Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe: A Buttery Delight For Any Night

Whipping up a mouthwatering garlic chicken promises pure culinary magic that will spark joy at your dinner table.

Aromatic herbs and rich cream blend seamlessly to create a delectable dish everyone craves.

Succulent chicken breasts become incredibly tender when nestled in this velvety sauce.

Mediterranean influences shine through with each carefully crafted bite of this comforting meal.

Simple ingredients dance together, producing a restaurant-quality experience you can easily replicate in your kitchen.

Cooking becomes an adventure when you master this delightful recipe that whispers gourmet elegance.

Dive into this delicious journey and watch your confidence in the kitchen soar.

Why Creamy Garlic Chicken Feels Extra Comforting

• Unleash Flavor-Packed Simplicity: Dive into a recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Conquer One-Pan Magic: Skip multiple dirty dishes and cleanup hassles by preparing this entire chicken dinner in a single skillet from stovetop to oven.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delight family and guests with a creamy, indulgent chicken dish that balances rich parmesan sauce with tender, perfectly cooked protein.
• Elevate Weeknight Dining: Transform an ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience without spending hours in the kitchen or requiring complicated culinary techniques.

What’s In Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, providing a lean and tender base for the creamy sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Thyme: A classic blend that enhances the chicken's natural flavor and adds depth to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Creates a perfect searing environment and adds a subtle fruity undertone to the chicken.
• Garlic Cloves: Provides a pungent and aromatic foundation for the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream, Sour Cream, Chicken Broth: Combine to create a rich, velvety sauce with layers of complex flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty dimension and helps thicken the sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: Brings a bright, herbaceous garnish that adds color and freshness to the final dish.

How To Prepare Creamy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F, making sure it’s ready for some delicious chicken magic.

Step 2: Wake Up The Chicken’s Flavor

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme

Step 3: Sizzle And Shine

Heat olive oil in a big skillet that can go from stovetop to oven. Crank the heat to medium-high and get ready to create a beautiful golden crust.

Step 4: Create A Golden Masterpiece

Lay those chicken breasts in the hot skillet and let them dance for 3-4 minutes on each side. Watch them transform into a stunning golden-brown delight.

Step 5: Bring On The Garlic Charm

Chop those garlic cloves into tiny pieces, releasing their incredible aroma.

Step 6: Soften The Garlic

Lower the skillet’s heat and toss in the minced garlic. Stir quickly to prevent burning and wake up those flavors.

Step 7: Build The Creamy Dream

• Heavy cream
• Sour cream
• Chicken broth

Whisk everything together until smooth and silky.

Step 8: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle in grated parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely, creating a rich and nutty sauce.

Step 9: Oven Transformation

Slide the entire skillet into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Make sure the chicken hits 165°F internally.

Step 10: Rest And Settle

Pull the skillet out and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and thickens the sauce.

Step 11: Fresh Finale

Shower the chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and herbal freshness.

Step 12: Serve With Flair

Plate immediately and drizzle that extra sauce from the skillet over the chicken for maximum flavor explosion.

Pro Tips For Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Sear Perfectly: Pat chicken dry before searing to achieve a golden-brown crust without steaming the meat.
• Sauce Stability: Whisk cream and broth slowly to prevent sauce from separating and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature, guaranteeing safe and juicy results.
• Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or garlic powder to the seasoning for an extra depth of taste.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a lactose-free version of the dish.

Fun Twists On Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Keto-Friendly Chicken: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and omit parmesan, maintaining low-carb profile while preserving creamy texture.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap dried thyme for fresh rosemary and oregano, adding vibrant Mediterranean flavors and aromatic complexity.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk and nutritional yeast, creating a lighter sauce for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Spicy Cajun Version: Incorporate cajun seasoning instead of salt and pepper, introducing bold, zesty spices that transform the chicken's flavor profile.

Perfect Sides For Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Chardonnay with buttery undertones that complement the creamy sauce, balancing the rich parmesan and chicken flavors with elegant acidity.
• Ideal Side Dish Companion: Roast garlic parmesan asparagus spears that echo the dish's cheesy notes while providing a light, green vegetable contrast to the heavy cream sauce.
• Texture-Enhancing Carbohydrate: Prepare creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, creating a smooth surface that soaks up the delectable sauce and provides a comforting base for the chicken.
• Refreshing Palate Cleanser: Serve a bright lemon-herb mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette, cutting through the richness of the cream sauce and offering a zesty, fresh counterpoint to the hearty main course.

How To Store Creamy Garlic Chicken Right

• Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely sealed to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual chicken portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, labeling with the date to track freshness.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through to 165°F.
• Preheat oven to 325°F, place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth to keep moist.

Creamy Garlic Chicken FAQs

• Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! This dish requires basic cooking skills like searing and seasoning. Follow the steps carefully, and you’ll create a restaurant-quality meal easily.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great. Just adjust cooking time slightly since they’re typically thicker and might need a few extra minutes to reach the right internal temperature.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

• What if I don't have an oven-safe skillet?

Transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish before putting it in the oven. Just make sure the dish can handle high temperatures.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent creamy garlic chicken delivers pure comfort with Italian-inspired flavors that dance across your palate. Juicy chicken nestled in a rich, velvety sauce promises a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Herbs and Extras:

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, ensuring a consistent temperature for even cooking of the chicken breasts.
2. Season chicken breasts thoroughly with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme, creating a flavorful base for the dish.
3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, preparing to sear the chicken to lock in moisture and develop a golden exterior.
4. Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until a rich, golden-brown crust forms, creating a delectable texture and sealing in natural juices.
5. Mince garlic cloves finely, releasing their aromatic essence and preparing for the creamy sauce.
6. Reduce skillet heat and add minced garlic, quickly sautéing to prevent burning and enhance its pungent flavor.
7. Pour in heavy cream, sour cream, and chicken broth, whisking continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce that will envelop the chicken.
8. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and integrated, adding a rich, nutty dimension.
9. Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and sauce to slightly thicken.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes to the creamy dish.
12. Serve immediately, drizzling extra sauce from the skillet over the chicken for maximum flavor impact.

Notes

• Select chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and enhance sauce adherence.
• Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor intensity and avoid pre-minced versions which can taste less vibrant.
• Lower sodium chicken broth works great for those watching salt intake without compromising taste complexity.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version that still maintains creamy texture.
• Fresh thyme can replace dried herbs for a more aromatic and bright herbal profile in the dish.
• Lactose-free cream cheese can substitute regular dairy ingredients for those with dietary restrictions.
• Allow skillet to cool slightly before adding cream to prevent sauce from breaking or becoming grainy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 170 mg