Are you in the mood for a tasty and quick meal? Look no further than this delicious and easy Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe! Pan-seared chicken breasts are cooked to perfection and then covered in a rich and creamy garlic sauce with fresh parsley for added flavor. This restaurant-quality dish can be served with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a satisfying and complete meal that's sure to impress your family and friends!
Detailed Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
The Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
The Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown. An internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) is recommended for safe consumption of cooked chicken.
- Make the Sauce: While the chicken rests on a plate, melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute, allowing the alcohol to cook off slightly from the white wine.
- Add the Cream & Cheese: Whisk in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, dried thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
- Finish & Serve: Reduce heat to low and return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan. Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the chicken is heated through.
- Serve & Enjoy! Transfer the chicken and sauce to a serving platter or plates. Garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Tips
- Chicken Variations: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs tend to take a few minutes longer to cook through.
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for an additional minute or until thickened to your desired consistency.
- Leftovers: Leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
