This recipe gives juicy chicken in a smooth, cheesy sauce. It pairs well with pasta or rice, so you have many serving choices. For a pasta idea that uses similar flavors, try a garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe for an easy weeknight meal.
Why make this recipe
This dish is quick, rich, and full of garlic flavor. It uses few ingredients and cooks fast. You can make it any night and it feels special.
How to make Creamy Garlic Chicken
Follow simple steps to get a creamy sauce and cooked chicken.
Ingredients :
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions :
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return chicken to the skillet, coating them in the sauce, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
You can use a thin slice of chicken or pound the breasts thin for faster cooking and even sauce coverage. For a different plate idea, see this combo of proteins that pairs well with creamy sauces: chicken and shrimp combo.
How to serve Creamy Garlic Chicken
Slice the chicken and spoon the sauce over it. Serve over cooked pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables. Add a sprinkle of extra parmesan and chopped parsley.
How to store Creamy Garlic Chicken
Cool the dish to room temperature, then put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat so the cream sauce does not break. You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months, but thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to make Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Do not boil the sauce; keep it at a gentle simmer to stop the cream from separating.
- Grate the parmesan fresh for a smoother melt.
- Cook chicken to an internal temp of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
For crispier chicken pieces before saucing, look at air fryer methods for small bites and timing ideas: air fryer chicken bites guide.
Variation
- Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for more veggies.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for a tart note.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but cook gently.
FAQs
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken?
A: Yes. Cook time will be longer. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free parmesan substitute. The flavor will change.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: You can make the sauce and store it, but reheat slowly and whisk before adding chicken.
Q: How do I keep the sauce smooth?
A: Stir often and simmer gently. Do not boil the sauce.
Conclusion
For another take on a creamy garlic chicken, check the version from Salt & Lavender’s creamy garlic chicken for extra herbs and tips. If you want a budget-friendly recipe with clear steps, try the guide at Budget Bytes’ creamy garlic chicken. For a cozy home-style version with serving ideas, see The Cozy Cook’s creamy garlic chicken.
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts You can use thin slices or pound the breasts thin for faster cooking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter sauce, swap with half-and-half.
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese Grate fresh for a smoother melt.
- to taste Salt and pepper
- to garnish Chopped parsley
Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine
- Return chicken to the skillet, coating them in the sauce, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.