Succulent Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe

Juicy Garlic-Infused Chicken Breasts Recipe for Flavor Lovers

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and these garlic-infused chicken breasts strike culinary gold with their irresistible flavor.

Tender cuts of chicken marinate in a robust blend of aromatic seasonings that promise to tantalize taste buds.

The simple yet elegant recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of herbs and garlic that penetrates deep into the meat.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum deliciousness, making this dish a reliable go-to for busy home cooks.

Lean protein meets bold seasoning in a meal that never fails to impress.

This recipe transforms an ordinary chicken breast into an extraordinary dining experience you won’t want to miss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 720 kcal

Servings: 4

Garlic Chicken Breast Ingredient Rundown

For Chicken and Seasoning:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base that serves as the star of the dish, choose fresh, plump breasts without discoloration.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds deep, aromatic flavor without raw garlic intensity, ensuring even seasoning distribution.
  • Paprika: Provides subtle warmth and beautiful golden color to the chicken's exterior.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that bring out the natural taste of the chicken.
For Cooking Fats and Liquid Base:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Creates golden crust and prevents sticking, adds rich, luxurious flavor to the chicken.
  • Chicken Broth: Builds foundational savory depth and helps deglaze the pan, capturing all delicious browned bits.
For Sauce Components:
  • Minced Garlic: Delivers intense, fresh garlic punch that infuses the entire sauce with aromatic goodness.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates silky, luxurious texture and balances the tangy and savory elements.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Introduces nutty, salty complexity that elevates the sauce's overall flavor profile.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blends multiple herbs to add layers of Mediterranean-inspired complexity.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional heat element that provides subtle kick and warmth.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh color and subtle herbal note to complete the dish.

Essentials for Creamy Garlic Chicken Night

  • Large Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and making creamy sauce, preferably with a heavy bottom for even heat distribution.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring sauce and scraping browned bits from skillet.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for preparing ingredients and potentially chopping parsley.
  • Sharp Knife: Used for mincing garlic and chopping fresh parsley.
  • Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F/74C.

Cook Chicken Breasts in a Rich Garlic Sauce

  • Spice Up the Chicken

Massage each chicken breast with a blend of zesty seasonings, creating a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

  • Sizzle and Brown

Heat a skillet to medium-high and let the chicken sear until it turns a gorgeous golden-brown, locking in all those incredible juices.

  • Create Sauce

Toss minced garlic into the same pan, creating an aromatic base that’ll fill your kitchen with mouthwatering scents. Pour in chicken broth to capture all those delicious caramelized bits. Swirl in heavy cream and Parmesan, letting the sauce transform into a velvety marvel.

  • Bring It All Together

Nestle the chicken back into the creamy sauce, allowing each piece to become completely coated in luxurious goodness. Let everything simmer and meld together, creating a dish that screams comfort and elegance.

  • Final Touch

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite.

Tips to Avoid Dry Chicken and Boost Flavor

  • Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking to ensure uniform cooking and maximum juiciness. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently flatten the meat.
  • Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains creamy texture and rich flavor.
  • Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream or nutritional yeast to create a similar creamy sauce for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to match personal heat preferences, ranging from mild to extra spicy. Start with a pinch and gradually increase for desired intensity.
  • Add sliced mushrooms or spinach during sauce preparation to create a more nutritious and substantial dinner with minimal extra effort.

Serve with Pasta or Veggies

  • Pasta Pairing Perfection: Serve this creamy garlic chicken over al dente linguine or fettuccine to soak up the rich, velvety sauce and create a complete meal.
  • Veggie Companion Delight: Pair the chicken with roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a crisp garden salad to add freshness and balance the creamy texture.
  • Wine and Dine Match: Complement the dish with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, whose buttery and light notes will enhance the garlic and cream flavors.
  • Bread Basket Bonus: Include warm, crusty garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to mop up every last drop of the irresistible sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.

Store in Airtight Containers for Later

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the sauce separate to maintain the chicken's crispy texture.
  • Wrap individual chicken breasts in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen chicken stays delicious for 23 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Store cream-based sauce separately in a sealed container. Gently reheat on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation.
  • Slice chicken and store with sauce in portioned containers for quick lunches or dinner shortcuts. Reheat gently in microwave or skillet to keep flavors vibrant.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great for this recipe. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they reach 165F internal temperature and are fully cooked.

  • Is this recipe considered low-carb?

Absolutely! This creamy garlic chicken is low-carb and keto-friendly. The ingredients are primarily protein and fat with minimal carbohydrates.

  • How can I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?

Season the chicken well, use a meat thermometer to check doneness, and avoid overcooking. The creamy sauce also helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful.

  • Do I need any special cooking skills to make this dish?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic cooking techniques like sautéing and making a simple cream sauce. Anyone can make this delicious meal with minimal cooking experience.

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Succulent Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe

Succulent Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts promise rich Italian-inspired comfort on dinner plates. Herb-infused cream sauce and tender chicken create a simple yet elegant meal that satisfies home cooks and dinner guests alike.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 170 grams / 6 oz each)
  • 45 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 tbsps unsalted butter
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Seasoning: Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with a harmonious blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  2. Searing: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a golden-brown exterior on the chicken breasts, cooking approximately 5-6 minutes per side until perfectly cooked through.
  3. Flavor Foundation: Remove chicken from the skillet, then introduce minced garlic to the same pan, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Sauce Creation: Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, expertly scraping up the flavor-packed browned bits. Reduce heat and whisk in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes, stirring until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, velvety consistency.
  5. Final Fusion: Nestle the seared chicken back into the creamy garlic sauce, gently coating each piece and allowing the flavors to meld for an additional 3-4 minutes.
  6. Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately, presenting a sumptuous, flavor-packed culinary masterpiece.

Notes

Maximize Chicken Flavor: Use room temperature chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and prevent tough, dry meat.

Control Searing Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to create a perfect golden-brown crust without burning the seasoning or chicken surface.

Create Silky Sauce Texture: Slowly incorporate heavy cream and stir continuously to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, velvety consistency.

Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version or use Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich alternative.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 25 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 41 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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