This creamy garlic chicken is the perfect weeknight meal! Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a rich and tasty garlic sauce that pairs beautifully with rice or pasta.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a dish that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy café? Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a family favorite around my house!
I often serve this with a side of veggies for a balanced meal. But let’s be real, the garlic sauce is what we all really crave! You might need extra bread to soak it up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe because they cook evenly and stay juicy. If you’re looking for a healthier option, skinless chicken thighs would also work well and add more flavor!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that rich flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used, but start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste since it’s more concentrated.
Heavy Cream: This is what gives the sauce its creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even a plant-based cream, although the flavor will be slightly different.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds depth to the sauce. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a dairy-free option) can be effective substitutes.
Italian Seasoning: This is a blend of herbs that enhances the chicken’s flavor. If you don’t have it, you can create your own blend using dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
How Do I Make a Creamy Sauce Without Burning the Garlic?
Getting the garlic just right is crucial for the taste of the sauce. The goal is to sauté it gently to release its flavor without burning. Here’s how:
- After cooking the chicken, lower the heat before adding garlic. It should be medium heat to avoid burning.
- Add minced garlic and constantly stir for about a minute until fragrant. Keep an eye on it—it can quickly go from perfect to burnt.
- Once you smell the aroma, immediately add the chicken broth. Scraping the bottom of the pan helps mix in all those tasty bits left from cooking the chicken.
Using these tips will ensure your sauce turns out creamy and flavorful without the bitterness from burned garlic!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamy garlic chicken takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing and seasoning the chicken, and around 20 minutes cooking everything to perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will help 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, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and cooked through. When they’re done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to burn it, as it can become bitter.
4. Add Chicken Broth and Cream:
Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up any tasty brown bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This adds flavor to your sauce! Let the broth simmer for a couple of minutes, then add the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken a bit.
5. Finish the Sauce:
Now, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce until it’s creamy and smooth. This is where the magic happens!
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top to coat them. Let everything simmer together for another minute or two, so the chicken absorbs some of that delicious flavor.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve your Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts with your choice of sides, like rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cream Instead of Heavy Cream?
Absolutely! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option, but keep in mind that the sauce may be less thick and creamy. If using milk, consider adding a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with water to help thicken the sauce as it simmers.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Breasts?
If you don’t have chicken breasts on hand, you can use chicken thighs or even thinly sliced pork chops. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer, while pork will depend on the thickness.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this dish dairy-free, use a non-dairy cream alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative for flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover creamy garlic chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain creaminess, or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring intermittently.
