This Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken is rich and tasty, featuring tender chicken cooked in a delicious garlic sauce. It’s perfect for a quick dinner any night!
I love how quickly this dish comes together. Just sauté the chicken, add garlic, and stir in cream—easy peasy! Serve it over pasta or rice for a cozy meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish as they’re easy to cook and remain tender. You can substitute with thighs for a richer flavor or even use tofu for a plant-based option!
Heavy Cream: The heavy cream gives richness to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a great depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can work as alternatives.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for authentic flavor. If you have garlic powder, you can use 1 teaspoon as a substitute, but fresh is the best!
How Do I Make the Sauce Just Right?
The sauce in this recipe is where all the magic happens! Here are some key tips to ensure it’s perfect:
- When adding garlic, keep an eye on it; it can burn quickly and turn bitter. Just a minute or so is all it needs.
- Make sure to stir the cream and broth well, scraping up any bits stuck on the pan. Those add great flavor!
- Let your sauce simmer gently to thicken. This will help blend the flavors nicely. You want it creamy, not too runny.
If you want a bit of zing, a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten all the flavors! Enjoy cooking!
Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of preparation time and another 15-20 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll be enjoying your delicious creamy garlic chicken in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This ensures the chicken is flavorful right from the start!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are cooked through and nicely golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until the garlic becomes fragrant but be careful not to let it burn, as that can change the flavor.
4. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream while stirring to combine everything. Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, as this adds great flavor to your sauce!
5. Add the Cheese and Herbs:
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and dried Italian herbs. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes. This will allow your sauce to thicken slightly and become creamy.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan, and spoon the delicious sauce over them. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm everything through.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve your creamy garlic chicken hot, ideally over cooked pasta, rice, or with a side of steamed vegetables.
Enjoy your creamy garlic chicken! It’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
While it’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the quick-thaw method by sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water before cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk with a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken the sauce. For dairy-free options, use coconut cream or almond milk—just note that this can change the flavor slightly.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or microwave on low, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Add Veggies to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the pan after sautéing the garlic. Just cook them until tender before adding the cream and broth for extra flavor and nutrition!
