This Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish made with tender chicken cooked in a rich and creamy garlic sauce. It’s quick to whip up and perfect for busy nights!
I love serving this chicken with pasta or rice to soak up that creamy goodness. It’s a dinner that makes you feel special, even on a regular day! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish because they cook quickly and absorb flavors well. If you’re short on time, you can use chicken thighs, which are juicier and more forgiving.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for this recipe. You could use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh garlic gives a much more robust flavor. I recommend using more than four cloves if you’re a garlic lover!
Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could substitute with half-and-half or even coconut milk though the flavor will change a bit.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a salty, cheesy flavor. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano works too. Nutritional yeast can be a great dairy-free substitute if you’re vegan.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the chicken just right is important so it stays juicy and flavorful. Here’s how to ensure you cook it perfectly:
- Always flatten the chicken breasts for even cooking. A meat mallet works great for this!
- Heat the skillet until it’s hot before adding the oil. This helps sear the chicken nicely.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet; cook in batches if necessary to keep the temperature up.
By paying attention to these details, you’ll have juicy chicken every time!
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 Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes getting the ingredients ready and then another 20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick and delicious option for dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This is important for flavor, so don’t skip this step!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts carefully. Cook until they are golden brown on both sides and cooked all the way through, which should take about 5-7 minutes per side. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once they’re done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter!
4. Deglaze the Pan:
Next, pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits add amazing flavor to your sauce!
5. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
Now, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Keep stirring occasionally.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some of the creamy sauce over the top. Let it heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve & Garnish:
Once everything is warm and well combined, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the creamy garlic chicken hot, alongside pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a satisfying meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add even more flavor to the dish. Just make sure to cook them through until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative. For the Parmesan, you can use a nutritional yeast blend for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes, you can! Adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can boost the flavor and nutrition. Sauté them along with the garlic before adding the cream for a delicious addition!