Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a luscious garlic cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights.
- Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Versatile enough to pair with pasta, rice, or vegetables.
- A family favorite that feels fancy but requires minimal effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese
- Butter
- Seasonings (such as salt, pepper, paprika, and dried herbs)
Directions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and deglaze the skillet, scraping up any brown bits.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them in the creamy garlic sauce. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for added flavor and texture.
- Use different proteins: Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey cutlets, or pork chops.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
- Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free butter alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain the sauce’s consistency. Avoid microwaving to prevent the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and provide a juicier option.
2. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Combine them when reheating for best results.
4. What can I serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts?
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
5. How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
6. Can I freeze Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts?
While you can freeze the chicken, the sauce may separate upon thawing due to the cream. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as all your ingredients (e.g., chicken broth) are certified gluten-free.
8. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Spinach, asparagus, or broccoli can be added to the sauce.
9. What type of Parmesan cheese should I use?
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture. Avoid pre-grated options that may contain additives.
10. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use full-fat cream and avoid high heat when simmering the sauce.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both indulgent and easy to make. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner for the family or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it tonight and elevate your mealtime with minimal effort!
PrintCreamy Garlic Chicken Breasts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-seared
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy garlic chicken breast recipe is rich, comforting, and loaded with flavor. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a luscious garlic cream sauce, perfect for serving over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread. A quick and easy dinner your family will love!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to reheat the chicken and meld flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Pair with your favorite sides like pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For extra richness, substitute half of the heavy cream with cream cheese.
- Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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