This Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken is all about deliciousness! Tender chicken smothered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce—perfect for a cozy dinner.
Honestly, the garlic makes the kitchen smell heavenly! I like to serve it over pasta or rice for a filling meal. Plus, it’s super quick to prepare—what’s not to love?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here as they cook quickly and remain juicy. If you prefer dark meat, thighs work great too, just adjust the cooking time since they can take longer to cook through.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for flavor. If you run out, garlic powder can be a backup. Use about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove, but fresh garlic really shines in this recipe.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or evaporated milk can be good substitutes, though the sauce will be less rich.
Parmesan Cheese: I love using freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can work well.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Garlic Flavor?
Getting the garlic flavor just right is key to this dish. Here’s how to do it:
- Cook the minced garlic in the pan until it becomes fragrant, usually about one minute. Watch closely to prevent burning, as burnt garlic becomes bitter.
- Adding the chicken broth right after the garlic will help lift and integrate its flavor into the sauce while enhancing the dish’s overall taste.
By following these steps, you’ll get a delicious garlic aroma that makes the dish irresistible!
Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. In just a short time, you’ll have a delicious and creamy dish ready to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
First, sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts. This simple step is crucial to bringing out the flavor right from the start.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, gently place the chicken breasts into the skillet. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes until they turn a nice golden brown and are cooked thoroughly. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells amazing. Make sure to stir it frequently and keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
4. Creating the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the tasty bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds even more flavor to your sauce!
5. Adding Cream and Cheese:
Next, add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens nicely.
6. Coating the Chicken:
Return the cooked chicken breasts back to the skillet, making sure they are well-coated with that delicious creamy garlic sauce. Let them cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat them through completely.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve this creamy garlic chicken hot over your choice of pasta, rice, or alongside some steamed vegetables for a wholesome meal.
Enjoy your meal! It’s creamy, garlicy, and oh-so-satisfying!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative for a juicier result. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook compared to breasts. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. Just keep in mind that the sauce will be less creamy; you might want to add a tablespoon of flour to thicken it if needed.
How Do I Make This Dairy-Free?
To make this dish dairy-free, you can use coconut cream or almond milk as substitutes for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor instead of Parmesan cheese. Just check that your chicken broth is also dairy-free!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the creamy garlic sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time, then refrigerate them separately for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
