A while ago, I was trying to put together a quick dinner with ingredients I already had in my kitchen. It was one of those days when I needed something easy yet satisfying. I glanced over at the chicken breasts in the fridge and the trusty jar of minced garlic sitting on my counter. That’s when I decided to whip up a creamy garlic chicken recipe that has since become a family favorite.
The recipe didn’t come from a fancy cookbook or a chef—it came from years of trial and error, plus my love for simple, hearty meals. This dish isn’t just about flavor; it’s also about the comfort that comes with each bite. If you’ve got picky eaters or need to impress someone, this creamy garlic chicken breast recipe does the trick every time.
Servings | Total |
4 | 30mins |
Where Did You Learn This Recipe?
I didn’t learn this recipe from a specific source. Instead, it was a mix of ideas I’d seen online and a bit of improvisation. It’s the kind of meal you create when you’re in a pinch, but it ends up tasting like something you planned for days. Over time, I made tweaks to the ingredients and techniques until it became just right for my family’s taste.
Why Garlic Chicken Breast?
Garlic chicken breast is one of those dishes that checks all the boxes for me. It’s simple to prepare, cooks quickly, and is packed with flavor. Plus, garlic is one of my favorite ingredients—it brings so much depth to any dish without overpowering it. Pair it with creamy sauce, and you’ve got something truly satisfying.
What Is Garlic Chicken Breast Made Of?
Garlic chicken breast is made with simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what goes into this recipe:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Garlic (fresh or minced)
- Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Butter
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese
- Flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
- Seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian herbs
What to Have With Garlic Chicken Breast
This creamy garlic chicken is versatile, so you can pair it with various sides. Some of my go-to options include:
- Mashed potatoes: Perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce.
- Steamed veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans work great.
- Pasta: Linguine or fettuccine are classic choices.
- Rice: A plain bowl of white or brown rice balances the rich flavors beautifully
Is Garlic Chicken Breast Healthy?
It can be! This dish is rich and creamy, but you can tweak it to fit your dietary needs. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to cut down on fat, or opt for a low-sodium chicken broth if you’re watching your salt intake. Pairing it with a healthy side like veggies also helps balance the meal.
Kitchen Equipment
To make this recipe, you’ll need:
- A large skillet
- A whisk
- Tongs (for handling the chicken)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A cutting board and knife
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tablespoon minced garlic)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or 1 tablespoon cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk in the flour (or cornstarch), followed by chicken broth. Stir until slightly thickened.
- Add Cream and Parmesan: Lower the heat and stir in the cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Combine: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and simmer for another 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
Tips
- Don’t overcook the chicken—it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more broth or cream, depending on your preference.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and tend to be juicier.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try using coconut cream and nutritional yeast as substitutes for heavy cream and Parmesan.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Conclusion
This creamy garlic chicken breast recipe is straightforward, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s a dish that brings comfort and happiness to the table every time I make it. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
MORE RECIPES
The Best Creamy Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe
Equipment
- A large skillet
- A whisk
- Tongs (for handling the chicken)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- A cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tablespoon minced garlic)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or 1 tablespoon cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour (or cornstarch), followed by chicken broth. Stir until slightly thickened.
- Lower the heat and stir in the cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and simmer for another 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.