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Creamy Garlic Chicken Dish

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes

This dish features tender chicken breasts seared until golden, then simmered in a luscious garlic and Parmesan cream sauce. The sauce combines garlic’s fragrant flavor with the rich smoothness of heavy cream and the sharpness of Parmesan, balanced by Italian seasoning and fresh parsley. It makes a comforting and indulgent meal that pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. Cooking is straightforward, starting with seasoning and searing the chicken to lock in juices, followed by building the sauce in the same pan. The garlic is gently sautéed to release aroma before the broth, cream, and cheese come together to create a silky coating. The finished chicken simmers briefly in the sauce to absorb every bit of flavor, resulting in a cozy, satisfying plate perfect for busy evenings or relaxing weekends.

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Updated on Wed, 29 Oct 2025 22:50:21 GMT
Chicken in a pan with sauce. Pin
Chicken in a pan with sauce. | easydiyrecipes.com

Creamy Garlic Chicken is my solution for those evenings when I crave something comforting yet fuss free. Tender chicken breasts are quickly browned and then finished in a luscious sauce full of mellow garlic and savory Parmesan. It is a meal that feels a little special but truly anyone can master on a weeknight. The best part is how easily the rich sauce can be tweaked to fit your taste or what is in your pantry.

I first whipped up this dish out of desperation after a long workday and now it is constantly in rotation for family gatherings or when I want to impress with almost no effort.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: Provide lean protein and soak up the creamy sauce best when boneless and skinless Choose even sized pieces for even cooking
  • Olive oil: Is key for getting that golden sear on the chicken Look for extra virgin with a mild taste
  • Garlic: Brings aromatic richness Fresh minced garlic cloves are a must for that deep flavor and fragrant aroma
  • Chicken broth: Deepens the sauce and lifts up the browned bits on the pan Use low sodium and taste for salt before seasoning at the end
  • Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its velvety body and balances the sharper flavors Use full fat for the best texture
  • Parmesan cheese: Supplies saltiness and nutty depth Grate it freshly for smooth melting and true flavor
  • Italian seasoning: Adds herbal interest and rounds out the garlic You can use a blend or dried oregano and basil
  • Salt and pepper: Emphasize all the flavors Use kosher salt and freshly ground pepper for the best finish
  • Fresh parsley: Adds a burst of color and freshness at the end Chop it just before serving for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare and Season the Chicken:
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels then season both sides generously with salt and pepper This helps develop a flavorful crust and ensures juiciness
Brown the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat When hot add the chicken breasts and cook undisturbed until deep golden underneath About four to five minutes per side Transfers all caramelized flavor to the sauce and keeps the meat succulent Remove chicken and set aside
Sauté Garlic:
Lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic to the same skillet Stir constantly and cook until very fragrant but not browned Just about one minute Garlic that burns becomes bitter so watch closely
Deglaze the Pan:
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to gently scrape up any bits stuck to the pan These bring so much savory depth Let it simmer to slightly reduce and concentrate the flavors
Add Cream and Parmesan:
Whisk in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan Stir constantly as the cheese melts and the sauce thickens Silky smoothness is the goal here
Season the Sauce:
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and taste for needed salt and pepper Simmer to blend the flavors and further thicken the sauce to your liking
Return Chicken to Sauce:
Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet Spoon sauce over the top and let everything simmer two to three minutes so the chicken soaks up those flavors
Garnish and Serve:
Take the skillet off heat Scatter chopped parsley over the top for color and brightness Serve while hot with plenty of sauce over your favorite side
Chicken with herbs in a creamy sauce. Pin
Chicken with herbs in a creamy sauce. | easydiyrecipes.com

Parmesan has always been my secret weapon for making sauces feel luxurious with zero fuss. One of my favorite moments with this chicken dish was making it for my dad when he was recovering from surgery he said it tasted like something from a fancy restaurant and that memory always makes it special.

Storage Tips

Leftover creamy garlic chicken keeps very well in the refrigerator for up to three days Make sure to store the chicken fully coated in sauce to avoid the meat drying out For freezing let the dish cool completely first and use a shallow container or freezer bag Frozen portions stay good for two months Thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat gently on the stove adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce if needed Stir often to help the sauce stay smooth

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of heavy cream try using half and half or even evaporated milk though the sauce will be a little lighter For a dairy free option use full fat coconut milk and skip the cheese or add nutritional yeast Swap out the chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs which stay juicy even if you simmer a little longer For a flavor twist you can use fresh basil rosemary or thyme instead of Italian seasoning

Chicken with sauce and herbs. Pin
Chicken with sauce and herbs. | easydiyrecipes.com

Serving Suggestions

Creamy garlic chicken is fantastic over buttered noodles or mashed potatoes to soak up all the extra sauce For lighter options serve with cauliflower rice roasted broccoli or a fresh green salad For something hearty try tucking the chicken and sauce into a baked potato or spooning it over crusty toasted bread for a homestyle dinner

Cultural and Historical Context

Creamy garlic chicken blends classic Italian flavors with French technique The combination of pan seared meat and a cream based sauce is a hallmark of European comfort food Simple ingredients like garlic cream and cheese have been bringing people together for centuries With this recipe you get that old world coziness with modern weeknight speed

Recipe FAQs

→ What is the best way to sear the chicken?

Use medium heat and olive oil in a skillet to sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. This locks in juices and adds flavor.

→ How can I thicken the sauce if needed?

Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir it into the sauce and simmer until it reaches your desired thickness.

→ Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes, sauté spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini with the garlic for added texture and nutrition that complements the creamy sauce.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, pasta, steamed vegetables, or cauliflower rice all complement the rich garlic Parmesan sauce nicely.

→ How do I store leftovers properly?

Place chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to prevent sauce separation.

→ How can I brighten up the flavors?

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice near the end of cooking to balance the richness and add subtle brightness.

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Tender chicken breasts in a rich garlic and Parmesan cream sauce for quick, flavorful dinners.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
30 min
By: Evelyn

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 chicken breasts)

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Poultry

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

→ Oils and Fats

02 30 ml olive oil

→ Aromatics

03 4 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquids

04 240 ml chicken broth
05 240 ml heavy cream

→ Dairy

06 50 g grated Parmesan cheese

→ Herbs and Seasonings

07 5 ml Italian seasoning
08 Salt, to taste
09 Black pepper, to taste
10 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Steps

Step 01

Generously season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 02

Reduce heat slightly and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding burning.

Step 03

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping browned bits off the bottom. Simmer for a few minutes to slightly reduce the liquid.

Step 04

Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continuously stir until cheese is melted and sauce thickens.

Step 05

Add Italian seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 06

Place seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, coating thoroughly with sauce. Simmer an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb flavors.

Step 07

Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with preferred accompaniments such as pasta, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.

Notes

  1. For a thicker sauce, incorporate a slurry of 5 ml cornstarch with 15 ml water and simmer until thickened. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice added before serving brightens the sauce.
  2. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C to retain juiciness and safety.
  3. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container or frozen for 2 months; reheat gently to prevent sauce separation.

Tools Required

  • Large skillet
  • Meat thermometer (recommended)

Allergy Info

Double-check all ingredients to spot potential allergens. Consult a healthcare professional if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy and chicken; not suitable for individuals with dairy or poultry allergies.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Fats: 32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Proteins: 28 g