Creamy Garlic Chicken
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
Serve up a rich and flavorful meal with this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are smothered in a luscious garlic cream sauce that elevates your lunch experience. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressive gatherings, this dish pairs beautifully with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
This Creamy Garlic Chicken is the perfect dish for any occasion, bringing a touch of elegance to the table. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it's bound to impress your family and friends.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken
To ensure your Creamy Garlic Chicken turns out perfectly every time, it's crucial to not overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken breasts. This helps achieve an even, golden-brown sear. If your skillet is too crowded, the chicken may steam instead of brown, which could result in less flavor in the final dish.
Always allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, making it more tender and juicy when you cut into it. A simple rest period can elevate the overall quality of your dish significantly.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Garlic Chicken pairs excellently with a variety of side dishes. For a classic approach, consider serving it alongside fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes which soak up the decadent sauce beautifully. Alternatively, roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad add a lovely crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the chicken.
If you're looking to impress your guests, consider plating the chicken on a large serving platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also invites your guests to dig in and enjoy the meal together.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cream Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before starting to cook.
Instructions
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and let it cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Combine and Serve
Add the chicken back to the skillet and coat it with the sauce. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Serve over rice or with steamed vegetables for a delightful meal.
Nutritional Information
Creamy Garlic Chicken is not only delicious but also provides a good source of protein. Each serving features tender chicken breasts which are rich in essential nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and zinc. The addition of healthy fats from the olive oil and cream helps with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, making this dish not only tasty but also nutritious.
While this recipe does contain cream and cheese, you can make simple substitutions to lighten it up without sacrificing flavor. For example, using half-and-half instead of heavy cream can reduce the calorie count while still providing a creamy texture. Additionally, using low-fat cheese options can yield a similar taste with fewer calories.
Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with additional flavors in your Creamy Garlic Chicken. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream sauce. Alternatively, you can incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for added flavor and nutrition. These variations can make the dish feel new and exciting with each preparation.
If you're a fan of herbs, consider adding a teaspoon of dried thyme or oregano to the cream sauce for an aromatic touch. Fresh basil also makes a wonderful addition as a garnish, bringing a fresh herbaceous note that complements the richness of the dish beautifully.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but cooking time may vary. Ensure it's fully cooked before serving.
→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a dairy alternative, though the sauce may be less rich.
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Serve up a rich and flavorful meal with this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are smothered in a luscious garlic cream sauce that elevates your lunch experience. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressive gatherings, this dish pairs beautifully with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
Created by: Keira Dalton
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cream Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and let it cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add the chicken back to the skillet and coat it with the sauce. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 600
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 45g