Remember when dinner smelled like butter, garlic, and heaven? That’s what this easy Creamy Garlic Chicken brings back. It’s everywhere latelyPinterest boards, weeknight win listsand for good reason. You’ll only need 30 minutes and basic kitchen chops.
This one’s all about tender chicken simmered in a garlicky cream sauce with just a hint of thyme. It’s pantry-safe: butter, cream, garlic, boneless chickendone. If you’re into Boneless Chicken Breast Recipes or need tasty Chicken Breast Meals, start here. Full details in the blog!
I grew up watching my grandma turn basic ingredients into magicno waste, just flavor. That stuck with me. I tested this until it hit that perfect creamy-but-not-heavy balance. And yep, there’s a little twist at the end. You’ll want to try it tonight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy Creamy Garlic Chicken is weeknight magic. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and practicaljust the kind of meal you’ll want when time is tight but you’re craving something rich and delicious. Here’s what makes this recipe shine:
Quick and Easy: Done in under 20 minutes, this is one of my favorite easy chicken dinner ideas.
Family-Friendly: The creamy garlic sauce and tender chicken keep everyone at the table happy.
Pantry Staples: You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen.
Cozy and Versatile: Pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta for variety.
Pro Tip: For boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes, follow the same instructionsthe thighs stay just as tender!
Step-by-Step: How It’s Made
Don’t worry if your kitchen skills are more beginner than advancedI’ve got your back! Here’s how this creamy garlic chicken comes together:
Season Your Chicken: Sprinkle the salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and thyme over the chicken. Press it into flour for a light, crispy coating.
Sear the Chicken: Heat oil and butter in a pan and sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway. Golden, juicy perfection!
Set Aside: Remove the chicken from the panit’s not done yet, but don’t worry. We’ll let it rest while we make the sauce.
Make the Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter, sauté garlic, and then add the stock, cream, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan. Simmer gently until thick and luscious.
Bring It All Together: Return the chicken to the pan and let it cook in the sauce for a couple of minutes. That’s itgrab your plates!
Quick Cooking Timeline
Step
Action
Time
1
Season & coat chicken
2–3 mins
2
Sear chicken
5–6 mins
3
Make sauce
4–5 mins
4
Combine and finish
2–3 mins
Troubleshooting & Tips
Here are some common questions and helpful tips to keep your creamy garlic chicken dreamy:
Why is my sauce separating? Reheat gently on low heat and stir in a splash of cream or warm milk.
Can I make this healthier? Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.
No boneless chicken breasts? Try this with thighs or even leftover rotisserie chickengreat for easy chicken dinner ideas!
Pro Tip: This pairs like a dream with chicken and rice recipesjust pour the sauce over a fluffy bowl of rice for maximum coziness.
Storage & Leftovers
Here’s how to store and reheat without losing that silky goodness:
Storage
How-To
Best For
Fridge
Store chicken in sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Quick weekday leftovers
Freezer
Not recommendedcream sauces don’t freeze well.
N/A
Reheating
Gently warm on the stovetop or microwave in bursts. Add a splash of water to loosen sauce if needed.
Maintaining creamy texture
Pro Tip: Leftover chicken recipes get a luxe refresh when smothered in this saucetry it with pasta or even baked potatoes!
Achieving the perfect EASY CREAMY GARLIC CHICKEN hinges on balancing garlic’s aroma with a luscious, smooth sauce. Using heavy cream or a rich dairy substitute ensures a silky texture, while cooking chicken at moderate heat preserves juiciness and tenderness, elevating this simple dish into a comforting classic.
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The Journey to Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken
This easy creamy garlic chicken recipe took several attempts to get perfectlike the time I overcooked the sauce and had to start over. Each try helped me balance the garlic’s punch with a silky texture that my family now loves. What I’m sharing today is the result of those lessons and plenty of tasting along the way.
FAQs ( Simple Creamy Garlic Chicken )
Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for this easy creamy garlic chicken?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes work wonderfully with this creamy garlic sauce. Chicken thighs are actually more forgiving and tend to stay juicier than breasts. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take 2-3 minutes longer to cook through. The rich flavor of thighs pairs beautifully with the creamy garlic sauce.
How long does this creamy garlic chicken take to make?
This easy creamy garlic chicken takes about 25-30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The prep time is minimal at just 5 minutes, and the cooking time is around 20-25 minutes. It’s one of those easy chicken dinner ideas that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. You’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under half an hour!
What side dishes go well with Simple Creamy Garlic Chicken?
This creamy garlic chicken pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious sauce. For chicken and rice recipes, try serving it over jasmine or basmati rice. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make excellent healthy sides. You can also serve it with crusty bread, egg noodles, or cauliflower mash for a lower-carb option.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This easy creamy garlic chicken can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making it great for meal prep or leftover chicken recipes. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency. You can reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave at reduced power.
Is this creamy garlic chicken recipe healthy?
This recipe can definitely be part of chicken breast recipes healthy meal planning! While it does contain cream, you can make it lighter by using half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. The chicken provides lean protein, and you can serve it with vegetables and whole grains for a balanced meal. For chicken breast meals that are health-conscious, consider reducing the cream and adding extra herbs and spices for flavor.
Conclusion
This easy Creamy Garlic Chicken comes together in under 30 minutes, delivering tender, juicy chicken bathed in a luscious garlic cream sauce. You’ll love how effortlessly it balances comfort with simple, wholesome ingredientsperfect for those busy nights when you crave a reliable, satisfying chicken breast meal.
Try swapping in boneless skinless chicken thighs for a little extra richness, or serve it over rice for a classic chicken and rice recipe. Leftovers reheat beautifullyjust add a splash of cream when warming. This is one of those timeless easy chicken dinner ideas that feels fancy but cooks like home.
Would love to see your twists or cozy moments with this dishdid it remind you of family dinners or inspire a new favorite? Feel free to share pics or pass this along to someone craving a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner. Trust me, you’ll wanna make it again and again.
Enjoy this easy Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe that’s perfect for quick and delicious weeknight dinners. Featuring tender boneless skinless chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce, this dish stands out among Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Recipes and Chicken Breast Meals. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a perfect savory delight for any occasion.
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally to make 4 steaks
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp cracked black pepper
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried thyme
¼ cup (35 g) plain (all-purpose flour)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp unsalted butter (for sauce)
1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
½ cup (125 ml) chicken stock
300 ml (10 fl oz) thickened (heavy) cream
1 tsp dijon mustard
½ cup (50 g) grated parmesan
Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
Mashed potatoes, steamed rice or pasta (to serve)
Steamed greens (to serve)
1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
Lemon wedges
Method
Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, sweet paprika, onion powder and thyme.
Press the chicken into the flour so that all sides are evenly coated.
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large, deep frying pan over medium–high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, or until the chicken is just cooked, turning once halfway through.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
To the same pan, add the butter for the sauce. Once melted, add the garlic, stirring for 30 seconds.
Add the chicken stock and cook for 1–2 minutes until it has evaporated by at least half.
Stir in the cream and Dijon mustard, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Stir through the parmesan, season to taste, then return the chicken to the pan for 2–3 minutes or until the chicken is heated through.
Serve the chicken with rice, mashed potatoes or pasta and a side of steamed greens.
Top with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Notes
MAKE AHEAD: Creamy Garlic chicken can be made ahead to make weeknights easier. Refrigerate the cooked chicken with the sauce for up to 3 days. Not suitable to freeze. LEFTOVERS: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stovetop over low heat, adding water if sauce thickens, or in microwave in short bursts stirring in between. Cream-based sauces may separate when reheated; whisk in a splash of cream or milk to improve texture.
