Tender Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe: Family’s New Favorite

Tender chicken breasts dancing with garlic create a mouthwatering garlic chicken recipe that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Aromatic herbs and rich cream blend seamlessly to elevate each succulent bite.

The kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance that beckons everyone to the dining table.

Perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden perfection, this dish offers a harmonious balance of flavors.

Each forkful delivers a creamy, garlicky embrace that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Serve alongside your favorite sides and watch as smiles spread around the table.

What Makes Creamy Garlic Chicken So Irresistible

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner: Whip up this delicious creamy garlic chicken in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy families wanting a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• One-Pan Dish: Minimize cleanup with this skillet-to-table recipe that combines searing, cooking, and sauce-making in a single pan, saving time and reducing dish washing.
• Versatile Meal Option: Easily customize this dish by serving over pasta, rice, or alongside your favorite vegetables, making it adaptable to different dietary preferences and hunger levels.
• Restaurant-Quality Comfort Food: Enjoy a rich, creamy sauce with perfectly cooked chicken that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant, but can be prepared right in your own kitchen with minimal culinary skills.

Ingredients You Need for Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and delicious white meat perfect for a hearty meal.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that bring out the chicken's natural taste.

• Olive Oil: Smooth oil for creating a golden sear.

• Heavy Whipping Cream, Chicken Broth: Rich and creamy base that creates a luxurious sauce texture.

• Garlic, Dried Parsley: Aromatic additions that bring depth and classic flavor to the dish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Breasts

Carefully butterfly the chicken breasts to create thinner, even pieces.

Use your knife to slice horizontally through the middle of each breast, opening it like a book.

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over both sides of the chicken to enhance the flavor.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add a splash of oil to coat the bottom of the pan.

Gently place the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet.

Cook each side until it develops a beautiful golden-brown color, typically 3-4 minutes per side.

Toss in minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the garlic to release its aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Sauce

• Heavy whipping cream
• Chicken broth
• Dried parsley
• Additional salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Stir the ingredients thoroughly, creating a smooth, luxurious sauce.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it bubble softly.

Continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Final Plating

Transfer the creamy garlic chicken to a serving plate.

• Fluffy rice
• Twirly pasta
• Roasted vegetables

Drizzle any remaining sauce over the chicken for extra flavor.

Serve immediately and enjoy your restaurant-quality meal at home!

Top Tips for Rich and Flavorful Garlic Chicken

• Cut chicken breasts horizontally to ensure uniform thickness, promoting even cooking and preventing dry edges.
• Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the chicken's natural flavors before searing.
• Maintain medium-high heat when searing to create a golden-brown exterior without burning the chicken or garlic.
• Allow the cream sauce to simmer gently, which helps reduce and concentrate flavors while achieving the ideal consistency.
• Pair the creamy chicken with pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables to complement the rich, garlicky sauce.

How to Reheat and Save Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out and maintain sauce consistency.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• For longer storage, freeze chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Sides That Go Great with Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Complement Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon blanc or chardonnay cuts through the rich, creamy sauce with bright, refreshing acidity that balances the dish's velvety texture.
• Select Herbal Side Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with fresh herbs like basil and parsley, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the chicken's creamy, garlic-infused profile.
• Match Roasted Vegetable Medley: Roast zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus with olive oil and sea salt to provide a caramelized, earthy complement that enhances the chicken's delicate flavors.
• Serve Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, toasted baguette slices rubbed with fresh garlic and butter to soak up the luxurious sauce and add a delightful crispy texture to the meal.

Fun Garlic Chicken Variations to Try at Home

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Version: Replace traditional pasta or rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake, maintaining the rich, creamy garlic sauce while creating a lighter meal option.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy whipping cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond cream, and use olive oil instead of butter to create a lactose-free version that preserves the original recipe's creamy texture.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary instead of dried parsley to add complex flavor dimensions and elevate the dish's aromatic profile.
• Spicy Garlic Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to introduce a subtle heat that complements the creamy garlic sauce, creating a more dynamic taste experience.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Use the butterfly technique to create even thickness, which helps the chicken cook uniformly and remain tender. Season with salt and pepper, and avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• Can I use other types of cream for this recipe?

While heavy whipping cream provides the richest texture, you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk. However, the sauce might be less creamy and slightly thinner in consistency.

• What pan works best for this recipe?

A large, heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron or stainless steel works best. These pans distribute heat evenly and help create a beautiful golden sear on the chicken without burning.

• How do I know when the sauce is perfectly thickened?

The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and leave a clear path when you run your finger through it. It typically takes about 3-5 minutes of simmering to reach the right consistency.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent creamy garlic chicken delivers a rich Mediterranean-inspired culinary experience that merges tender proteins with luxurious herb-infused sauce. Savory garlic notes and smooth cream create a delightful harmony you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (split to make 4 thin pieces)
• 3/4 cup (177 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) low sodium chicken broth

Seasonings:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

Preparation Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) oil
• 2 tablespoons (6 cloves) freshly minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Delicately butterfly chicken breasts to ensure uniform thickness, then generously season with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
2. Heat oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, carefully place seasoned chicken and sear until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the cooking surface for roughly one minute.
4. Gently cascade heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, dried parsley, additional salt, and pepper into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to integrate all components.
5. Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer, watching as the sauce gradually transforms and thickens, while simultaneously ensuring chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Once cooking is complete, plate the succulent chicken alongside your preferred accompaniment – whether that’s al dente pasta, fluffy rice, or a medley of roasted vegetables – creating a harmonious and satisfying culinary experience.

Notes

• Butterfly chicken breasts carefully to ensure uniform thickness and prevent uneven cooking.
• Use high-quality heavy cream for a richer, more luxurious sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
• Adjust garlic quantity based on personal preference, keeping in mind that fresh garlic provides a more intense flavor than pre-minced varieties.
• For a low-carb version, serve over cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables instead of traditional pasta.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 110mg