Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts

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Golden seared chicken smothered in a velvety garlic Parmesan cream sauce – rich, flavorful, and comforting. This creamy garlic chicken breast recipe is the perfect dish for a cozy dinner at home or an elegant meal for entertaining. Below, you’ll find an in-depth guide that walks you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and nutritional insights to help you master this dish. Let’s dive into the creamy, garlicky deliciousness.

 Preparation Time & Nutritional Information

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Calories: ~480 kcal per serving (based on 2 servings)

This meal provides a generous portion of protein, balanced with fats from the cream and cheese, making it satisfying and indulgent.

 Ingredients (US Cup Measurements)

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

 How to Prepare Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts

This recipe is broken down into stages to make the cooking process simple, efficient, and enjoyable.

 Stage 1: Prep the Chicken

  1. Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This ensures a good sear.
  2. Season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Optional: Pound the chicken to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This helps it cook more evenly and reduces cooking time.

 Stage 2: Sear the Chicken

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Carefully place the chicken breasts into the hot skillet.
  3. Sear the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side. You want a beautiful golden-brown crust.
  4. Once the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F), remove from skillet and set aside on a plate.

 Stage 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

  1. Reduce heat to medium.
  2. Add butter to the same skillet and allow it to melt.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant (not browned).

 Stage 4: Build the Sauce

  1. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth.
  2. Stir continuously to combine the liquids with the garlic-infused butter.
  3. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–5 minutes. It should begin to thicken slightly.

 Stage 5: Add Cheese

  1. Slowly stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
  2. Mix well until the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
  3. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if necessary.

 Stage 6: Combine and Finish

  1. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet.
  2. Spoon the garlic Parmesan cream sauce over the top of the chicken.
  3. Let it simmer for another 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  4. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and brightness.

Cooking Tips

  • Even Cooking: Pounding the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.
  • Resting Chicken: Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes after cooking to retain its juices.
  • Cream Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth. If it’s too thin, simmer longer.
  • Cheese Tips: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
  • Garlic Watch: Do not overcook garlic. Burnt garlic turns bitter and will ruin the sauce.

 Pairing Ideas

With Sides:

  • Mashed potatoes (classic and comforting)
  • Steamed green beans or broccoli
  • Creamy polenta or risotto
  • Buttered noodles or pasta

With Wine:

  • A buttery Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio complements the creaminess.

 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and tend to be more flavorful and juicy.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use a plant-based cream and nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan substitute, but the flavor will be different.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can make the sauce ahead and reheat it, but cook the chicken fresh for best texture. If meal-prepping, store the chicken and sauce separately and combine when reheating.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the chicken broth and cheese are certified gluten-free.

 Final Thoughts

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts is a simple yet luxurious meal that transforms pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy dinner. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family meal or preparing something impressive for guests, this dish hits all the right notes: tender chicken, velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce, and a fresh garnish that brings it all together. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying.

Give it a try, customize the flavors to your liking, and serve it with your favorite side dishes. You’re sure to impress with this creamy, dreamy garlic chicken recipe.

Bon Appétit!

 

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