Creamy Garlic Chicken: A Restaurant-Quality Dinner Made Easy at Home

Have you ever craved a restaurant-quality dinner but didn’t want to leave the comfort of your home? Creamy Garlic Chicken is the perfect solution – a luxurious, flavor-packed meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare in your own kitchen. This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a velvety garlic sauce that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just elevating your weeknight dinner routine, this Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken delivers impressive results without complicated techniques.

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Ingredients List

For the perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken Dinner, gather these simple yet powerful ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced (adjust according to your garlic preference)
• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
• 1 cup heavy cream (substitute: half-and-half for a lighter option)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat
• Optional: 1 cup spinach or 1 cup sliced mushrooms

Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (15 minutes if adding mushrooms)
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

This Creamy Garlic Chicken saves you approximately 25 minutes compared to traditional French-inspired cream sauce recipes that require reducing heavy cream from scratch!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Pro tip: Let chicken sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking for more even cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Transfer to a plate and cover with foil.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Base

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Tip: Keep stirring to prevent garlic from burning, which would give a bitter taste.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the garlic and stir for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until chicken is heated through and sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (one chicken breast with sauce):

• Calories: 485
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 35g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Vitamin A: 25% DV
• Calcium: 15% DV

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Make your Creamy Garlic Chicken fit your dietary preferences:

• Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan
• Low-Carb: Skip the flour and let the sauce reduce naturally for a keto-friendly option
• Lighter Version: Use chicken broth mixed with a tablespoon of Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream
• Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Creamy Garlic Chicken Dinner with these accompaniments:

• Serve over al dente pasta, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice
• Pair with roasted asparagus or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Add crusty bread for sopping up extra sauce
• Wine pairing: Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce perfectly

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken: Use a meat thermometer to achieve perfect doneness
• Scorching the garlic: Keep heat at medium and stir constantly
• Curdling the sauce: Add cream slowly and avoid boiling after adding
• Under-seasoning: Taste and adjust salt levels before serving

Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezing: The cream sauce may separate when frozen, but can be stored for up to 1 month
• Reheating: Warm slowly on the stovetop with a splash of milk to refresh the sauce
• Meal prep: Prepare through Step 3, refrigerate components separately, and finish cooking day-of

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Chicken transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal that tastes like it came from a fine dining restaurant. The rich, garlicky sauce paired with juicy chicken creates comfort food at its finest. Try this recipe tonight and discover your new favorite way to prepare chicken! Share your results in the comments or tag us in your dinner photos.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Creamy Garlic Chicken?
  Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and often result in juicier meat. Adjust cooking time to about 7-8 minutes per side.
• How can I make this Creamy Garlic Chicken spicier?
  Add cayenne pepper or more red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a different heat profile, try adding a diced jalapeño when sautéing the garlic.
• Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
  Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a similar flavor profile.
• Can I add vegetables to this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe?
  Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts are excellent additions. Add them when making the sauce.
• What’s the best way to reheat leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken?
  Reheat gently in a covered pan on low heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to revitalize the sauce. Avoid microwaving, which may cause the sauce to separate.