Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts

When I first stumbled upon this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe, I felt as though I’d discovered a hidden gem in a family cookbook passed down through generations. It has become my go-to dish on special evenings, whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a gathering with friends. The beauty of this recipe isn’t just in its mouth-watering flavors but also in the way it wraps itself around your spirit, bringing warmth and joy to any table. Believe me, once you try it, you’ll understand why this will be a keeper in your culinary repertoire.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Let’s talk about why this dish is simply irresistible. First off, who doesn’t adore the luxurious richness that heavy cream brings? It envelops the chicken in a velvety hug, making each bite a delightful experience. Add in the aromatic freshness of garlic sautéed to golden perfection, and you have a symphony of flavors dancing on your taste buds.

But wait, there’s more! The balance of Italian seasoning adds just the right touch of herby flair without overpowering the dish. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience worth savoring. And what makes it even better? It’s incredibly easy to whip up, requiring minimal advanced skills. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a Monday night dinner, this dish will elevate your cooking game and impress your loved ones.

Gather these ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Opt for organic if you can; it makes all the difference in flavor and tenderness. You can also try thighs if you prefer a richer taste.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: This liquid gold is perfect for searing the chicken, giving it that gorgeous, golden crust. Feel free to substitute with avocado oil if you want a higher smoke point!
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the star here. If you’re a real garlic lover, crank that up to 6 or even 8 cloves—you can’t go wrong!
• 1 cup heavy cream: This is where the magic happens-instant decadence! If you’d like a lighter version, use half-and-half or a non-dairy milk, but the cream is simply unparalleled.
• 1 cup chicken broth: I often use homemade broth for depth of flavor, but the store-bought stuff works too. Just make sure it’s low-sodium to control the salt.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend that really complements the cream and garlic! You can also use the fresh stuff if you have it on hand—nothing compares to fresh herbs.
• Salt and pepper: To taste; don’t skip tasting as you go along!
• For garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also brightens the dish’s flavors with its freshness.

The cooking process explained

1. Preparation: Start by bringing your chicken to room temperature—about 15 minutes on the counter should do it. This helps it cook evenly.
2. Searing Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 6-7 minutes per side until they’re golden and cooked through. You want that nice crust because we’re all about flavor here! Transfer to a plate and let rest.
3. Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute—just until it turns fragrant, but be careful not to burn it! Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Stir well to deglaze, scraping up those delicious browned bits from the bottom.
4. Combine and Serve: Add the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it bubble gently for another 5 minutes to thicken up—this is where your sauce comes alive! Finally, return the chicken to the skillet; let it soak in all that saucy goodness for a minute or two. Plate the chicken, drizzle over the creamy sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Best way to enjoy it

This dish is perfect over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up all that creamy goodness. Pair it with sautéed green beans or a fresh salad for a quick, satisfying meal. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables to add some texture and brightness to your plate. And don’t forget a glass of crisp white wine to enhance those delectable flavors!

Keeping leftovers fresh

Got leftovers? First off, lucky you! Transfer any uneaten chicken and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it gently on the stove over low heat. You might want to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce and retain that rich, creamy texture.

Pro chef tips

• Always taste as you go! Seasoning at each step builds layers of flavor.
• If you want a kick, consider adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the sauce.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique twist.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Try adding a splash of lemon juice for a tangy twist or toss in sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair. You could also substitute the chicken with shrimp or even hearty vegetables like cauliflower for a vegetarian version. The sauce is versatile, so let your imagination run wild!

Ingredients list

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• To taste salt
• To taste pepper
• For garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions to follow

1. Bring chicken to room temperature.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden.
3. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant.
5. Pour in chicken broth and deglaze the pan.
6. Add heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Return chicken to skillet and coat in sauce.
8. Serve with garnish of fresh parsley.

FAQs

How long does it take to make this?

From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30-35 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight meal!

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half works, but it won’t be as rich. For a lighter option, try coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then bake it right before serving.

What sides do you recommend?

Garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a light salad are all fantastic options.

How can I adjust the garlic flavor?

You can use less garlic if it’s too strong for your taste, or sauté the garlic for a shorter time to lessen its pungency.

Sometimes you come across a recipe that feels just right, like a favorite sweater or a beloved book. This Creamy Garlic Chicken has that comforting vibe, and it is a perfect way to delight those you love with something undeniably delicious. Try it out tonight, and let your kitchen join the chorus of satisfied sighs from your family and friends. I’d love to hear about your twists and experiments, so don’t hesitate to share! Cooking is all about community, and I can’t wait for you to become a part of ours.

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Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time Total Time 40 hrs

Cooking Temp: medium-high  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 600

Description

This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe wraps itself around your spirit, bringing warmth and joy to the table. With its rich flavors of heavy cream and golden garlic, it's a delightful experience worth savoring.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Opt for organic for better flavor.)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (Can substitute with avocado oil.)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (Adjust according to taste; up to 8 cloves can be used.)
• 1 cup heavy cream (For a lighter version, use half-and-half.)
• 1 cup chicken broth (Low-sodium, homemade preferred.)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (Fresh herbs can be substituted.)
• To taste salt
• To taste pepper
• For garnish fresh parsley, chopped (Adds color and flavor.)

Cooking Instructions

Preparation

1. Prepare the Chicken

   Bring chicken to room temperature for about 15 minutes.
   Mark as complete

Cook the Chicken

1. Sear the Chicken

   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden, then set aside.
   Mark as complete

Make the Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic

   In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
   Mark as complete

2. Deglaze the Pan

   Pour in chicken broth and deglaze the pan by scraping up the browned bits.
   Mark as complete

Combine Ingredients

1. Add Cream and Seasonings

   Add heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to thicken.
   Mark as complete

2. Finish the Dish

   Return chicken to the skillet and coat in sauce for a minute before serving.
   Mark as complete

Serve

1. Garnish and Enjoy

   Plate the chicken, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 600kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 45g70%

Saturated Fat 25g125%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 150mg50%

Sodium 600mg25%

Potassium 800mg23%

Total Carbohydrate 5g2%

Dietary Fiber 0g

Sugars 1g

Protein 50g100%

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Vitamin A 800 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 60 mg

Iron 1.5 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1.5 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.1 mg

Riboflavin 0.2 mg

Niacin 8 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 10 mcg

Vitamin B12 3 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Magnesium 25 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 30 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

Manganese 0.1 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Perfect served over mashed potatoes or rice.

Keywords: Creamy Garlic Chicken, easy chicken recipe, comfort food, Italian flavor