Introduction
This Creamy Garlic Chicken delivers rich flavor, a smooth sauce, and tender chicken cutlets cooked to perfection. The dish is built for busy nights but tastes like a restaurant-quality meal. With its velvety texture and aromatic garlic base, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a satisfying dinner you can rely on. Whether you’re serving family or planning a weeknight treat, this Creamy Garlic Chicken brings bold comfort without complicated steps.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe You’ll Love
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
- Creamy Garlic Chicken made rich, quick, and satisfying. Try this easy stovetop dinner that delivers bold flavor in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced horizontally into 4 cutlets
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Sauce:
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
To Serve:
Cooked mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or pasta
Steamed vegetables
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Lemon wedges
Instructions
Season the chicken: Combine the salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and thyme. Coat the chicken cutlets on both sides, then lightly dredge them in the flour.
Sear the chicken: Warm the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, flipping once, until fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Prepare the sauce: Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 1–2 minutes, allowing it to reduce by half.
Finish the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Combine: Add the Parmesan to the sauce and season to taste. Return the chicken to the skillet and warm it in the sauce for 2–3 minutes.
Serve: Spoon the chicken and sauce over your choice of potatoes, rice, or pasta. Add steamed vegetables, sprinkle with parsley, and finish with a squeeze of lemon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Creamy Garlic Chicken Overview & Flavor Profile
What Makes This Creamy Garlic Chicken Stand Out
This Creamy Garlic Chicken stands out because it blends seared chicken cutlets with a velvety cream sauce enriched by Parmesan and Dijon. The flavor is deep yet balanced, offering a warm, savory finish.
Key Ingredients That Build Rich Creamy Garlic Chicken Flavor
Garlic, heavy cream, and broth work together to create a sauce that enhances the chicken’s natural tenderness. Each component supports the comforting richness that defines Creamy Garlic Chicken.
How Creamy Garlic Chicken Fits Into Quick Weeknight Meals
Because it cooks in under 30 minutes, this dish works well for last-minute dinners without sacrificing depth or quality.
How to Prepare Creamy Garlic Chicken Perfectly
Seasoning and Prepping the Creamy Garlic Chicken Cutlets
To achieve the best results, coat the chicken evenly in a blend of paprika, onion powder, and thyme. The seasoning creates the foundation of exceptional Creamy Garlic Chicken with a deeply savory profile.
Searing Techniques for Juicy Creamy Garlic Chicken
Searing in a mix of butter and oil helps lock in moisture while developing a golden crust that pairs beautifully with the sauce. This ensures your Creamy Garlic Chicken stays tender.
Building a Smooth and Balanced Garlic Cream Sauce
Deglazing with broth lifts the flavorful bits from the pan, giving the sauce incredible depth before cream, mustard, and Parmesan bring everything together.
Serving Ideas for Creamy Garlic Chicken
Pairing Creamy Garlic Chicken With Pasta, Rice, and Potatoes
This dish works well with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or silky noodles. If you enjoy chicken pasta, pairing this with fettuccine adds an extra layer of comfort.
Fresh Vegetable Sides That Balance the Dish
Steamed vegetables create contrast and help lighten the richness without overshadowing the creamy sauce.
Flavor Boosters Like Parsley and Lemon
Fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon brighten the dish, lifting the creaminess for a well-rounded finish.
Tips, Variations, and Helpful Cooking Notes
Ingredient Swaps to Personalize Your Creamy Garlic Chicken
Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or use gluten-free flour to adjust the dish without losing the essence of Creamy Garlic Chicken.
Adjusting Texture and Thickness of the Sauce
If the sauce thickens quickly, add a splash of broth. This maintains the balance between creaminess and pourable consistency.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers Without Losing Flavor
Reheat slowly on the stovetop to keep the sauce smooth and prevent separation.
Related Recipes & Helpful Resources
When to Choose a Simple Chicken Breast Recipe Over Creamy Garlic Chicken
If you want something lighter, this helpful guide to a flavorful option can assist: delicious chicken breast recipe.
How Creamy Garlic Chicken Compares to Stir-Fry Options
For nights when you need something faster and brighter, explore this savory favorite: quick Chinese beef stir fry.
Additional Chicken and Garlic-Based Meal Inspiration
Using similar ingredients, you can experiment with skillet-style meals that showcase garlic’s warmth and cream’s richness.
FAQ About the Dish
Can I Turn This Into Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta?
Yes, simply toss freshly cooked pasta directly into the sauce and thin with a tablespoon of broth if needed.
What’s the Best Pasta Shape for Creamy Chicken Pasta?
Fettuccine, penne, and rotini work well because they hold the sauce beautifully.
How Do I Keep the Sauce From Separating?
Avoid high heat after adding the cream. Gentle simmering keeps the sauce stable and silky.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the sauce in advance and add freshly cooked chicken before serving for the best texture.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts on Making a Versatile Cream Dish
This meal offers adaptable richness that feels both comforting and refined.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation
Its short ingredient list and quick cook time make it a dependable favorite.
How to Customize It for Any Occasion
Adjust spices, add vegetables, or pair with your preferred sides to make it work every time.
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