Creamy Chicken: An Easy Weeknight Meal

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner! This creamy chicken recipe brings together tender chicken breasts with an incredibly rich and flavorful garlic-infused sauce. It’s a dish that tastes wonderfully gourmet but comes together with surprising ease, perfect for busy parents and beginner cooks alike. Get ready to impress your family with a meal that’s both delicious and delightfully simple.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken

You’ll quickly fall in love with this creamy chicken for so many reasons! It truly makes weeknight cooking a breeze without sacrificing flavor.

• Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this meal comes together in about 40 minutes, ideal for those busy evenings.
• Rich and Indulgent: The velvety garlic sauce is pure comfort, making every bite satisfying and delicious.
• Versatile: It pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes, allowing for endless meal possibilities.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone at the table, even picky eaters, will adore the comforting flavors of this dish.
• Beginner-Approved: Simple steps and clear instructions ensure success, even if you’re new to cooking.

Ingredients

Making this delicious creamy chicken requires a handful of simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Gather these essentials to create a fantastic meal.

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lbs. total)
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp butter, divided
• 1 whole garlic bulb (about 8-9 garlic cloves)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Notes & Substitutions

You have flexibility with a few ingredients. Don’t hesitate to adjust based on what you have or your dietary preferences.

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well and offer a slightly richer flavor. Simply adjust cooking time as needed.
• Garlic: For maximum convenience, use 2-3 tablespoons of pre-minced garlic instead of a whole bulb.
• Broth: If you don’t have liquid broth, “Better Than Bouillon” is a fantastic, budget-friendly concentrate that adds great depth.
• Cream: Opt for half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce. Keep in mind it might not be quite as thick or rich.
• Flavor Boosts: Elevate the sauce with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, a handful of fresh spinach, or a bright squeeze of lemon juice at the end.

Equipment

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe. Just a few basic kitchen tools will get the job done efficiently.

• Large skillet (cast iron or non-stick works great)
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Whisk or spoon
• Tongs or spatula

Instructions

Let’s make this delightful creamy chicken dish! Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. You’ll be amazed at how easily this flavorful sauce comes together.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by preparing your chicken breasts. Using a sharp knife, carefully fillet each chicken breast horizontally into two thinner cutlets. This helps them cook more evenly and quickly, ensuring tender results.
2. Season and Flour: Season both sides of each chicken cutlet generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Next, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over both sides of the chicken, rubbing it in gently until each piece is evenly coated. This flour coating helps create a beautiful golden crust and thickens our sauce later.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, carefully add the floured chicken cutlets. Cook for about 4 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove Chicken: Once cooked, use tongs to remove the chicken to a clean plate. Cover the plate loosely with foil to keep the chicken warm while you prepare the glorious sauce.
5. Prepare Garlic: While the chicken cooks or rests, prepare your garlic. Peel the outer skins from the garlic cloves. Then, place each clove on your cutting board and carefully smash it with the side of a large chef’s knife. Press down firmly with the heel of your hand. This helps release their aromatic oils.
6. Sauté Garlic: Return to the same skillet, adding the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the smashed garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Watch carefully to ensure the garlic turns lightly browned and fragrant, but does not burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
7. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Add the garlic powder. Use your whisk or spoon to stir and gently scrape up any delicious brown bits (fond) from the bottom of the skillet. These bits add incredible flavor to your sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, or until it has reduced and thickened by approximately 50%. It should coat the back of a spoon.
8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce at this point. Adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more salt and pepper to your preference. Even a small amount, like ⅛ teaspoon of each, can make a difference.
9. Combine and Serve: Finally, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon that rich, creamy sauce generously over the chicken. Let it gently heat through for a minute or two. Serve your delicious creamy chicken immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving perfect results with your creamy chicken is easy with a few expert tips. These suggestions will help ensure your dish is flavorful and perfectly cooked every time.

• Even Cooking: Always fillet your chicken breasts into thinner cutlets. This ensures they cook uniformly and prevents them from drying out, resulting in juicy, tender chicken.
• Prevent Burning: When sautéing garlic, keep the heat at medium-low and stir constantly. Garlic can burn quickly, turning bitter and unpleasant if left unattended.
• Thickening Sauce: If your sauce isn’t as thick as you like, create a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) and whisk it into the simmering sauce. Cook for another minute until thickened.
• Doneness: The safest way to ensure chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. According to the USDA, all poultry should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with a food thermometer.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

This versatile creamy chicken dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and can be easily adapted to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Comfort: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, al dente pasta, or fluffy white rice to soak up every drop of that incredible sauce.
• Lighter Options: For a lighter meal, pair with a fresh, simple side salad or a generous portion of steamed green beans or asparagus.
• Hearty Greens: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking until wilted.

Variations

• Vegetable Additions: Sauté sliced mushrooms, caramelized onions, or bell peppers along with the garlic for added texture and flavor.
• Cheesy Goodness: Stir in a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce just before returning the chicken to the skillet for an extra layer of savory depth.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce when you add the garlic powder for a touch of heat.
• Herbaceous Twist: Experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary alongside the parsley.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover creamy chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
• Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended for this dish. Cream-based sauces tend to separate and become grainy once thawed, affecting the texture.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious creamy chicken. Please note these values are approximations and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQ

Got questions about this easy creamy chicken recipe? We’ve got answers to help you cook with confidence!

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and will add even more richness to your dish.
• How do I make the sauce thicker if it’s too thin? To thicken a thin sauce, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce until it thickens.
• Can I freeze Creamy Garlic Chicken leftovers? Freezing is not recommended for this creamy chicken dish because the heavy cream in the sauce can separate and alter its texture once thawed, making it less appealing.

Conclusion

There you have it – a truly delicious and incredibly easy creamy chicken recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week. This dish delivers exceptional flavor with minimal effort, proving that simple ingredients can create something truly special. We hope you’ll try this recipe and make it a staple in your home. We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

Print Recipe

Creamy Garlic Chicken: An Easy Weeknight Meal

This creamy garlic chicken recipe offers a quick and delicious weeknight meal, featuring tender chicken cutlets generously coated in a rich, savory garlic cream sauce. Perfect for a busy evening, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Total Time35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Author: The Bright Food

Equipment

• Sharp knife
• Large skillet
• Large chef's knife
• Clean plate

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lbs. total)
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp butter divided
• 1 whole garlic bulb (about 8-9 garlic cloves)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparation

• Fillet each chicken breast into two thinner cutlets using a sharp knife.
• Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then sprinkle and rub flour over both sides until evenly coated.

Cooking

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil and 1 Tbsp of butter. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through (about 4 minutes per side), then remove to a clean plate and cover to keep warm.
• While the chicken cooks, peel and carefully smash the garlic cloves with the side of a large chef's knife.
• In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 Tbsp of butter and the smashed garlic cloves. Sauté on medium-low heat for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly browned and fragrant.
• Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the garlic powder. Stir and scrape up any brown bits. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens by about 50%, then taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
• Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy sauce over them, and allow the chicken to heat through. Serve immediately.

Notes

Serve with fresh chopped parsley (optional). For best results, ensure chicken breasts are thinly cut or filleted to cook evenly and quickly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste in the final sauce.