Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe Dreamiest Cozy Dinner

Crafting a mouthwatering creamy garlic chicken recipe can turn an ordinary dinner into a culinary adventure that sparkles with flavor.

My kitchen experiments have taught me how complex yet simple this dish truly becomes.

Rich, velvety sauces often intimidate home cooks, but this approach breaks down those barriers effortlessly.

Garlic brings magical depth to every bite, infusing each tender morsel with irresistible warmth.

Professional chefs have long understood the secret of transforming humble ingredients into something spectacular.

Layered with nuanced seasonings and a silky texture, this recipe promises to become your new weeknight favorite.

Prepare to impress everyone gathered around your table with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Creamy Garlic Chicken That’s Big on Flavor

• Adapt this recipe to suit personal taste preferences by adjusting spice levels or adding favorite herbs, making it a versatile dish for any palate.
• Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques that deliver impressive results.
• Create a creamy, satisfying chicken dish that appeals to both adults and kids, offering a crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone together at the dinner table.
• Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-pan recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a luxurious, restaurant-style dinner without creating a mountain of dishes.

What Goes in Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that absorbs flavors perfectly, best when fresh and trimmed of excess fat.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic blend for enhancing chicken's natural flavor and creating a delicious exterior crust.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds herbal depth and complexity to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for a subtle heat kick.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Essential for searing chicken and creating a rich, flavorful base for the sauce.
• Minced Garlic: Provides intense, aromatic garlic flavor that forms the sauce's foundation.
• Chicken Broth: Helps deglaze the pan and adds savory depth to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, smooth texture for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness to the creamy sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds fresh color and subtle herb notes.

How to Prepare Creamy Garlic Chicken Like a Pro

Step 1: Prep the Star of the Show

• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Heat skillet with olive oil or butter over medium-high flame. Cook chicken until golden and crispy, flipping once. Chicken should reach a safe internal temperature. Transfer to a warm plate.

Step 3: Create Magical Sauce

In same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook until kitchen fills with delicious aroma.

Pour chicken broth, scraping pan’s delicious brown bits. Let liquid bubble gently.

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Stir continuously until sauce transforms into creamy wonderland.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Return chicken to skillet. Coat pieces completely with luxurious sauce. Allow flavors to dance and mingle.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for final touch of elegance.

Serve immediately while sauce is warm and inviting.

Garlic Chicken Tips for a Bold Sauce

• Dry Chicken Thoroughly: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy, golden-brown exterior when searing.
• Check Doneness Precisely: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F/74C for safe, perfectly cooked meat without overcooking.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer for a thicker texture or adding extra broth if too dense.
• Customize Flavor Profile: Experiment with spice levels by adding more red pepper flakes or trying different herbs like thyme or rosemary.
• Optimize Skillet Technique: Deglaze pan with broth to capture rich, caramelized chicken bits, enhancing the sauce's depth of flavor.

Storing and Heating Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Store leftover creamy garlic chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing cream-based sauces as they might separate.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying and maintain sauce consistency. Stir gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. Drizzle extra sauce on top to keep meat moist and prevent overcooking.

What to Serve with Garlic Chicken Dishes

• Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the creamy garlic sauce, cutting through its richness with bright acidity.
• Prepare a side of roasted asparagus or zucchini with rosemary and thyme to enhance the dish's savory profile and add nutritional balance.
• Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, providing a perfect textural contrast and additional garlic flavor that mirrors the chicken's seasoning.
• Prepare a creamy cauliflower mash as a low-carb alternative to potatoes, which will absorb the sauce and provide a silky accompaniment to the chicken.

Saucy Twists on Garlic Chicken Recipes

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, lactose-free version.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Replace chicken broth with bone broth and add extra butter to increase fat content. Use almond flour for additional low-carb coating.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Substitute Italian seasoning with fresh chopped oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Add kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flavor.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños into the sauce and replace red pepper flakes with cayenne pepper for an intensified heat profile.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

Indulgent Creamy Garlic Chicken brings Italian comfort to weeknight dinners with rich, velvety sauce and tender meat. Simple ingredients create a luxurious meal that draws family together around the table and leaves everyone craving seconds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

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

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Fats:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter

Sauce Components:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly dry the chicken breasts using clean kitchen towels, then generously season both surfaces with aromatic garlic powder, vibrant paprika, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
2. Select a robust skillet and warm olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot pan, allowing each side to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust for approximately 4-5 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F/74°C.
3. Remove perfectly seared chicken and set aside on a clean plate. In the same skillet, introduce butter and allow it to melt gently.
4. Add finely minced garlic, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Let the garlic release its fragrant essence for roughly 1 minute.
5. Deglaze the pan by pouring chicken broth, using a wooden spatula to scrape up delectable browned bits clinging to the skillet’s surface. Allow the liquid to simmer and reduce slightly.
6. Lower the heat and incorporate heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning blend, and optional red pepper flakes. Gently stir until the sauce transforms into a luxuriously smooth consistency.
7. Carefully nestle the chicken back into the creamy sauce, letting it warm through and absorb the rich flavors for an additional 2-3 minutes.
8. Finish the dish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the top, creating a vibrant garnish that adds both color and a subtle herbaceous note. Serve immediately while the sauce remains warm and inviting.

Notes

• Pat chicken thoroughly to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy exterior when searing.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quicker cooking and easier preparation.
• Adjust seasoning intensity by varying amounts of garlic powder and red pepper flakes to suit personal taste preferences.
• Use low-fat alternatives like half-and-half or milk to create a lighter version of the creamy sauce without compromising flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 745
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 865 mg
• Fat: 58 g
• Saturated Fat: 30 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 46 g
• Cholesterol: 215 mg