Perfectly cooked chicken in an easy, creamy garlic sauce. Creamy Garlic Chicken is on the table in less than 20 minutes! This dish is not only quick to make but also boasts rich flavors, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. The creamy garlic sauce elevates simple chicken breasts into a delicious main course that pairs wonderfully with various sides.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy nights.
- Flavorful Sauce: The creamy garlic sauce is packed with flavor, ensuring every bite is delicious.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a meal that suits any preference.
- One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one pan means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its rich taste and appealing presentation, this dish is sure to impress family and friends.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your Creamy Garlic Chicken, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large frying pan
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
Importance of Each Tool
- Large frying pan: Provides ample space for cooking chicken evenly and allows for easy sauce preparation.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes slicing through the chicken easy and safe.
- Measuring spoons: Ensures precise measurements of spices and liquids for optimal flavor.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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
- 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 the chicken into the flour so that all sides are evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5–6 minutes until it is just cooked through, turning once halfway.
Step 3: Set Aside Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
To the same pan, add another tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Add Stock and Cream
Add the chicken stock to the pan; cook for about 1–2 minutes until it has reduced by at least half. Stir in the cream and Dijon mustard; reduce heat to medium and simmer for about two minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Finish Cooking
Stir through the grated parmesan cheese; season to taste. Return the chicken to the pan for another two–three minutes until heated through. Serve with your choice of rice, mashed potatoes or pasta alongside steamed greens. Top with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Enjoy your deliciously creamy garlic chicken!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
With Mashed Potatoes
- Rich and creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base for the sauce, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Over Steamed Rice
- Fluffy steamed rice complements the creamy sauce perfectly, making each bite a delightful treat.
With Pasta
- Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken over your favorite pasta. The sauce clings beautifully to noodles, creating a satisfying dish.
Accompanied by Steamed Greens
- Fresh steamed greens like broccoli or green beans add a nutritious touch and balance the richness of the chicken.
Topped with Fresh Parsley
- A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh flavor contrast.
With Lemon Wedges
- Squeezing fresh lemon juice over the chicken enhances its flavor, giving it a zesty finish that cuts through the creaminess.
How to Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken
To achieve the best results with your Creamy Garlic Chicken, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh garlic – Freshly minced garlic gives a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced options.
- Don’t overcook the chicken – Ensure your chicken is just cooked through; this keeps it juicy and tender.
- Adjust seasoning – Always taste the sauce before serving; you might want to add more salt or pepper.
- Choose heavy cream – Heavy cream thickens better than lighter creams, ensuring a rich sauce.
- Let it simmer – Allowing the sauce to simmer helps deepen the flavors and achieve the perfect consistency.
- Garnish creatively – Besides parsley, consider adding grated cheese or chili flakes for extra flair.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Garlic Chicken
When planning your meal, consider these fantastic side dishes that pair wonderfully with Creamy Garlic Chicken.
- Garlic Bread – This classic option is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce while adding delicious garlic flavor.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies bring color and nutrients to your plate, complementing the richness of the chicken.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad can provide a refreshing contrast with its nutty texture and vibrant ingredients.
- Cauliflower Rice – This low-carb alternative offers a light base that absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and brightness, pairing well with the savory chicken dish.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn is an excellent side that brings sweetness and texture to balance out your meal.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes – The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes pairs nicely with savory flavors in creamy dishes.
- Couscous Pilaf – Fluffy couscous pilaf seasoned with herbs is an easy side that complements and enhances your main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Creamy Garlic Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Overcooking the chicken: Ensure you cook the chicken just until it’s no longer pink. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken, so use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Not seasoning properly: Always season your chicken before cooking. This step enhances flavor, so don’t skip it!
- Skipping the flour coating: The flour helps create a nice crust and thickens the sauce. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly.
- Failing to simmer the sauce: Letting the sauce simmer allows flavors to meld. Don’t rush this process; a few extra minutes make a difference.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic, good quality cream, and parmesan. The better your ingredients, the tastier your dish will be.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop: In a pan over low heat, stir frequently until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Creamy Garlic Chicken.
Can I use other meats for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey or even pork. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on thickness.
What sides go well with Creamy Garlic Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or pasta. Add steamed greens for a balanced meal.
How can I make it healthier?
Consider using low-fat cream or substituting some of the cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version while still keeping it creamy.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli can be tasty additions that enhance both flavor and nutrition.
What is the best way to serve Creamy Garlic Chicken?
Serve it hot with your choice of side dishes and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges for freshness.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Chicken is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings to suit your taste. Give this comforting recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Indulge in the rich flavors of Creamy Garlic Chicken, a quick and satisfying dish that elevates simple chicken breasts into a gourmet experience. Ready in under 20 minutes, this easy recipe features tender chicken coated in a luscious garlic cream sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Pair it with your favorite sides—like mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta—and enjoy a delightful meal that will impress everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & cracked black pepper
- Sweet paprika
- Onion powder
- Dried thyme
- All-purpose flour
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Freshly minced garlic
- Chicken stock
- Thick cream
- Dijon mustard
- Grated parmesan
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Season and flour the chicken breasts.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large frying pan; cook the chicken until golden brown.
- Remove chicken and prepare the sauce with garlic, stock, cream, and mustard.
- Stir in parmesan cheese; return chicken to pan to heat through.
- Serve hot with your choice of sides, garnished with parsley and lemon juice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (150g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
