You know what’s the real struggle? For me, it’s weeknight meals! I would plan all day to cook a delicious meal, but by the time dinner rolls in, my energy level is a solid 404- nowhere to be found. And that’s when my favorite creamy garlic chicken recipe kicks in quickly; it is delicious and never fails to save the dinner(and my sanity!) when the day’s been too long!
So, what makes this dish so perfect for those low-energy times?
Basically, it’s a one pan meal that all comes together with just butter, garlic, chicken, cream and a few basic seasonings! With no fancy tool required, it’s a simple dish that only needs a decent sear and a cozy simmer to get it right. The crispy chicken brings a delicious crunch that pairs perfectly with the rich, garlicky sauce and cuts through the creaminess with its savory goodness.
The best part?
The boneless skinless chicken breasts are flattened as part of the preparation, and the sauce starts simmering in minutes- making this recipe a super quick meal that’s easy to whip up even when you are completely wiped out!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
- No marinating or baking hassle- simple sear, simmer and serve.
- It is easy to follow and gets cooked super fast.
- Customizable with different variations.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Pro Tips To Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Breast
Want a surefire way to make this recipe a success? Then you should follow the tips to make it perfect every time:
- To get the perfect sear, make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use fresh garlic to get the best flavors.
- To check the chicken’s doneness, use a meat thermometer and ensure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for the perfect sear.
- If the sauce seems too heavy, add a splash of lemon juice before serving.
- Reheat the leftovers on low heat and add a splash of milk to retain its consistency.
What To Serve With Creamy Garlic Chicken
Want the perfect side to complement your creamy garlic chicken breasts? Let’s see the possibilities!
Chickpea Salad
Nothing says ‘crunchy’ more than a deliciously crispy chickpea salad to pair with your garlic chicken! The roasted chickpea salad with some cucumbers and cherry tomatoes on top makes the whole meal a lot more satisfying.
Mashed Sweet Potato
You can serve it with the traditional mashed potato, or try sweet mashed potatoes with cinnamon butter for a cozy, sweet twist!
Garlic Bread
A side of garlic bread would be perfect for soaking up those delicious, buttery, and garlicky bits of cream sauce. You can toast the bread slightly before serving.
Roasted Veggies
Toss some potatoes, carrots and bell peppers with olive oil, salt and pepper and then roast until they are golden and crispy. The caramelized flavor of the roasted veggies adds a wholesome taste to the creamy garlic chicken dish.
Pasta
Spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine- today’s garlic chicken goes along with all sorts of pasta out there! The creamy garlic sauce clings to every bite and takes a simple bowl of pasta to a whole new level!
Variations You Can Try To Make Creamy Garlic Chicken
Not sure if you have found the right kind of recipe for this dish? Well, let’s mix it up with some new twists!
Spicy Garlic Chicken
Turn up the heat with a sprinkle of red chili flakes or your favorite hot sauce! Got carried away? Add a splash of milk to balance the spiciness and keep the creamy goodness intact.
Cheesy Garlic Chicken
Say cheese with freshly grated parmesan cheese sprinkled towards the end for a salty finish.
Herb-Infused Garlic Chicken
Toss in thyme, basil, and rosemary into the sauce and enjoy a herbal-infused creamy garlic chicken dish.
Garlic Chicken with Mushroom
Add sauteed mushroom to the chicken and watch it absorb the tasty garlic sauce to add richness to your dish.
Garlic Chicken with Veggies
Need more nutrition? Load up the creamy garlic chicken with steamed or roasted carrots, broccoli, spinach or peas for a wholesome dinner in a pan!
Lemon Garlic Cream Chicken
For a refreshing twist, squeeze some lemon juice or zest into the sauce and enjoy a lemon flavored garlic cream chicken with a burst of citrusy freshness.
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
For Seasoning The Chicken
- 2 medium-size Chicken Breasts (Boneless)
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Garlic Granules
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
For Cooking The Chicken
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Butter
For The Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 1 tbsp Butter
- ½ cup Onion (Minced)
- ¼ cup Garlic (Minced)
- ½ tsp Chili Flakes
- 1 cup Chicken Stock
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- ¼ tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Oregano
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper
- ¾ cup Heavy Cream
Equipments
Instructions
Flatten The Chicken Breasts
- Place 2 medium-sized boneless chicken breasts on a plate.
- Take one breast and place it inside a ziplock bag. Using a meat mallet or a rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to ½ -inch thickness.
- Repeat the process with the second chicken breast and place both flattened chicken pieces onto the plate.
Season The Chicken
- Sprinkle ½ tsp of salt and ½ tsp of garlic granules on both sides of the chicken.
- Add ½ tsp of black pepper and 1 tbsp of all-purpose flour and rub the seasonings and flour to coat both sides of the chicken evenly.
- Set the chicken aside and let it rest while warming up the pan.
Cook The Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and pour 2 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter into the hot pan.
- Once the butter is melted, place the seasoned chicken breasts into the pan and cook each side for 4-5 minutes.
- Use tongs to flip the chicken once one side is cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a plate and set it aside.
Prepare The Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, keep the heat at medium and add 1 tbsp of butter.
- Add ½ cup of minced onion and saute for 2-3 minutes or until softened.
- Add ¼ cup of minced garlic and ½ tsp of chili flakes and saute for another 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
- Pour in 1 cup of chicken stock and give it a little stir. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer.
- Then, squeeze 1 tbsp of lemon juice and add ¼ tsp of salt to the skillet.
- Season the sauce with 1 tsp of oregano and ¼ tsp of black pepper. Let the sauce cook for a bit.
- Pour in ¾ cup of heavy cream and stir to combine everything. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5-6 minutes.
Add Chicken, Garnish, and Enjoy!
- Now, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet.
- Garnish the dish with 1 tbsp of chopped coriander and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
- Spoon some of the sauce over the top of each piece.
- Serve hot, and enjoy a deliciously creamy garlic chicken breast with a side of rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner!
Let me put it this way- if you love the smell of butter, garlic, and creamy goodness, this creamy chicken breasts recipe is definitely meant for you! The crispy, golden chicken makes the ultimate finger-licking combo with the rich and creamy garlic sauce that coats every bite.
My favorite part? It has to be the chicken with the perfect crunch, yet juicy and tender on the inside thanks to all the pounding that’s done to prepare it. Oh man, do I get to relieve stress while making a delicious meal? It’s the ultimate therapy for my mind and tummy at the same time!
Recipe FAQs
What Can I Use Instead Of Chicken Breast?
You can use chicken thighs(bone-in or boneless) or chicken tenders for this recipe. Keep in mind that chicken thighs will take longer to cook, while you may need to reduce the cooking time for chicken tenders.
How Do I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Use plant-based butter and replace heavy cream with unsweetened coconut cream to make the recipe dairy-free.
What Happens If I Skip Pounding The Chicken?
Pounding and flattening the chicken helps it cook evenly. If you skip this process, the chicken may overcook on the thinner side while the thicker side remains undercooked.
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