 3-4 minutes. This adds so much flavor!
5. Making the Creamy Sauce:
Next, lower the heat again and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes. It’s going to smell amazing!
6. Combining with Chicken:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon that luscious sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This will warm up the chicken and infuse it with all that garlic goodness.
7. Serving It Up:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm with your choice of sides like pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables. Enjoy your delicious, creamy garlic chicken!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great, you can also use thighs for a juicier option. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is There a Lighter Version of the Sauce?
Yes! If you want a lighter sauce, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. Keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy, so you might want to add a bit more cheese for flavor.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Definitely! To make this dish dairy-free, use a non-dairy cream like coconut cream or cashew cream, and substitute the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor will be different, but still delicious!
