Heavenly Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe: A Family Favorite

Whipping up a mouthwatering garlic chicken recipe brings pure comfort to your kitchen tonight.

Aromatic herbs and rich cream blend together seamlessly in this classic dish.

Tender chicken pieces nestle into a luxurious sauce that whispers pure deliciousness.

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Fragrant garlic notes dance through each delectable bite, promising a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Your dinner table will buzz with anticipation as this irresistible creation emerges, ready to delight everyone’s taste buds.

Come experience a recipe that turns an ordinary evening into a memorable feast.

What Goes Into Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender cut that serves as the main protein for this delicious dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Thyme, Onion Powder: Aromatic herbs and spices that add depth and complexity to the seasoning.

• Olive Oil: Provides a healthy fat for searing and helps create a golden brown exterior on the chicken.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
• Garlic Cloves: Brings a bold, aromatic flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base for the sauce and helps deglaze the pan.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a rich, velvety texture to the sauce.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps thicken the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Simple Steps For Creamy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare and Season Chicken

Pat the chicken completely dry using paper towels. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, thyme, and onion powder all over the chicken to create a flavorful coating. Make sure to distribute the seasonings evenly across the entire surface.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it starts to shimmer. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 3: Rest the Chicken

Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm while preparing the sauce.

Step 4: Create Garlic Base

Lower the skillet’s heat to medium and add butter. Let it melt completely and become fragrant. Finely chop the garlic cloves and sauté them in the melted butter for 30-45 seconds until they turn lightly golden and release their aromatic flavors.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will add depth to the sauce.

Step 6: Add Creamy Elements

Stir in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes. Whisk in sour cream and grated parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 7: Combine and Finish

Return the chicken to the skillet, coating each piece generously with the creamy garlic sauce. Allow everything to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors blend together beautifully.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the chicken immediately, spooning extra sauce over the top to ensure maximum flavor in every bite.

Helpful Tips For Creamy Garlic Chicken That Works

• Dry for Better Sear: Pat chicken breasts completely dry to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Season Generously: Coat chicken evenly with salt, pepper, thyme, and onion powder to create a robust, well-balanced taste profile.
• Watch Heat Carefully: Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure proper searing and prevent steaming the chicken.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Stir continuously when adding cream and cheese to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency without curdling.
• Reheat Gently: Simmer chicken in sauce briefly to warm through without overcooking, preserving tender, juicy meat.

Tasty Twists On Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipes

• Herb-Crusted Chicken: Replace thyme with a mix of rosemary, oregano, and basil for an Italian-inspired herbal version.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use ghee instead of butter to maintain high-fat content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace heavy cream and sour cream with unsweetened almond milk and cashew cream, using nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
• Spicy Garlic Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne powder to the seasoning mix and include diced jalapeños in the garlic sauce for extra heat.

What Goes Well With Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Elevate Creamy Garlic Chicken Dining Experience
• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Light, buttery white wine complements the rich, creamy sauce and cuts through the heaviness with bright acidity.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Asparagus: Tender green vegetable provides fresh contrast to the decadent chicken, adding nutritional balance and earthy undertones.
• Match with Garlic Herb Focaccia: Crusty bread helps soak up the delicious sauce, enhancing overall meal enjoyment and providing textural variety.
• Complement with Simple Arugula Salad: Peppery greens dressed in light vinaigrette offer a zesty counterpoint to the creamy chicken, cleansing the palate between bites.

How To Store Creamy Garlic Chicken Correctly

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains sealed to prevent moisture loss and bacterial growth.
• Carefully place chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, maintaining best quality and taste.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, drizzle with extra sauce.

Quick FAQs For Creamy Garlic Chicken

• What type of skillet works best for this recipe?

A large, heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron or stainless steel provides the best heat distribution and helps create a perfect golden-brown sear on the chicken.

• How can I ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning, use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, and avoid overcooking. Cooking to exactly 165°F helps maintain moisture and prevents dryness.

• Can I substitute any ingredients?

Use dried thyme if fresh isn’t available. For the cream sauce, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce might be slightly less rich. Parmesan can be swapped with pecorino romano for a similar flavor profile.

Why Creamy Garlic Chicken Is A Flavorful Favorite

• Crush Flavor Complexity: Layers of seasoning and a creamy garlic sauce create an explosion of taste that transforms simple chicken into a gourmet experience.
• Master Quick Cooking: Searing chicken and preparing the sauce happens smoothly in one pan, reducing cleanup and streamlining meal preparation for busy home cooks.
• Deliver Restaurant-Quality Meal: Professional technique of creating a pan sauce elevates this chicken dish from ordinary to extraordinary, impressing family and guests with minimal culinary skills required.
• Customize with Ease: Recipe allows simple modifications like adding herbs, swapping cheese types, or including extra vegetables to match personal preferences and pantry ingredients.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent creamy garlic chicken brings Italian-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, velvety sauce and tender protein. Herb-infused and delightfully easy, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality magic that satisfies you in just one hearty bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 6 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

Liquid and Creamy Components:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup sour cream

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Instructions

1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season thoroughly with salt, black pepper, thyme, and onion powder, ensuring even coverage.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the pan.
3. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, creating a crispy exterior.
4. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, keeping warm on a plate tented with foil.
5. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet, allowing it to melt and become fragrant.
6. Mince garlic cloves and sauté in the butter for 30-45 seconds until lightly golden and aromatic, being careful not to burn.
7. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance flavor.
8. Add heavy cream and stir continuously, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
9. Whisk in sour cream and grated parmesan cheese, creating a smooth and velvety sauce.
10. Return chicken to the skillet, coating each piece generously with the creamy garlic sauce.
11. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat chicken and allow flavors to meld together.
12. Serve immediately, spooning extra sauce over the chicken breasts for maximum flavor.

Notes

• Choose skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option that absorbs flavors quickly and evenly.
• Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to achieve golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Use fresh garlic cloves for more intense, robust flavor compared to pre-minced alternatives.
• Avoid burning garlic by keeping heat at medium and watching closely during sautéing, which prevents bitter taste.
• Consider low-fat modifications by substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for lighter sauce.
• Add red pepper flakes for subtle heat and extra dimension to the creamy garlic sauce.
• Let chicken rest briefly after cooking to retain maximum moisture and prevent dry texture.
• Pair with roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice for low-carb friendly meal adaptation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 675
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 52g
• Saturated Fat: 24g
• Unsaturated Fat: 23g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 41g
• Cholesterol: 200mg