This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a quick and easy dinner recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. The chicken breasts are seared until golden and then simmered in a creamy sauce made from garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. This dish is rich in flavor yet simple to make, using basic ingredients like chicken broth, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan. It’s best served with mashed potatoes, pasta, or a side of vegetables for a well-rounded meal. The creamy garlic sauce is versatile and can be adjusted to your taste by adding more garlic, herbs, or a dash of lemon juice for brightness.
If you’re looking for a flavorful yet simple dinner, this Creamy Garlic Chicken is a fantastic option. The tender chicken breasts are seared until golden brown and then simmered in a rich garlic and Parmesan sauce. With a few basic ingredients, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight meal that feels indulgent.
INGREDIENTS
- Chicken breasts: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts serve as the base of this dish. Seasoned and seared, they provide a tender and juicy texture.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons of olive oil are used to sear the chicken, giving it a nice golden color and flavor.
- Garlic: 4 minced cloves of garlic add a rich, aromatic flavor that’s essential to the sauce.
- Chicken broth: 1 cup of chicken broth adds depth to the sauce and helps to deglaze the pan.
- Heavy cream: 1 cup of heavy cream creates the creamy texture of the sauce and balances the garlic and Parmesan.
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, providing a savory and cheesy richness.
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning adds a blend of herbs that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, these classic seasonings are used to bring out the flavors of the chicken and sauce.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley is used for garnish, adding a touch of color and freshness to the dish.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
- Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. The garlic will release its aromatic flavor, which forms the base of the sauce.
- Step 3: Deglaze the Pan
- Pour 1 cup of chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits add extra flavor to the sauce. Let the broth simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
- Step 4: Add the Cream and Parmesan
- Once the broth has reduced, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened. The combination of cream and Parmesan creates a rich and smooth sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Step 5: Season and Simmer
- Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
- Step 6: Return the Chicken
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them in the creamy garlic sauce. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring that it absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
- Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Once the chicken is fully coated in the sauce, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve the creamy garlic chicken hot, paired with your favorite sides such as pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Serving and Storage Tips
- This Creamy Garlic Chicken pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- For a lower-carb option, serve the chicken with cauliflower rice or sautéed spinach to complement the richness of the sauce.
- To store leftovers, place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating.
- You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Helpful Notes
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a slurry of 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water. Stir this into the sauce and simmer until thickened.
- For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce just before serving. The acidity will brighten up the rich sauce.
- If you want to add some vegetables, sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the garlic to make this dish even heartier.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Giada De Laurentiis: Recommends using freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the sauce, as it melts better and gives a fresher taste compared to pre-shredded versions.
- Jamie Oliver: Suggests adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an additional layer of flavor in the sauce.
- Ina Garten: Advises cooking the chicken breasts to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they stay juicy and tender without drying out.