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Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

4.5 from 62 reviews

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a comforting main-course dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts or thighs smothered in a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan recipe brings together simple ingredients for a rich and satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights yet elegant enough for guests. Pair it with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete and delicious dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 6 ounces each)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season both sides evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This step ensures a flavorful base for your creamy chicken dish.
  2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil or butter. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until the pieces are deeply golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside to keep warm.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to build flavor. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  4. Add the Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat to between low and medium. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and, if using, red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens just slightly and is smooth.
  5. Combine and Serve: Return the chicken (and any juices collected on the plate) to the skillet, spooning the sauce generously over the pieces. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot, ideally with pasta, rice, or a favorite veggie side.

Notes

  • You can use chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or breasts for a leaner meal.
  • For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan yields the best texture and flavor for the sauce.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.
  • Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic chicken, chicken skillet, one pan dinner, garlic parmesan sauce, weeknight chicken recipe, quick chicken dish