Melt-in-Your-Mouth Garlic Chicken Recipe for Dinner Bliss

Weeknight dinners demand a quick, flavorful solution that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.

This mouthwatering garlic chicken recipe promises a delectable meal that sizzles with aromatic herbs and rich, savory notes.

Marinating the chicken in a blend of garlic, herbs, and spices infuses each bite with incredible depth and complexity.

The simple preparation method ensures you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious, home-cooked meal.

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, this chicken will become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Every forkful delivers a perfect balance of garlic-enhanced flavor that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Prepare to elevate your dinner game with this irresistible, crowd-pleasing recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 745 kcal

Servings: 4

Creamy Garlic Chicken Ingredient Snapshot

• Chicken Breasts: Select plump, uniform pieces for even cooking and juicy results.
• Garlic Powder: Adds deep, aromatic seasoning that penetrates the meat.
• Paprika: Provides warm color and subtle smoky undertone to the chicken.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing natural meat flavors.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Creates golden sear and rich foundational flavor for cooking.
• Chicken Broth: Delivers intense savory depth and helps deglaze the pan.
• Minced Garlic: Introduces bold, pungent essence throughout the sauce.

• Heavy Cream: Transforms sauce into luxurious, silky texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes nutty, salty complexity and helps thicken sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbal notes that complement chicken perfectly.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for subtle heat and zesty kick.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds fresh color and mild herbal freshness.

Tools That Make Garlic Sauce Silky

• Large Skillet: Essential for searing chicken and creating creamy sauce.
• Paper Towels: Perfect for patting chicken dry before seasoning.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring spices and seasonings.
• Spatula or Tongs: Useful for flipping and handling chicken during cooking.
• Wooden Spoon or Whisk: Great for stirring and blending sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing garlic and parsley.
• Sharp Knife: Required for mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F/74C.

How to Cook Chicken in Garlic Cream

• Dry and Season Chicken

Grab your chicken and pat it completely dry. Sprinkle both sides with a delicious blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a mouth-watering exterior.

• Sear to Golden Perfection

Fire up a skillet with olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Cook each side of the chicken until it develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F/74C. Once done, set the chicken aside.

• Craft a Luxurious Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and toss in minced garlic. Let it dance and become wonderfully fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up those delicious browned bits from the pan. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir and let the sauce simmer and thicken into a creamy dream.

• Final Flourish

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Let everything mingle and warm through. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve piping hot – a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen.

Tips to Keep Sauce Smooth and Savory

• Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust that seals in juicy flavors and prevents soggy texture.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter, low-carb friendly version that maintains the creamy richness.
• Easily substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a more tender and succulent dish that remains equally delicious and foolproof.
• Use dairy-free butter alternatives and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a completely lactose-free version without sacrificing deep, savory flavors.
• Experiment with different herb blends like herbes de Provence or add smoked paprika for an unexpected flavor twist that transforms the classic recipe into something extraordinary.

Serve with Mashed Potatoes or Bread

• Creamy Comfort Plate Companion: Serve this rich chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up the luxurious garlic sauce perfectly.
• Veggie Sidekick Delight: Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli make fantastic green companions that complement the creamy sauce while adding nutritional balance.
• Bread Dipping Dream: Warm crusty garlic bread or toasted artisan rolls are ideal for soaking up every last drop of the delectable sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.
• Wine Pairing Pleasure: A crisp chardonnay or light pinot grigio will beautifully enhance the creamy garlic chicken's delicate flavors and cut through the richness of the dish.

Store Without Losing That Creamy Finish

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Keep the dish refrigerated for up to four days, ensuring the sauce and chicken remain separate to maintain optimal texture.
• Carefully package the chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sauce separation and ensure even heating throughout the dish.
• Prepare chicken and sauce components in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. This approach allows quick assembly during busy weeknights, saving time and maintaining fresh flavors for up to three days.

FAQs

• What makes this chicken recipe creamy and flavorful?

The combination of butter, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce. The minced garlic and Italian seasoning add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders. Just ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165F/74C for food safety.

• Is this recipe considered low-carb or keto-friendly?

This dish is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, with no added carbohydrates in the ingredients. The high-fat content from cream and butter makes it suitable for low-carb diets.

• How can I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning, use a meat thermometer to check doneness, and avoid overcooking. Searing at medium-high heat and letting the chicken rest in the sauce helps maintain moisture.

Tender Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy garlic chicken brings together succulent poultry with a rich, aromatic sauce that elevates weeknight dinners. Italian herbs and velvety cream create a comforting meal you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

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• 4 (170 g or 6 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat chicken breasts dry and season comprehensively with garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper, ensuring thorough coverage on both sides.
2. Searing: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high temperature, carefully placing seasoned chicken to achieve a golden-brown exterior. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C, creating a perfectly sealed protein.
3. Sauce Foundation: After removing chicken, utilize the same skillet to melt butter, then introduce finely minced garlic. Briefly toast until aromatic, releasing its intense flavor profile without browning.
4. Liquid Integration: Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, vigorously scraping accumulated caramelized fragments from the skillet’s surface. Allow liquid to reduce and concentrate its essence.
5. Cream Transformation: Reduce heat and blend heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until sauce achieves a velvety, uniform consistency.
6. Final Fusion: Return chicken to the skillet, gently immersing it in the luxurious cream sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, enabling the meat to absorb the rich, multilayered flavors.
7. Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, creating a visually appealing and aromatic finish. Serve immediately to maintain optimal temperature and sauce texture.

Notes

Prevent Moisture Buildup: Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp, golden-brown exterior and enhance flavor absorption.

Avoid Sauce Separation: Maintain low to medium heat when adding cream to prevent curdling and keep the sauce smooth and creamy.

Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165°F/74°C, guaranteeing safe consumption without overcooking.

Enhance Flavor Depth: Allow pan-drippings to caramelize before deglazing, which captures intense, concentrated flavors in the final sauce.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg