Perfectly cooked chicken in an easy, creamy garlic sauce. Creamy Garlic Chicken is on the table in less than 20 minutes! This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or any time you crave a comforting meal. With its rich flavor and creamy texture, it offers both simplicity and indulgence that will impress family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Flavorful Sauce: The creamy garlic sauce elevates the chicken, providing a deliciously rich taste that you’ll want to savor.
- Versatile Pairing Options: Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, allowing you to customize the meal based on your preferences.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one pan, leaving you more time to relax after dinner.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this creamy dish, making it a hit for everyone at the table.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun. Gather these essentials before you start preparing your creamy garlic chicken.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large deep frying pan
- Spatula or tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large deep frying pan: This allows for even cooking of the chicken while providing enough space for the sauce.
- Spatula or tongs: These tools help you flip the chicken easily without losing any of that delicious coating.
- Measuring spoons: Precise measurements ensure you get the best flavor from your seasonings.
- Cutting board: A clean surface for cutting chicken helps maintain food safety.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally to make 4 steaks
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup (35 g) plain (all-purpose flour)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
- ½ cup (125 ml) chicken stock
- 300 ml (10 fl oz) thick (double/heavy) cream
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- ½ cup (50 g) grated parmesan
To Serve
- Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
- Mashed potatoes, steamed rice or pasta
- Steamed greens
- 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, sweet paprika, onion powder, and thyme. Press each piece into flour so all sides are evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until it’s just cooked through. Turn once halfway through cooking.
Step 3: Set Aside the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a plate.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of butter for the sauce. Once melted, stir in minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Add Stock and Cream
Pour in chicken stock and let it cook for 1–2 minutes until reduced by half. Stir in cream and Dijon mustard; reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Stir through grated parmesan and season to taste. Return the cooked chicken to the pan for an additional 2–3 minutes or until heated through. Serve with rice, mashed potatoes or pasta alongside steamed greens. Top with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Enjoy your delightful creamy garlic chicken!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.
With Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that soaks up the rich garlic sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor.
Over Steamed Rice
- Serving Creamy Garlic Chicken over steamed rice makes for a hearty meal, allowing the sauce to infuse every bite.
Accompanied by Pasta
- Tossing this chicken in your favorite pasta offers a delightful combination, perfect for those who love a filling dinner.
With Steamed Greens
- A side of steamed greens, such as broccoli or green beans, adds color and nutrition while balancing the richness of the dish.
Topped with Fresh Parsley
- A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley adds freshness and a pop of color, enhancing both presentation and taste.
Served with Lemon Wedges
- Offering lemon wedges allows diners to squeeze fresh juice over their chicken, brightening the flavors beautifully.
How to Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken
To ensure your Creamy Garlic Chicken turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality chicken stock will enhance the flavor significantly.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook just until done; this keeps it juicy and tender.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and season your sauce before serving to ensure it’s just right.
- Thicken Sauce Properly: Allow the sauce to simmer long enough to thicken but avoid boiling it vigorously.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for unique flavor variations.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve your dish right after cooking while it’s still hot.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Garlic Chicken
Pairing sides with Creamy Garlic Chicken can enhance your dining experience. Here are some fantastic options:
- Garlic Bread: A crispy side that complements the dish perfectly, great for soaking up sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted with herbs add a healthy crunch and vibrant colors.
- Caesar Salad: A classic salad offering crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
- Quinoa Salad: Light and nutty quinoa mixed with fresh veggies makes for a nutritious option.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with aromatic spices elevates any meal and pairs well with creamy sauces.
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw adds texture and balances the creaminess of the chicken.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with savory garlic flavors.
- Couscous: Light and fluffy couscous absorbs flavors beautifully, making it an excellent choice for this dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Creamy Garlic Chicken, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to properly season the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always season both sides generously before cooking.
- Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook until just done, aiming for a golden-brown exterior while keeping it juicy inside.
- Neglecting to measure ingredients: Not measuring ingredients like flour or cream can alter the sauce’s texture. Use precise measurements for consistency.
- Using low-quality cream: Low-fat or poor-quality cream won’t create that rich sauce you desire. Opt for heavy cream for the best creamy texture.
- Not letting the sauce thicken: Rushing through the sauce-making process can result in a watery dish. Allow it to simmer until it reaches your desired thickness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure the dish is cooled completely before sealing.
Freezing Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Label with the date for reference.
Reheating Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish on medium power, stirring occasionally until warmed, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Creamy Garlic Chicken.
How do I make creamy garlic chicken healthier?
You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use less butter while maintaining flavor. Add extra vegetables for more nutrition.
Can I use different proteins in this recipe?
Yes! This recipe works well with pork or turkey breasts as alternatives to chicken.
What should I serve with creamy garlic chicken?
Pair it with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or pasta. Adding a side of steamed greens enhances the meal’s balance.
How can I customize creamy garlic chicken?
Consider adding mushrooms or spinach to enhance flavor and texture. You can also adjust spices according to preference.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use coconut milk or almond milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative instead of parmesan.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Chicken is not only quick and easy but also incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at gatherings. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite herbs or side dishes!
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Indulge in the delight of Creamy Garlic Chicken, a quick and comforting dish that transforms your weeknight dinners into gourmet experiences. This easy recipe features tender chicken breasts enveloped in a rich, creamy garlic sauce that is ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings or special occasions, this one-pan wonder minimizes cleanup while delivering maximum flavor. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a satisfying meal that will impress both family and friends. With its inviting aroma and luscious texture, Creamy Garlic Chicken is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup plain flour
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 300 ml thick cream
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by seasoning it with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and thyme. Coat each piece lightly in flour.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through; flip halfway.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add more butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in chicken stock and reduce for 1–2 minutes. Stir in cream and Dijon mustard; simmer until slightly thickened.
- Mix in parmesan cheese; return chicken to the pan to heat through for another 2–3 minutes.
- Serve with your choice of sides like rice or mashed potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken with sauce (200g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
