Creamy Garlic Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious, garlicky cream sauce. The creamy sauce is made with garlic, butter, and heavy cream, with a hint of Parmesan cheese, resulting in a comforting, indulgent meal that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or vegetables. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for something creamy and savory.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add cream and broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If you’re using dried thyme or Italian seasoning, add it at this point.
Return the chicken: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some sauce over them. Let everything simmer for another 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is fully coated and the sauce is thickened to your liking.
Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Description:
This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a delectable dish with a rich, velvety sauce that coats each piece of chicken perfectly. The combination of garlic, cream, and Parmesan creates a deep, savory flavor that’s balanced with the mildness of the chicken. It’s the ultimate comfort food, and its creamy texture will have you coming back for more!
Tips:
Chicken Tenderness: To ensure the chicken stays tender, don’t overcook it. If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer—chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer, or you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce to thicken it.
Flavor Adjustments: Add a splash of white wine when making the sauce for an added depth of flavor, or throw in some fresh minced garlic for an extra garlic kick.
Serving Suggestions: Serve this creamy garlic chicken with mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, or pasta for a complete meal.
Variations:
Add Vegetables: Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce for extra texture and flavor.
Lemon Garlic Chicken: Add some fresh lemon juice and zest to the sauce for a tangy twist on the creamy garlic flavor.
Spicy Garlic Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a bit of heat.
Corrections:
Be sure to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking, but you can also use chicken thighs if preferred.
When adding Parmesan cheese, make sure it’s freshly grated for a smoother sauce—pre-grated cheese may not melt as well.
Enjoy:
This Creamy Garlic Chicken is the perfect go-to recipe for a rich and indulgent meal. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!