Creamy Garlic Chicken (Ready in Under 30 Minutes!)

Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss? This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe is your answer. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection and swimming in a luscious, savory garlic cream sauce. It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner hero. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to elevate your dinner routine with a recipe that’s as simple as it is spectacular.

Why This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is a Weeknight Winner

When life gets busy, you need recipes that are quick, easy, and satisfying. This Creamy Garlic Chicken checks all the boxes. It uses simple, everyday ingredients to create a dish bursting with flavor. The one-pan method means cleanup is an absolute breeze, saving you precious time. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and pairs well with almost any side, from pasta to roasted vegetables.

This recipe is designed for the enthusiastic home cook who wants maximum flavor with minimum effort. It’s a dish you’ll turn to again and again, whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests.

The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to create this incredible garlic cream sauce. Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. We’ll slice them in half horizontally to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.
• Olive Oil & Butter: A combination of these two fats provides the best flavor and a perfect sear on the chicken.
• Garlic: The star of the show! Freshly minced garlic is a must for a robust, aromatic sauce.
• Chicken Broth: This creates the savory base of our sauce.
• Heavy Cream: For that rich, velvety, and irresistibly creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully and adds a nutty, salty depth of flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: A simple blend of dried herbs that complements the garlic perfectly.
• Salt & Black Pepper: To season the chicken and the sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: For a touch of freshness and color to garnish at the end.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken

Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping meal in minutes. This is a straightforward process that delivers a truly delicious result. Let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

First, prepare your chicken. If the breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This helps them cook faster and more evenly. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, carefully place the chicken in the skillet. Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Garlic Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—this is where all the flavor is! Allow the broth to simmer and reduce by about half, which should take 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over each piece. Let it simmer for another minute or two, just enough to heat the chicken through. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tips for the Juiciest Chicken and Creamiest Sauce

Want to make this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe absolutely perfect? Here are a few expert tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Searing the chicken quickly over medium-high heat locks in the juices. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. Grating a block of Parmesan yourself will result in a much smoother sauce.
• Let the Sauce Reduce: Allowing the chicken broth to reduce concentrates its flavor, creating a more robust foundation for your cream sauce.
• Don’t Boil the Cream: After adding the heavy cream and Parmesan, keep the heat on a low simmer. Boiling the sauce can cause it to separate or curdle.

Delicious Serving Suggestions

This versatile Creamy Garlic Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce. For a lower-carb option, it’s fantastic with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. A side of crusty garlic butter breadsticks is also highly recommended for dipping!

Recipe Variations to Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great canvas for customization. Try one of these simple variations:

• Add Spinach: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach into the sauce at the end and let it wilt for a minute or two.
• Mushroom Medley: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet after removing the chicken and before adding the garlic.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the garlic for a tangy, sweet flavor boost.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a little kick of heat. For more comforting and easy chicken recipes, check out this Chicken and Broccoli Casserole.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This Creamy Garlic Chicken makes for excellent leftovers! Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it reheats. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the chicken rubbery and cause the sauce to separate.

Looking for more easy dinners? This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is another family favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Best Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

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Creamy Garlic Chicken (Ready in Under 30 Minutes!)

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a one-pan, 30-minute meal featuring tender chicken in a luscious garlic cream sauce. It's the perfect easy and delicious recipe for a busy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1.5 lbs, sliced horizontally into thinner cutlets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
• 6 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth low sodium
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• 1 Large Skillet
• 1 Meat Thermometer

Method

 

1. Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Pat dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the broth has reduced by half.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken. Reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and simmer for 1-2 minutes to heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalProtein: 45gFat: 40gFiber: 1g

Notes

Tip 1: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded.
Tip 2: Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Keyword chicken in cream sauce,creamy garlic chicken,one pan chicken

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