Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley for garnish

Author: Tessa

Published: July 31, 2025

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute go-to weeknight dinner – creamy garlic chicken breasts! This dish has saved me more times than I can count when I need something quick but still feels special enough for company. The chicken comes out so juicy and tender, swimming in this luscious garlicky cream sauce that’ll have you licking the spoon. My family goes crazy for it – even my picky eater who usually turns up his nose at anything “fancy.” The best part? It comes together in about 30 minutes flat. Just wait until you smell that garlic hitting the pan – pure heaven!

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts - detail 1

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts

Trust me, this recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Here’s why:

Weeknight lifesaver: Ready in 30 minutes flat – perfect when you’re starving and don’t want to fuss
Restaurant-worthy flavor: That creamy garlic sauce tastes like something from a fancy bistro
One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal (and maybe even relax!)
Crowd-pleaser: Works for date nights, family dinners, and even picky eaters
Endlessly adaptable: Swap in different herbs or cheeses to make it your own

Seriously, what’s not to love? The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen!

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts

Okay, let’s gather our simple but mighty ingredients – this is where the magic starts! Everything here works together to create that incredible flavor. You probably have most of these in your kitchen already:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – look for ones that are similar size so they cook evenly
2 tablespoons olive oil – for that perfect golden sear
4 cloves garlic, minced – yes, fresh is best! That jarred stuff just won’t give the same punch
1 cup heavy cream – the rich base of our dreamy sauce
1/2 cup chicken broth – homemade or low-sodium store-bought
1 teaspoon dried thyme – or fresh if you’ve got it (use 1 tablespoon)
Salt and pepper to taste – don’t be shy with seasoning!
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – the nutty flavor booster that makes the sauce irresistible
Fresh parsley for garnish – optional but adds such a pretty pop of color

See? Nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that come together beautifully. Now let’s make some magic!

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts

Alright, let’s get cooking! This creamy garlic chicken comes together in three simple steps – trust me, it’s easier than you think. Just follow along and you’ll have restaurant-quality chicken in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First, heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While that’s warming up, season both sides of your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. When the oil shimmers (that’s when you know it’s hot enough), add the chicken. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Don’t peek too much – let that beautiful crust form!

Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Remove the chicken and set it aside – we’ll come back to it. In that same skillet (don’t wash it!), add your minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom. That’s flavor gold right there! Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, and Parmesan, then let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

Now return your chicken to the skillet, nestling it right into that creamy garlic sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top and let everything warm through for 2-3 minutes. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. And voila! Dinner is served – and what a dinner it is!

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts - detail 2

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts

After making this recipe more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that’ll guarantee restaurant-quality results every time:

Fresh is best: Please, please use fresh garlic cloves – that pre-minced stuff just doesn’t pack the same punch. I press mine right before cooking for maximum flavor.
Sauce too thick? Add a splash more chicken broth. Too thin? Let it simmer a minute longer or sprinkle in a bit more Parmesan.
Don’t overcook! Chicken breasts dry out fast. Pull them at 165°F internal temp – they’ll finish cooking when you return them to the sauce.
Brown bits matter: Those crispy bits left in the pan after cooking the chicken? That’s pure gold – deglaze thoroughly for extra flavor.
Rest before serving: Let the chicken sit in the sauce for 5 minutes off heat – it’ll soak up even more deliciousness.

Follow these simple tricks and you’ll have perfect creamy garlic chicken every single time!

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts

Now comes the fun part – what to serve with this glorious chicken! That luscious garlic cream sauce deserves something fabulous to soak it up. Here are my go-to pairings:

Buttered noodles or fettuccine: Nothing beats twirling pasta through that creamy sauce
Creamy mashed potatoes: The ultimate comfort food combo
Crisp roasted vegetables: Green beans or asparagus add perfect crunch
Crusty bread: For mopping up every last drop of sauce
Simple salad: A bright lemony greens balance the richness

Mix and match – honestly, you can’t go wrong!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Here’s the good news – leftovers taste almost better the next day! Store any extra creamy garlic chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, go low and slow – either gently warm it in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep the sauce creamy, or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each. Just don’t let it boil or the sauce might separate. Trust me, you’ll want every last bite!

Nutritional Information for Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving – but remember, these are estimates and may vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. Everything in moderation, right? This creamy goodness is totally worth savoring!

FAQs About Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts

I get asked about this recipe all the time – here are the answers to those burning questions!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy. Just adjust cooking time since they’re thicker – about 8 minutes per side. The sauce pairs perfectly with their richer flavor.

How long does the garlic cream sauce last?
The sauce keeps well for 3 days refrigerated, though it may thicken when cold. Just thin it with a splash of broth when reheating. I don’t recommend freezing – dairy sauces can separate.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Half-and-half works in a pinch, though the sauce won’t be quite as luxurious. For dairy-free, try full-fat coconut milk – it gives a surprisingly delicious twist!

Can I make this ahead for company?
You bet! Cook the chicken and make the sauce separately, then combine and reheat gently before serving. The flavors actually deepen overnight.

Why is my sauce grainy?
This usually happens if the heat’s too high when adding Parmesan. Keep it medium-low and stir constantly – patience makes perfect creamy sauce!

Go ahead, give this creamy garlic chicken a try tonight – I can’t wait to hear how much your family loves it!