Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a rich and savory dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese for a velvety texture, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Serve with pasta, rice, or vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the Cream and Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
- Finish the Dish: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some of the sauce over them, and simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and absorb some of the flavors. If you want an extra creamy texture, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with your favorite side, such as pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, though the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or some red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
- This recipe works well with chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer darker meat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired