Introduction
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a velvety garlic cream sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. With the richness of cream and the boldness of garlic, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Enjoy this creamy garlic chicken with a side of pasta or steamed vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into thin pieces to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the chicken pieces for flavor.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Sauce
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for one minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Add Cream and Simmer
Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the creamy garlic sauce. Let it simmer for a few more minutes.
Step 7: Finish with Herbs
Stir in freshly chopped parsley before serving for added flavor and garnish.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Chicken
This creamy garlic chicken pairs wonderfully with a side of pasta, rice, or even a fresh garden salad. The richness of the sauce complements starchy sides perfectly. Make sure to drizzle extra sauce over your sides for an enhanced flavor experience.
Choosing the Right Chicken Cut
For this recipe, chicken breasts are ideal due to their lean texture and quick cooking time. Alternatively, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier option, as they tend to hold moisture well during cooking. Adjust cooking times accordingly for different cuts to ensure they are fully cooked.
Variations on the Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Feel free to customize the flavor profile of your creamy garlic chicken by adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to the sauce. These add-ins not only provide extra nutrition but also vibrant colors and textures to your dish, making it even more appealing.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or butter over relatively high heat. This technique is perfect for developing flavors, especially when using garlic that can become aromatic within minutes.
Deglazing
Deglazing is the process of adding liquid to a hot pan to loosen the browned bits of food stuck to the bottom. This technique enhances the sauce’s flavor, bringing rich and complex notes to your dish.
Simmering
Simmering is a gentle cooking method where food is cooked in liquid at a temperature just below boiling. This technique ensures that ingredients meld together, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce.
Seasoning
Proper seasoning elevates a dish from good to great. Adding salt and pepper at different stages allows you to enhance the flavors of the ingredients, ensuring a well-balanced final taste.
Resting
Letting the dish rest before serving allows the flavors to develop further and the juices to redistribute, making for a more enjoyable eating experience.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used and will provide a richer flavor and more tenderness.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a blend of milk and butter for a lighter option, though it may affect the creaminess of the dish.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can complement the dish nicely and add nutrition.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe could be made gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients, including seasonings, are certified gluten-free.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Just make sure to reheat gently to avoid overcooking the chicken.
Conclusion
Creamy garlic chicken is a delightful dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Mastering these techniques will not only enhance your cooking skills but also allow you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. What variations will you try to make this dish your own?
More recipes suggestions and combination
Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Herb Roasted Chicken
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
One-Pan Tuscan Chicken
PrintCreamy Garlic Poultry Dish
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a velvety garlic cream sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. With the richness of cream and the boldness of garlic, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into thin pieces to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the chicken pieces for flavor.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Sauce
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for one minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Add Cream and Simmer
Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the creamy garlic sauce. Let it simmer for a few more minutes.
Step 7: Finish with Herbs
Stir in freshly chopped parsley before serving for added flavor and garnish.
Notes
Sautéing
Sautéing involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or butter over relatively high heat. This technique is perfect for developing flavors, especially when using garlic that can become aromatic within minutes.
Deglazing
Deglazing is the process of adding liquid to a hot pan to loosen the browned bits of food stuck to the bottom. This technique enhances the sauce’s flavor, bringing rich and complex notes to your dish.
Simmering
Simmering is a gentle cooking method where food is cooked in liquid at a temperature just below boiling. This technique ensures that ingredients meld together, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce.
Seasoning
Proper seasoning elevates a dish from good to great. Adding salt and pepper at different stages allows you to enhance the flavors of the ingredients, ensuring a well-balanced final taste.
Resting
Letting the dish rest before serving allows the flavors to develop further and the juices to redistribute, making for a more enjoyable eating experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes