If you are searching for a dish that combines rich flavors with comforting creaminess, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender chicken breasts seared to a perfect golden brown, then bathed in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce that has just the right hint of herbs and seasoning. This dish is both elegant and approachable, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The balance between the crispy exterior of the chicken and the velvety sauce creates a symphony of textures that will have you savoring every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each component. Every ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the fragrant garlic to the creamy sauce that perfectly coats the chicken.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2): Choosing thin-cut or slicing them into cutlets ensures quick, even cooking and a tender bite.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 tsp): A blend of herbs that adds a subtle earthiness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Salt (1/2 tsp) and freshly cracked black pepper (1/4 tsp): Essential for seasoning both the chicken and sauce, highlighting each ingredient’s natural flavor.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Used to coat the chicken, giving it a delicate crust and helping to thicken the sauce later on.
- Olive oil (2 Tbsp): Adds a fruity richness and helps achieve the perfect sear on the chicken.
- Butter (2 Tbsp, divided): Provides a silky texture and depth to the sauce, plus a lovely nutty aroma while cooking garlic.
- Whole garlic bulb (about 8-9 cloves): Fresh garlic brings bold flavor and fragrant warmth that defines this recipe’s character.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Adds savory moisture and balances the creaminess of the sauce.
- Heavy cream (3/4 cup): Creates the luxurious, velvety consistency that envelopes the chicken.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Enhances the garlic flavor throughout the sauce for a more intense profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste: For final seasoning adjustments to suit your preference.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by filleting each chicken breast into thinner cutlets or use thin-cut breasts to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. This technique helps the chicken stay tender and juicy rather than drying out during cooking.
Step 2: Season and Coat
Sprinkle the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then lightly dust both sides with all-purpose flour, rubbing it gently to create an even coating. This step helps form a golden crust and thickens the sauce later, adding lovely texture.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken cutlets and cook until golden brown on each side, about 4 minutes per side. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a warm plate and cover to keep it moist and tender.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic
While the chicken cooks, peel the garlic cloves and gently smash them with the flat side of a knife. This technique releases the garlic’s essential oils and flavor, allowing it to infuse the sauce beautifully.
Step 5: Sauté the Garlic
Add the remaining butter to the skillet, then toss in the smashed garlic cloves. Cook over medium-low heat for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes golden and fragrant. This step is crucial to developing a rich, mellow garlic taste without bitterness.
Step 6: Create the Sauce
Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet along with the garlic powder. Stir everything, scraping up any delicious browned bits stuck to the skillet bottom. Let the sauce simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes until it thickens by half. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed to perfectly balance the flavors.
Step 7: Finish with Chicken
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over the top and let everything heat through, allowing the chicken to soak up the garlicky creaminess.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of bright color and a subtle herbaceous note that complements the richness of the sauce beautifully. It’s a simple touch that elevates the dish visually and taste-wise.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed green vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, which add fresh crunch and color. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice serve as ideal bases to soak up every last bit of the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, place the chicken breasts over a bed of buttery angel hair pasta or nestled alongside roasted garlic mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option. Consider plating the chicken with a drizzle of extra sauce and a lemon wedge for a fresh zing that contrasts the creamy elements.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover creamy garlic chicken and sauce into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it great for quick lunches or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving room for expansion. It’s best enjoyed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture when thawed and reheated.
Reheating
Reheat the dish gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help restore the creamy consistency if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and a slightly richer flavor, though cooking times may vary slightly due to the cut’s thickness.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil and replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. The flavor will change slightly but remain delicious and creamy.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and warm everything up before serving. This makes it a convenient option for entertaining or busy weeknights.
How can I make the garlic flavor more subtle?
If you prefer a milder garlic taste, reduce the amount of garlic cloves or sauté them just until fragrant without browning. You could also remove the garlic cloves before serving.
What wine pairs well with Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe?
A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the creamy garlic sauce beautifully, balancing the richness with refreshing acidity.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly irresistible about this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe that makes it a keeper in your culinary repertoire. Its combination of tender chicken, rich garlic cream sauce, and simple yet flavorful ingredients turns an ordinary meal into a comforting feast. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making it yourself—you might just find it becoming your new favorite weeknight classic!
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Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, thin-cut chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, then smothered in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce made with fresh garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
For Cooking
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp butter, divided
Sauce
- 1 whole garlic bulb (about 8–9 garlic cloves)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully fillet each chicken breast into two thinner cutlets or use thin-cut chicken breasts for faster cooking and tender texture.
- Season and Flour: Season each chicken cutlet evenly with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Then sprinkle and rub flour on both sides until coated thoroughly to create a light crust.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook about 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Prepare Garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and carefully smash each with the side of a large chef’s knife by pressing down with the heel of your hand to release the flavors.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the smashed garlic cloves. Reduce heat to medium-low and sauté garlic for about 3 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Make Sauce: Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir in garlic powder, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to enhance flavor. Let sauce simmer for 8-10 minutes, reducing by about half and thickening. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Finish Dish: Return cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon creamy garlic sauce over them. Heat through for a few minutes to meld flavors. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra garlic flavor, you can roast the garlic bulbs beforehand, though it’s optional.
- Use thin-cut chicken breasts to ensure quick and even cooking.
- The sauce thickens as it simmers; don’t rush this step for best texture.
- Serve over rice, pasta, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- To reduce calories, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream option.
