Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe

Succulent chicken breasts swimming in a luscious garlic sauce can turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

The magic happens when simple ingredients combine with unexpected passion.

Weeknight meals rarely feel this luxurious and effortless.

Home cooks often search for dishes that impress without complicated techniques.

Tender chicken pieces nestled in a velvety sauce promise comfort and satisfaction.

Each bite delivers rich, harmonious flavors that dance across your palate.

You will fall in love with this uncomplicated yet sophisticated recipe that makes dinner feel like a special occasion.

Tips to Cook Creamy Chicken Just Right

  • Slice Chicken Strategically: Cut chicken breasts to equal thickness for uniform cooking and prevent dryness during preparation.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast garlic briefly to release rich, nutty undertones without burning, creating a more complex sauce profile.
  • Prevent Sauce Separation: Lower heat when adding cream and stir consistently to maintain smooth, creamy texture without curdling.
  • Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference, ranging from mild to fiery kick.
  • Maximize Leftovers: Store remaining chicken in sauce to help retain moisture and reheat gently to prevent meat from becoming tough.

Save and Heat Garlic Chicken with No Fuss

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen chicken maintains quality for up to 3 months.
  • Warm chicken over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir gently and cook until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

Great Combos for Garlic Chicken Breasts

  • Serve with crisp chardonnay to complement the creamy garlic sauce's richness and balance the chicken's savory profile.
  • Select a light, acidic white wine like sauvignon blanc that cuts through the heavy cream and provides a refreshing contrast.
  • Pair with roasted asparagus or garlic-infused mashed potatoes to echo the dish's robust garlic undertones and create a harmonious meal experience.
  • Add crusty sourdough or herb-seasoned focaccia to soak up the luxurious sauce, enhancing every delectable bite with additional texture and flavor.

Flavor Variations for Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts

  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace chicken broth with bone broth and use heavy cream for a higher fat content. Omit Parmesan cheese or substitute with a keto-friendly hard cheese like aged cheddar.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. Replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage to intensify the herb profile. Experiment with different dried herb blends like herbes de Provence for a Mediterranean touch.
  • Spicy Kick Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper for extra heat. Incorporate chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to elevate the spice level.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts That Impress Fast

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts That Impress Fast
  • Blend of garlic, Parmesan, and seasonings creates a rich, mouth-watering sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dish.
  • Requires just a few pantry staples and one skillet, making cleanup a breeze and cooking stress-free.
  • Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or impressing guests with minimal cooking skills needed.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Soft, lean protein as the star of the dish. Choose skinless, boneless, and evenly sized for consistent cooking.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice combination for enhancing chicken flavor. Use freshly ground black pepper for best taste.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Creates golden-brown exterior and rich flavor base. Extra virgin olive oil adds subtle fruity notes.
Sauce Base:
  • Butter, Minced Garlic: Builds foundational flavor for creamy sauce. Fresh garlic provides more intense taste than pre-chopped.
Liquid Components:
  • Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Provides moisture and creates silky sauce texture. Low-sodium broth recommended for better control of saltiness.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds depth, herbal notes, and optional heat. Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh finish with color contrast. Finely chopped for even distribution.

How to Make Tender Garlic Chicken Breasts

How to Make Tender Garlic Chicken Breasts

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

Rub chicken breasts with a delightful blend of:
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Ensure both sides are evenly coated with the spice mix.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan.

Cook each side until golden brown and perfectly done.

Check internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C.

Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Craft the Luscious Sauce

Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around for a moment until fragrant.

Pour chicken broth into the pan.

Scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom.

Lower heat and blend in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Stir constantly until sauce thickens beautifully.

Step 4: Final Flavor Fusion

Return chicken to the skillet.

Lovingly coat each piece with the creamy sauce.

Let chicken simmer and soak up all those incredible flavors.

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve immediately while piping hot.

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Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

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

Description

Irresistible garlic chicken breasts bring Italian comfort directly to dinner tables, promising rich flavors and simple elegance. Succulent chicken simmered in a luxurious sauce will spark instant cravings and satisfy hungry families in mere minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 170 grams / 6 ounces each)

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 45 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Generously coat chicken breasts with a blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring even coverage on both surfaces.
  2. Warm olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, carefully placing seasoned chicken breasts to sear until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, approximately 5-6 minutes per side.
  3. Transfer perfectly seared chicken to a separate plate, maintaining its warmth and juiciness.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter and introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping accumulated flavor-rich browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  6. Reduce heat and incorporate heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches a luxurious, slightly thickened consistency.
  7. Gently return chicken breasts to the skillet, deliberately coating them with the creamy garlic sauce and allowing them to absorb the rich flavors for an additional 3-4 minutes.
  8. Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh parsley over the chicken and serve immediately, presenting a tantalizingly creamy and flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Select thick, evenly sized chicken breasts to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dryness.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help create a beautiful golden-brown exterior and enhance flavor absorption.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, avoiding overcooking which can make chicken tough and stringy.
  • Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes for personalized heat preference.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories.
  • Transform this dish into a low-carb meal by serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.
  • Quickly reheat leftovers in a skillet with a splash of broth to maintain sauce consistency and prevent sauce separation.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 720
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 52 g
  • Saturated Fat: 25 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 56 g
  • Cholesterol: 200 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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