Creamy Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe

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There are few comfort dishes as satisfying as creamy garlic chicken breast. Juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts nestled in a rich, velvety garlic-infused cream sauce create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. This recipe is an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner when you want something quick but impressive, or for special occasions when you’d like to serve a restaurant-quality meal at home. Best of all, it pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides like mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables, making it versatile and universally loved.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

  • 6–8 cloves garlic, minced or finely chopped

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried thyme, oregano, and basil)

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for subtle heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This ensures they sear beautifully instead of steaming in the pan. Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Paprika gives the chicken a subtle smokiness and color, but you can leave it out if you prefer.

Step 2: Sear the chicken

Heat the olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear them for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. The goal here is to create a flavorful crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. They will finish cooking later in the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the garlic

In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30–45 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning. The fragrance will instantly fill your kitchen—this is the heart of the dish.

Step 4: Build the creamy sauce

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. These bits carry tons of flavor. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the cheese melts into the sauce. Add Italian seasoning and, if you like a little spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, thickening slightly.

Step 5: Return the chicken to the pan

Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some sauce over them. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and allow the chicken to simmer for another 7–10 minutes until fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). As the chicken cooks, it absorbs the creamy garlic flavors, ensuring every bite is delicious.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Once ready, sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the chicken hot, spooning plenty of the creamy garlic sauce over the top.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is versatile and pairs well with many sides. Here are some favorites:

  • Mashed potatoes – Creamy potatoes soak up the sauce perfectly.

  • Steamed rice or risotto – A great choice for a lighter yet satisfying base.

  • Pasta – Fettuccine, penne, or linguine works wonderfully to catch the creamy sauce.

  • Vegetables – Roasted broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make a balanced plate.

Tips for Success

  1. Don’t overcook the chicken – Overcooked chicken can become tough. Searing and then finishing in the sauce ensures juiciness.

  2. Adjust sauce thickness – If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of extra chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer.

  3. Use fresh garlic – Fresh cloves give the best flavor. Garlic powder won’t provide the same depth.

  4. Cheese variation – Parmesan is classic, but you can use Pecorino Romano or even cream cheese for a slightly different taste.

  5. Make it lighter – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy garlic chicken breast is the definition of comfort food. The garlic brings warmth and depth, while the cream sauce delivers luxurious richness. The recipe is straightforward and ready in under 40 minutes, yet it tastes like something that came out of a fine dining kitchen. It’s hearty enough for cold evenings but light enough to enjoy year-round. Best of all, it’s family-friendly—kids love it just as much as adults.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a go-to chicken recipe that never fails to impress, creamy garlic chicken breast should be at the top of your list. It’s easy, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a date night, or even meal prepping for the week, this dish will become one of your favorites. Every bite offers tender chicken enveloped in a garlicky, cheesy cream sauce that feels indulgent yet approachable. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a meal that rivals any restaurant dish.

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