Savory Garlic Chicken Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Family Favorite

Succulent chicken meets bold garlic flavors in this irresistible garlic chicken recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Every bite bursts with rich, aromatic seasonings that elevate a simple protein into a memorable meal.

The kitchen fills with an enticing aroma as tender chicken marinates in a robust garlic blend.

Perfectly seasoned and expertly cooked, this dish delivers incredible depth and complexity with minimal effort.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary when you bring this delectable recipe to the table.

Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete and satisfying dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender cut of meat that serves as the primary protein in this creamy and flavorful dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Minced Garlic: Provides a rich, aromatic base that adds depth and intensity to the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that introduces a classic Mediterranean flavor profile to the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base that helps deglaze the pan and build the sauce's foundation.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a smooth, velvety texture to the sauce.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and providing a subtle fruity undertone.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright green garnish that adds a fresh, herbaceous finish to the dish.

Tools for Quick Garlic Chicken Dinners

• Skillet: Large, heavy-bottomed pan for searing chicken and making creamy sauce.
• Cutting Board: Flat surface for preparing ingredients safely.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
• Measuring Cups: Precise tools for measuring chicken broth and heavy cream.
• Measuring Spoons: Needed for measuring seasonings and salt.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring sauce and coating chicken.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping and moving chicken in the skillet.

Cooking Steps for Creamy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prep The Protein

Grab your chicken breasts and sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper.

Make sure each piece gets an even coating for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Brown The Bird

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot pan.

Cook each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are completely cooked through.

This should take about 4-5 minutes per side.

Once done, transfer chicken to a clean plate.

Step 3: Awaken The Aromatics

In the same skillet with all those delicious browned bits, toss in minced garlic.

Stir quickly and let it dance around for about a minute until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma.

Step 4: Build The Base

Pour chicken broth into the skillet.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those tasty caramelized bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Let the liquid simmer and reduce slightly.

Step 5: Create The Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning

Stir everything together until the sauce starts to thicken and become luxuriously smooth.

Step 6: Reunite The Chicken

Gently place the seared chicken back into the sauce.

Let the pieces swim in the creamy goodness for 2-3 minutes, soaking up all those incredible flavors.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top.

Serve the chicken immediately with your favorite accompaniments like roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad.

Handy Tips for Extra Creamy Chicken

• Salt and pepper the chicken generously before searing to enhance its natural taste and create a delicious golden crust.
• Use medium heat when searing chicken to prevent burning while achieving a perfect golden-brown exterior without overcooking the meat.
• Slowly stir heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the broth to create a smooth, creamy sauce without curdling or breaking.
• If chicken seems dry, let it simmer in the sauce for an extra minute to absorb moisture and become more tender and flavorful.
• Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy texture.

Garlic Chicken Variations to Try

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free version.
• Low-Carb Chicken Swap: Eliminate Parmesan cheese and use almond flour to thicken the sauce, perfect for keto dieters seeking a protein-packed meal.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Option: Add sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, and swap Italian seasoning with fresh oregano and thyme for a Greek-style chicken experience.
• Spicy Herb Remix: Incorporate red pepper flakes, fresh basil, and a splash of white wine to elevate the sauce's complexity and add a zesty kick.

Serving Creamy Garlic Chicken Hot

• Pasta Perfect Pairing: Serve over al dente linguine or fettuccine to soak up the rich, creamy garlic sauce, creating a luxurious meal.
• Veggie Companion: Roast asparagus, sautéed green beans, or steamed broccoli complement the chicken's savory flavors and add nutritional balance.
• Bread Buddy: Pair with crusty garlic bread or toasted ciabatta to mop up the delectable sauce, ensuring not a drop goes to waste.
• Wine Harmony: Choose a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay to cut through the creamy sauce and enhance the chicken's delicate taste.

Keeping Garlic Chicken Juicy After Dinner

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the chicken completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring sauce between intervals to distribute heat evenly. Stop when internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• What makes the sauce so creamy?

The sauce gets its rich, velvety texture from a combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. When these ingredients are heated together, they create a smooth, luxurious coating that perfectly complements the chicken.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re typically more flavorful and stay juicier than chicken breasts. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through, which might take slightly longer.

• Is this dish spicy?

No, this creamy garlic chicken is not spicy. It’s a mild, savory dish with rich garlic and Parmesan flavors. If you want some heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Creamy Garlic Chicken—Why This Recipe Works

• This recipe delivers a delicious meal in minimal preparation steps, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a satisfying dinner without complex techniques.
• Rich Parmesan cheese and aromatic garlic create a luxurious sauce that transforms simple chicken breasts into a restaurant-worthy dish bursting with incredible taste.
• Using the same skillet for chicken and sauce means fewer dishes to clean, reducing kitchen cleanup time and making this recipe incredibly convenient for weeknight dinners.
• Versatile recipe allows easy pairing with various side dishes like roasted vegetables, pasta, or salad, making it adaptable for different meal preferences and dietary needs.

Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Juicy garlic chicken showcases Mediterranean flavors with tender, herb-infused meat. Succulent chicken breasts marinated in olive oil, garlic, and herbs deliver a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken breasts by generously seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage across all surfaces.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate, leaving flavorful browned bits in the skillet.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, stirring quickly to prevent burning and release aromatic oils for approximately 30-45 seconds.
5. Deglaze the skillet by pouring in chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up caramelized bits from the pan’s bottom, creating a rich flavor base.
6. Incorporate heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, whisking continuously until the sauce smoothly thickens and develops a silky consistency.
7. Gently return chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce and allowing them to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb flavors and reheat.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, creating a vibrant visual and aromatic finish before serving immediately alongside preferred accompaniments.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Pat chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to help achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear that locks in moisture.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Low-fat modification: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 50 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg