Tender chicken breasts in a rich, creamy garlic sauce make for a comforting weeknight dinner that’s both quick and delicious. This dish pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or a side of your favorite vegetables, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides, ensuring even coverage.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Garlic:
Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
4. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits. Next, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Combine and Cook:
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over them. Let them simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and well coated with the sauce.
6. Finish and Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the chicken hot, ideally over pasta, rice, or alongside steamed vegetables.
Helpful Tips
- Pounding the Chicken: If your chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from drying out.
- Don’t Burn the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it and sauté just until fragrant.
- Adjusting Thickness: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. They may require a few extra minutes of cooking time depending on their size.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Reheat gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the chicken.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter can be used, but the sauce may be less rich and thick.
RELATED RECIPES:
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other delicious dishes:
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- Chicken Alfredo with a Parmesan Garlic Sauce
- Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
- Lemon Herb Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency. This dish is not recommended for freezing, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.
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Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Description
Tender chicken breasts in a rich, creamy garlic sauce make for a comforting weeknight dinner that’s both quick and delicious. This dish pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or a side of your favorite vegetables, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides, ensuring even coverage.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Garlic:
Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
4. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits. Next, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Combine and Cook:
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over them. Let them simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and well coated with the sauce.
6. Finish and Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the chicken hot, ideally over pasta, rice, or alongside steamed vegetables.
Notes
- You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Reheat gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the chicken.
- You can use chicken thighs, boneless and skinless. They may require a few extra minutes of cooking time depending on their size
