I hope you’re having a great day. Today, I wanted to share with you a recipe that always brings a smile to my family’s faces—Creamy Garlic Chicken. This dish has become a staple in our home, especially on those busy weeknights when I want something comforting and delicious on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s amazing how just a handful of simple ingredients can create a meal that feels a bit special but is still super easy to whip up.
I remember the first time I made this recipe. It was a chilly evening, and I had just come home from a long day. I had some chicken breasts in the fridge and thought, “Why not? Let’s give it a shot!” I’ll tell you what—once that garlic started sizzling, I could already hear my kids coming in from the living room, asking, “What smells so good?” That’s what I love about cooking. It’s not just about feeding the family; it’s about warming hearts and creating memories.
This creamy garlic chicken is perfect served over mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or even a bed of pasta. Trust me, the sauce is so good you’ll want to scoop up every last drop! Whether it’s a quick dinner during a busy week or a lovely family gathering, this dish never fails to impress. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to sneak in some garlic, which always reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen.
So, if you’re looking for an easy, delicious meal that your family will love, grab your apron and let’s get started. I promise you’ll make this creamy garlic chicken again and again!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1/4 tsp flaky salt
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
- Mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or pasta, for serving
- Steamed greens
- 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
First, season the chicken breasts with the black pepper, flaky salt, sweet paprika, onion powder, and dried thyme. Once seasoned, dredge them in flour until evenly coated.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and golden brown. Once cooked, set them aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic for approximately 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Next, pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer until reduced by half. Then stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard, allowing it to thicken gently.
Now, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust the seasoning with salt and cracked black pepper. Return the chicken back to the skillet and let it heat through for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
Once everything is ready, serve it alongside your preferred sides and garnish your dish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Enjoy!
Storing Suggestion
To store any leftover creamy garlic chicken, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, and consider adding a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauce’s creamy texture.
Cooking Tips
If you want to elevate the flavors, consider adding some fresh herbs like thyme or basil to the sauce. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a little heat! Feel free to experiment based on your family’s taste preferences for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy garlic chicken pairs beautifully with a side of buttery mashed potatoes or al dente pasta. You can also serve it with some steamed broccoli or green beans for a colorful plate. For drinks, a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon balances the richness perfectly.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re out of chicken, you can substitute it with turkey or even thick slices of tofu for a vegetarian option. Instead of heavy cream, coconut cream can be used for a lighter, dairy-free dish while keeping the same creaminess. Just be mindful of adjusting the flavors accordingly.
Seasonal Variations
In spring, consider adding fresh asparagus or peas to the dish for a pop of color and flavor. During autumn, mushrooms can be sautéed alongside the garlic for an earthy note. Adjust the herbs according to seasonal selections to enhance freshness.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains common allergens like dairy (heavy cream and butter) and gluten (all-purpose flour). To make it dairy-free, use almond milk, and olive oil instead of butter. A gluten-free flour blend can easily replace traditional flour for a safe option.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this dish and can add even more flavor due to their slightly higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.
How can I make this recipe lighter and healthier?
To lighten up creamy garlic chicken, you can use half-and-half or a low-fat milk option instead of heavy cream. This will reduce calories while still providing a lovely creaminess. You can also use less butter or olive oil without sacrificing flavor.
What can I serve with creamy garlic chicken?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice. Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad offer a nice, lighter balance. Don’t forget a slice of crusty bread to help scoop up all that delicious sauce!
Can I freeze the creamy garlic chicken?
Yes, you can freeze creamy garlic chicken! To do so, let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-proof container. It should keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s safe to eat. The meat should also be no longer pink inside, and juices should run clear.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If you find your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it longer to let it reduce, or by whisking in a slurry of cornstarch and water. Just make sure to add it gradually until you reach your desired consistency!
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut in half horizontally
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt flakes
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
- Mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or pasta
- Steamed greens
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with pepper, salt, paprika, onion powder, and thyme. Coat evenly in flour.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Remove chicken and set aside. Add remaining butter to the skillet. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add chicken broth and cook until reduced by half. Stir in heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Simmer until thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and season to taste. Return chicken to the skillet for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve with your choice of sides and garnish with parsley and lemon.
