Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe is a rich and comforting dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The tender chicken is cooked to perfection in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Pair it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional for a slight kick)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Sauce: Reduce heat to medium, melt butter in the same skillet, and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add Liquids: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan and continue simmering until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the Chicken: Place the cooked chicken back in the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for a few more minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot with your favorite side dish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Mushroom Garlic Chicken: Add sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Spinach Cream Sauce: Stir in fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Lemon Garlic Chicken: Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright and fresh twist.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great and add extra juiciness.
What can I serve with creamy garlic chicken?
It pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer longer, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water).
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, just serve it with a low-carb side like cauliflower rice or steamed veggies.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the chicken and sauce separately, then reheat together before serving.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a mix of milk and a little butter.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s mild, but you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Broccoli, bell peppers, or asparagus make great additions.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a comforting and flavorful meal. With its rich, garlicky sauce and tender chicken, it’s a restaurant-quality dish that’s incredibly easy to make at home. Try it today and enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
PrintCreamy Garlic Chicken Breasts
Description
These Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts are pan-seared to perfection and smothered in a rich, velvety garlic Parmesan sauce. This one-pan meal is easy, quick, and perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes!
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved lengthwise)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter (for extra richness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Chicken
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Lightly coat each piece in flour, shaking off excess.
- 2. Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/75°C internal temp).
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
- 3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In the same pan, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
- Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Stir in butter for extra richness.
- 4. Finish & Serve
- Return the chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over the top.
- Simmer for 2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve warm!
- Serving Suggestions
- Over fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti
- With mashed potatoes or rice
- Alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad
Notes
- Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Extra Cheesy? Add a sprinkle of mozzarella before serving!
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: ~40g
- Carbs: ~10g
- Fat: ~28g
- Sodium: ~750mg
Nutrition
- Calories: ~450
- Sodium: ~750mg
- Fat: ~28g
- Protein: ~40g
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