This creamy garlic chicken is a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion. Juicy chicken breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection and then smothered in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a comforting and satisfying dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally to make 4 pieces
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
4 tablespoons flour
3/4 cup finely grated fresh Parmesan cheese

For Cooking:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter

For the Sauce:

1 small onion, finely chopped
1 whole head of garlic, peeled and divided into 10-12 cloves, smashed
1 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the halved chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper.
Dredge the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix flour and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture and shake off the excess.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and sauté the onion in the same skillet until softened. Add garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for 5 minutes until reduced by half.
Add the Cream: Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Let it gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes. The chicken will absorb the creamy flavors.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and black pepper. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or zucchini noodles.

Nutrients (Per serving, approximate)

Calories: ~450-500
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~10g
Fat: ~30g
Fiber: ~1g

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Chicken

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor, this creamy garlic chicken is a fantastic choice. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation:

Rich and Flavorful: The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce is both indulgent and well-balanced, making every bite absolutely delicious.
Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for a fast yet impressive meal.
One-Pan Meal: Cooking everything in one skillet means fewer dishes and an easy cleanup.
Versatile: This chicken pairs well with a variety of sides like pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even low-carb options like zucchini noodles.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making a cozy dinner for your family or entertaining guests, this dish feels special yet effortless.

The Secret to Perfectly Juicy Chicken

One of the biggest challenges when cooking chicken breasts is keeping them juicy and tender. Here are some key tips to ensure your creamy garlic chicken turns out perfectly every time:

Use Thin Chicken Breast Pieces: Halving the chicken breasts horizontally creates thinner cutlets that cook more evenly and quickly, preventing dryness.
Don’t Overcook: Chicken should be cooked just until it reaches 165°F. Overcooking can result in dry and tough meat.
Sear Properly: Cooking the chicken over medium-high heat helps create a golden-brown crust, which adds both texture and flavor.
Let It Rest: After searing, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before adding it back into the sauce. This helps retain its juices.

The Star of the Dish: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

The sauce is what makes this dish truly irresistible. It combines a rich, creamy base with bold garlic and Parmesan flavors, creating a sauce that’s smooth, velvety, and packed with umami. Here’s what makes this sauce special:

Garlic: Using a whole head of garlic ensures deep, aromatic flavor without being overwhelming. The garlic becomes soft and slightly sweet as it cooks.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding a deliciously salty and nutty taste.
Heavy Cream: This creates a luscious, thick texture that coats the chicken beautifully.
Chicken Broth: Adding broth helps balance the richness of the cream and provides an extra layer of depth to the sauce.
Onions: A small amount of finely chopped onion enhances the sauce with a mild sweetness.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken

This creamy garlic chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes, allowing you to customize the meal to your preference. Here are some of the best options:

Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce drizzled over buttery mashed potatoes makes for a comforting combination.
Pasta: Serve the chicken over fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti for a complete and satisfying meal.
Rice: Steamed white or brown rice soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli add a healthy and colorful side.
Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter, low-carb option, zucchini noodles work well with the creamy sauce.

Pairing Suggestions for a Well-Rounded Meal

To elevate your dining experience, consider pairing this dish with complementary sides and beverages:

Garlic Bread: A crispy slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the leftover sauce.
Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances out the richness of the dish.
White Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Sparkling Water with Lemon: A refreshing drink that cleanses the palate between bites.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This dish is great for meal prep, and leftovers can be stored and reheated easily without losing their flavor. Here’s how to do it:

Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Freezing: If you plan to freeze it, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to two months.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its consistency.

Health Benefits of This Dish

Although this dish is indulgent, it does offer some nutritional benefits:

High in Protein: Chicken breasts provide a lean source of protein that supports muscle growth and keeps you full.
Healthy Fats: While the heavy cream adds richness, it also provides healthy fats that support brain function and energy levels.
Garlic’s Health Benefits: Garlic has natural anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Calcium from Parmesan: Parmesan cheese is a great source of calcium, which is essential for bone health.

Tips for Making the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken

Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide a better taste compared to pre-minced or powdered garlic.
Grate Your Own Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce.
Control the Thickness of the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for an extra minute to reduce.
Don’t Skip the Butter: Butter adds richness and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Why This Dish is a Family Favorite

Creamy garlic chicken is a meal that appeals to all ages. The creamy sauce is kid-friendly, while the rich garlic and Parmesan flavors make it enjoyable for adults as well. It’s a comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. Plus, since it’s a one-pan dish, cleanup is quick and easy, making it a practical choice for busy families.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a simple yet elegant dish that combines tender, golden-brown chicken with a luxuriously creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s a perfect choice for a comforting meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Whether served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

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