This Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken is a tasty dish that features tender chicken in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
If you’re anything like me, you’ll love how quick this comes together. Just sauté the chicken, add garlic and cream, and voila—a dinner your family will ask for again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are a great choice for this dish because they cook quickly. If you prefer, thighs can be used instead; they add a bit more flavor and stay moisture-rich.
Heavy cream: This adds richness to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free choice!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor. If you have garlic powder on hand, you can use about 1 teaspoon instead, but fresh will always give it a lovely depth.
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan is best for melting smoothly into the sauce. You can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or a dairy-free cheese if needed.
Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs adds great flavor. If you don’t have it, a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme will work perfectly, too.
How Do I Avoid Burning the Garlic?
Burnt garlic can ruin the dish, so here’s how to keep it from happening:
- Always sauté garlic over medium heat. It cooks faster than most ingredients, so watch it closely.
- Once you add the garlic, stir it continuously for 1-2 minutes, until it’s golden and fragrant.
- If it starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat immediately or remove the pan from the heat for a moment.
By paying attention during this step, you’ll ensure that lovely garlic flavor shines through in your sauce!
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 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 30-35 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked all the way through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, but keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn!
4. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds amazing flavor! Then, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens up.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy sauce over them. Let everything cook together for another 2 minutes to reheat the chicken.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once heated through, take the skillet off the heat. Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve the creamy garlic chicken hot, and enjoy your meal!
This creamy, garlicky chicken is sure to be a hit. Enjoy cooking!
FAQ About Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add extra flavor and moisture, making them a great alternative. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through than breasts.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
You can substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option like half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a creamy texture with fewer calories. Additionally, using less cheese or a lower-fat cheese can help reduce the overall fat content.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No worries! You can replace chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water if you’re in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be milder, so consider adding a pinch of salt or herbs for extra taste.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Enjoy making this dish and feel free to experiment with the ingredients to suit your taste!
