Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful Family Favorite

Whipping up a delightful garlic chicken recipe can turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable culinary adventure.

Every kitchen enthusiast knows the magic of perfectly seasoned poultry.

Aromatic garlic brings depth and excitement to simple ingredients.

Home cooks will appreciate how straightforward this dish becomes with minimal preparation.

Rich, golden-brown chicken pieces promise a mouthwatering experience that satisfies hunger and delights the senses.

Seasonings blend seamlessly, creating layers of robust flavor that dance across your palate.

Come explore this delectable journey that promises to make your next meal extraordinary.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Rich in Flavor

• Savor Speedy Satisfaction: This chicken recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal preparation, perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Master Easy Cooking Techniques: Beginners can confidently create a restaurant-quality dish using simple skillet methods, building culinary skills while enjoying a mouthwatering result.
• Customize Your Comfort: Versatile recipe allows personalization with additional herbs, spices, or side dishes, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Creamy, garlicky sauce and tender chicken make this a family-friendly meal that appeals to both adults and kids, ensuring clean plates and happy smiles around the dinner table.

Ingredients That Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Special

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, boneless protein that serves as the main star of this creamy dish.
• Butter: Rich dairy product that helps cook and add flavor to the chicken.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious base that creates a smooth and velvety sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that enhances the overall taste of the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds depth and richness to the sauce.

• Garlic: Pungent and aromatic ingredient that provides a bold flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the chicken.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a pop of color and a light, herbal finish to the dish.

Cooking Instructions for Creamy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Sizzle and Season Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Cook the chicken for 7-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

In the same skillet, drop in minced garlic and let it dance for about 30 seconds until its aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 3: Create a Luxurious Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth

Scrape up the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely, creating a silky smooth sauce.

Step 4: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Gently place the cooked chicken back into the skillet.

Let it simmer in the creamy sauce for 5 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to mingle and deepen.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the chicken to serving plates.

Drizzle the remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or an extra handful of Parmesan cheese for a final touch of elegance.

Tips to Keep Creamy Garlic Chicken Tender

• Gather all ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking and avoid last-minute scrambling.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture.
• Use a wooden spoon to scrape browned bits from the pan, adding extra depth and flavor to the creamy sauce.
• Simmer chicken in sauce on low heat to prevent curdling and ensure a silky, smooth texture.
• Add Parmesan gradually and stir constantly for a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.

Variations to Try on Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Low-Carb Keto Friendly: Replace chicken broth with bone broth, use heavy cream, and swap Parmesan for full-fat aged cheese to maintain ketogenic macronutrient ratios.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and choose olive oil over butter for a plant-based version.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Add dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary to the seasoning, use extra virgin olive oil, and finish with fresh basil leaves for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Version: Incorporate Cajun seasoning blend into chicken rub, add red pepper flakes to sauce, and use andouille sausage for additional heat and complexity.

Pairing Ideas with Creamy Garlic Chicken

Choose a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that complements the creamy garlic sauce, cutting through its richness with bright, refreshing notes.

Serve alongside roasted rosemary potatoes or buttery garlic bread to soak up the decadent sauce, enhancing the dish’s savory flavors.

Add steamed green beans or roasted asparagus to provide a light, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy chicken, creating a well-rounded meal that delights the palate.

Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds on top for a delightful crunch that adds depth and complexity to the smooth, velvety sauce.

Storage Advice for Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its delicious flavor.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water or extra cream to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Is this recipe suitable for people who are lactose intolerant?

No, this recipe contains heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, which are dairy products that might cause issues for those with lactose intolerance.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs or even pork chops for a similar cooking method and flavor profile.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reducing the butter amount, or using a lean cut of chicken breast to lower the fat content.

• What herbs complement this garlic chicken recipe?

Fresh parsley works great, but you can also try thyme, rosemary, or basil to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Garlic Chicken Recipe For A Meal

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delectable Garlic Chicken brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with a simple yet sophisticated blend of herbs and spices. Succulent chicken thighs marinated in garlic and herbs promise a mouthwatering experience you’ll savor from the first bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680 grams)

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare workstation by arranging all ingredients within easy reach, ensuring smooth cooking workflow.
2. Heat skillet to medium temperature, melt butter until it shimmers and coats pan surface evenly.
3. Generously season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, creating a flavorful exterior crust.
4. Cook chicken for approximately 7-8 minutes per side, developing golden-brown coloration and ensuring internal doneness through complete cooking.
5. Transfer cooked chicken to separate plate, maintaining warmth and juiciness.
6. Reduce skillet heat, add minced garlic and quickly saute for 30 seconds to release aromatic compounds without burning.
7. Introduce heavy cream and chicken broth into skillet, using spatula to deglaze pan and incorporate delicious browned bits.
8. Gradually blend Parmesan cheese into liquid mixture, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
9. Gently return chicken to skillet, allowing it to simmer in sauce for additional 5 minutes on low heat, enabling flavors to meld and penetrate meat.
10. Plate chicken, generously coating with velvety sauce and optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or extra cheese for enhanced presentation.

Notes

• Select chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help create a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and enhances flavor.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic taste compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Consider reducing cream for a lighter version or substituting with half-and-half for lower-calorie dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 387 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 295 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg