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Creamy Garlic Chicken plated and ready to be served as a featured image for the recipe article.

Creamy Garlic Chicken

This creamy garlic chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for a weeknight indulgence. Tender chicken breasts are bathed in a luscious, creamy garlic sauce that's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Small bowl
  • Paper towels
  • Meat thermometer
  • Plate
  • Foil
  • Spoon

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  3. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
  4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
  6. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Tent it with foil to keep it warm.
  8. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  9. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  10. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  11. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  12. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using) until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  13. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce.
  14. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly.
  15. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes, allowing it to soak up all that delicious flavor.
  16. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. Adjust the garlic to your taste. If the sauce isn't thickening enough, create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and whisk it into the simmering sauce. Leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Variations include Creamy Tuscan Chicken (add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach), Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken (add lemon juice and zest), and Creamy Mushroom Garlic Chicken (sauté sliced mushrooms before making the sauce).