If you have a craving for a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe. It’s packed with rich flavors from golden seared chicken and a luscious garlic-infused sauce, all brought together with Parmesan cheese and a blend of herbs that dance on your palate. This recipe is the perfect way to elevate simple ingredients into something truly memorable, making it a go-to favorite for cozy weeknights or when you want to impress family and friends without too much fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly, and each plays a crucial role in layering flavor, texture, and color to create the creamy garlic chicken dish that you’ll love. Gathering these essentials sets you up for success in the kitchen.
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: The perfect tender base that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken to a delicious golden crust.
- 10 whole cloves of garlic: Slowly sautéed to bring a mellow yet punchy garlic taste.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Adds that indulgent, silky texture to the sauce.
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth: The savory liquid foundation that keeps the sauce rich and flavorful.
- Salt: To enhance every flavor element.
- Pepper: For a hint of mild heat and depth.
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasonings: A fragrant blend of herbs that adds an earthy, aromatic touch.
- ⅓ cup flour: Helps thicken the chicken’s coating and the sauce perfectly.
- 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (shredded): Brings a nutty, savory dimension to the dish.
- 1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 tsp better than bouillon): Intensifies the meaty, savory notes in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce): Adds a subtle umami boost that elevates the creamy garlic sauce.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: For sweet, aromatic undertones.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a hint of woodsy, herbal flavor.
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder: Adds a slight tang and complexity.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Used to sauté the garlic and enrich the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons flour: Combines with butter to create a smooth roux for thickening.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional): For an extra cheesy finish, if you want to go all in on flavor.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Dredge the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasonings to build flavorful layers. Then, dredge each breast in flour, which will help create that beautiful golden crust while also thickening the sauce later on. This simple step makes a big difference in texture and overall taste.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and carefully add the chicken breasts. Sear for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until you achieve a gorgeous golden brown. This caramelization locks in juices and adds a delicious depth to every bite. Once seared, remove the chicken and set aside so you can build your sauce in the same skillet.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, melt butter and add the whole garlic cloves. Sauté them until they turn golden brown and fragrant, which transforms the sharpness of raw garlic into a mellow, rich flavor. Remove the garlic cloves afterward so they can return to the dish later, infusing the sauce without overpowering it.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Now it’s time to mix those savory elements by whisking together chicken broth, your bouillon cube, low sodium soy sauce, onion powder, thyme, mustard powder, and flour directly into the skillet. Keep stirring and let it simmer gently until it thickens slightly. This will be the silky, flavorful base that complements your chicken beautifully.
Step 5: Finish Cooking with Cream and Parmesan
Return the chicken breasts and sautéed garlic cloves to the skillet and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan cheese for a nutty, creamy finish. Allow everything to cook together for another 5 to 10 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce reaches a luscious consistency. This final step ensures every bite is rich and comforting.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil add a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor on top. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese can also offer an irresistible cheesiness that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery pasta, or even a bed of steamed green vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to balance the richness of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving the creamy garlic chicken over polenta or risotto to soak up the sauce fully. You can also slice the chicken and serve it atop a fresh salad for a lighter, yet still indulgent dinner option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even more delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that very creamy sauces sometimes need gentle reheating to maintain their texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent the sauce from separating. If it gets too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to bring back that perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more richness and tenderness to this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can swap heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream alternative, and replace Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar umami flavor.
Can I make this recipe without the garlic cloves?
While garlic cloves are key to building the signature flavor of this dish, you can use minced garlic or garlic powder in a pinch. Just be cautious with quantity, as fresh garlic cloves have a milder, sweeter flavor profile.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be creamy and coat the back of a spoon but not too thick that it becomes gluey. If it’s too thick, simply add a dash of broth or cream to loosen it up.
What wine pairs well with this creamy garlic chicken?
A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and savory chicken, balancing richness with refreshing acidity.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe that keeps me coming back, meal after meal. It’s that perfect harmony of garlic-infused creaminess and tender, flavorful chicken that makes it so special. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own favorite dish to serve whenever you want to delight your taste buds and your loved ones.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and simmered in a rich, flavorful garlic cream sauce made with Parmesan and a blend of herbs. The dish combines the savory taste of garlic and Italian seasonings with a luscious creamy broth, perfect for an elegant yet easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasonings
- â…“ cup flour, for dredging
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 10 whole cloves of garlic
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 tsp better than bouillon)
- 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce (can substitute Worcestershire sauce)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- 3 tablespoons flour
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Season and Dredge Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasonings. Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off the excess to prepare for searing.
- Sear Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until both sides are golden brown. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the whole garlic cloves. Cook until the garlic turns golden brown and fragrant. Remove the garlic cloves from the skillet to prevent burning.
- Prepare Sauce Base: Whisk together the chicken broth, bouillon cube, low sodium soy sauce, onion powder, dried thyme, mustard powder, and flour directly in the skillet. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to simmer and slightly thickens.
- Simmer Chicken in Creamy Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts and sautéed garlic cloves to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and the sauce to thicken and develop flavor.
Notes
- Use low sodium soy sauce to better control the salt level in the dish.
- Replacing garlic cloves with minced garlic will intensify the garlic flavor, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- For a thicker sauce, you can add the optional ½ cup of Parmesan cheese or increase the cream slightly.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- If preferred, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used for juicier meat.
