This Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken is a real winner for dinner! It’s made with tender chicken cooked in a rich and creamy garlic sauce that has a hint of parmesan. Yum!
You’ll love how quick it is to whip up. I often pair it with rice or pasta, soaking up all that delicious sauce. Your family will think you’re a top chef! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish because they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey cutlets work well too!
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps cook the chicken. If you don’t have olive oil, feel free to use canola or vegetable oil instead.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce creamy, but you can substitute it with half-and-half or coconut cream if you want a lighter version or a dairy-free option.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for flavor, but you can swap it for Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder, but the taste won’t be as robust.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Creamy Sauce?
Creating the creamy sauce is a key part of this recipe. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start by sautéing the minced garlic until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
- Combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously. Bringing it to a simmer allows the cheese to melt smoothly into the cream.
- Let it simmer gently to help thicken the sauce. Stir often to prevent sticking, and adjust the consistency with more chicken broth if it gets too thick.
Taste the sauce as it cooks! Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian herbs according to your preference. Enjoy making this dish!
How to Make Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Time Estimate:
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes seasoning and cooking the chicken, with an additional 15-20 minutes making the creamy garlic sauce. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Grab your chicken breasts and sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning is key to bringing out the flavor of the chicken!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute—just enough time for it to become fragrant but be careful not to burn it!
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Now, add the heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens!
5. Thicken the Sauce:
If you like, stir in the Italian seasoning to add some extra flavor. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes. It should thicken slightly, which is exactly what you want!
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the creamy sauce, spooning some sauce over the top. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the chicken through and meld those lovely flavors together.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot over rice, pasta, or alongside steamed vegetables to enjoy every creamy bite. Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and juiciness. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking to lighten the dish, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind the taste and texture may slightly differ.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat on the stovetop and reintroduce some cream to the sauce if it thickens too much.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce if needed.
