Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a rich and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a velvety garlic cream sauce. The garlic-infused sauce perfectly complements the moist chicken, making for a flavorful and comforting meal. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions and can be served with a variety of sides like rice, pasta, or vegetables.
Ingredients
- For the chicken:
-
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh thyme)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- For the chicken:
- Prepare the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- For the creamy garlic sauce:
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan: Add the chicken broth (or white wine) to the skillet, stirring to deglaze the pan and release any browned bits. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Make the creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Combine the chicken and sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken further.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with your favorite side dish.
Notes
Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option.Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach at the end of cooking for added nutrition.Mushroom Creamy Garlic Chicken: Add sliced mushrooms to the garlic sauce for an earthy flavor. Sauté them with the garlic before adding the chicken broth.Lemon Garlic Chicken: Add 1 tsp lemon zest and 1 tbsp lemon juice to the sauce for a citrusy twist.Spicy Garlic Chicken: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
