The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe

Looking for a dinner recipe that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor? This creamy garlic chicken breast recipe is the answer. With juicy chicken breasts simmered in a luscious garlic cream sauce, this dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or when you’re entertaining guests. The rich and velvety sauce is made with garlic, Parmesan, and a few simple ingredients that come together to create something truly irresistible.

Whether you serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and creamy sauce: The garlic cream sauce is indulgent and packed with flavor.
• Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights.
• Versatile: You can serve it with pasta, rice, or vegetables.
• Customizable: Adjust the creaminess and garlic intensity to suit your taste.

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken Breasts
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. These simple seasonings will give the chicken a flavorful base that will perfectly complement the garlic cream sauce. Be sure to coat both sides of the chicken evenly.

2. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. You want the chicken to develop a nice crispy exterior. Once both sides are browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet since it will finish cooking in the sauce later.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as garlic can turn bitter quickly. The garlic will infuse the butter with a wonderful aroma, setting the stage for the creamy sauce to come.

4. Create the Creamy Sauce
Now it’s time to add the chicken broth to the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon – these bits are packed with flavor! Once the broth is added, bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts into the sauce and everything is smooth. The creaminess of the sauce combined with the savory flavor of the Parmesan creates an indulgent base.

5. Return the Chicken to the Skillet
Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top of each breast. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should be 165°F). As the chicken simmers, the sauce will thicken slightly, creating a rich and flavorful coating for the chicken.

6. Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked, garnish it with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. This creamy garlic chicken will quickly become a family favorite!

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Servings and Timing

• Yield: 4 servings
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Herb-infused: For an extra punch of flavor, add thyme, rosemary, or basil to the sauce while it simmers.
• Mushroom version: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic before adding the cream for a savory addition.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
• Lemon twist: Stir in a splash of lemon juice or lemon zest for a fresh, zesty contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables to make it a low-carb meal.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat the chicken on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work beautifully in this recipe. They are slightly juicier than chicken breasts, making them perfect for this creamy sauce.

2. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
The key is not to overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F and avoid cooking it for too long in the pan.

3. Can I substitute the heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind that the sauce might be a little less rich.

4. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
A slurry of cornstarch and water or a small amount of flour whisked into the sauce works wonders for thickening. If you want a richer sauce, simply add more cream.

5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can toss in spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. Simply sauté them along with the garlic before making the sauce.

6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to add a little cream or chicken broth when reheating to keep the sauce smooth.

7. What sides pair best with this creamy chicken?
This dish goes wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up all the creamy sauce. You can also pair it with a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

8. How do I keep the sauce smooth?
To ensure a smooth sauce, stir constantly while adding the cream and Parmesan. Also, using freshly grated Parmesan will help the sauce blend together perfectly without any lumps.

9. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce instead of regular all-purpose flour.

10. What’s the secret to a flavorful sauce?
The key to a flavorful sauce is to sauté the garlic to release its aroma before adding the liquid ingredients. Also, using freshly grated Parmesan cheese will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the sauce.

Conclusion

This creamy garlic chicken recipe is the epitome of comfort food. With juicy chicken breasts simmered in a creamy, garlic-infused sauce, every bite is full of flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough for a dinner party. Try this recipe today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home!