Creamy Garlic Chicken – A Rich & Comforting One-Pan Dinner

Introduction

If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful meal that feels gourmet but comes together in just 30 minutes, Creamy Garlic Chicken is the answer. Featuring golden seared chicken breasts simmered in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce with hints of Parmesan and herbs, this dish is restaurant-quality comfort food made simple at home.

Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up all that rich, silky sauce.

Ingredients Overview

Each ingredient plays an essential role in building the deep, layered flavor of this creamy dish.

For the Chicken

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (2–3 medium): Sliced horizontally or pounded for even cooking.
• Salt & Pepper: Basic seasoning for the chicken.
• Garlic Powder & Paprika (½ tsp each): Adds warmth and color.
• Flour (¼ cup): Lightly coats the chicken for a golden crust and helps thicken the sauce.
• Olive Oil & Butter (2 tbsp each): For searing the chicken and building richness.

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

• Garlic (6 cloves, minced or finely chopped): The star ingredient — sweet and aromatic.
• Chicken Broth (½ cup): Adds savory depth and balances the richness.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup): Creates the luxurious base of the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, finely grated): Melts into the sauce for umami and texture.
• Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): Brings a herby background note.
• Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Adds color and freshness.

Optional Add-Ins

• Spinach (2 cups): Wilted into the sauce for nutrients and contrast.
• Mushrooms (1 cup, sliced): Sauté with garlic for an earthy touch.
• White Wine (¼ cup): Deglazes the pan and adds complexity (optional).

Tip: Use fresh garlic, not pre-minced, for the best aroma and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Pat chicken breasts dry and slice horizontally for thinner cutlets.
• Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess.

Why flour? It gives a golden crust and helps the sauce cling beautifully to the chicken.

2. Sear the Chicken

• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook chicken cutlets for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
• Remove to a plate and tent with foil.

3. Sauté the Garlic

• Reduce heat to medium.
• Add another 1 tbsp butter and sauté 6 minced garlic cloves for about 1 minute, just until fragrant — don’t let it brown.

Optional: Add mushrooms or deglaze with wine here if using.

4. Make the Sauce

• Stir in ½ cup chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits.
• Add 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup Parmesan, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
• Simmer gently for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.

Tip: If sauce gets too thick, thin with a splash of broth or cream.

5. Return Chicken & Finish

• Return the chicken (and juices) to the skillet.
• Simmer for 2–3 minutes, spooning sauce over the top to rewarm and coat.
• Garnish with fresh parsley.

6. Serve

Serve hot over:

• Mashed potatoes
• Pasta or egg noodles
• Rice or risotto
• Steamed vegetables or roasted asparagus

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

• Chicken Thighs: Juicier and more forgiving than breasts — sear longer for crispy edges.
• No Cream? Use evaporated milk or a mix of milk + cream cheese for richness.
• Dairy-Free: Try coconut cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
• Add Veggies: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas work beautifully.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic for a little heat.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

This creamy garlic chicken is perfect for:

• Romantic date nights at home with a glass of white wine
• Comfort food cravings on a weeknight
• Dinner parties – it feels elegant but is super easy
• Meal prep – stores well and reheats beautifully

Pair it with:

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Buttery noodles or gnocchi
• A crisp Caesar or arugula salad
• Garlic bread to soak up the sauce

Nutritional & Health Notes

Per serving (based on 4 servings with cream and cheese):

• Calories: ~550–600
• Protein: ~35g
• Fat: ~40g
• Carbohydrates: ~10–15g

To lighten:

• Use half-and-half instead of cream
• Reduce cheese or swap for light versions
• Pair with steamed veggies to balance richness

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FAQs

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?

A1: Yes! Store in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of cream or broth.

Q2: Can I freeze creamy garlic chicken?

A2: While possible, cream sauces can separate when frozen. If freezing, undercook slightly and reheat gently while stirring.

Q3: How do I avoid curdling the sauce?

A3: Keep the heat at a gentle simmer, not a boil. Stir continuously and avoid adding cheese to overly hot liquids.

Q4: Can I use milk instead of cream?

A4: You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Consider mixing milk with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to help it thicken.

Q5: Can I add pasta directly to the sauce?

A5: Yes! Cook pasta separately, then toss it directly into the skillet with the chicken and sauce for a creamy pasta dish.

Q6: Is this gluten-free?

A6: To make it gluten-free, use GF flour or cornstarch to dredge the chicken and ensure your Parmesan and broth are gluten-free.

Q7: What wine pairs well?

A7: A chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the garlic and cream beautifully.

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