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Creamy Garlic Chicken in 25 Minutes – Easy Weeknight Dinner!

Tired of complicated dinners after a long day? This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe is your new go-to! With just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a rich, velvety dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with savory garlic, tender chicken, and a luscious cream sauce, it’s comfort food at its finest. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken

This dish checks all the boxes:

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable chicken breasts.
  • Family-Approved: Even picky eaters love the creamy texture and bold garlic flavor.
  • Versatile: Serve it over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread for dipping.

Pro Tip: Pair it with our One Pot Pasta for a complete meal!

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of Creamy Garlic Chicken lies in its balance of simplicity and flavor. Here’s what makes it stand out:

  1. Garlic Galore: Using 6 cloves ensures a robust, aromatic base without overpowering the dish.
  2. Fast-Cooking Chicken: Slicing boneless breasts into strips ensures even cooking and tenderness.
  3. Velvety Sauce: Heavy cream thickens naturally as it simmers, creating a luxurious texture without flour or cornstarch.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken ingredients laid out: chicken breasts, garlic, cream, spices, and lemon for a quick dinner recipe.

(Serves 4)

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic (minced – yes, 6 cloves!)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (to brighten the sauce)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for richness)
  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, use pre-sliced mushrooms or frozen garlic paste to streamline prep.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

  1. Slice the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch strips for even cooking.
  2. Season Generously: Toss with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

  1. Heat Oil in a Skillet: Use a large nonstick or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Add chicken strips and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce

  1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute (don’t burn it!).
  2. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits for extra flavor.
  3. Add Cream: Stir in heavy cream, thyme, lemon juice, and Parmesan (if using). Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Combine & Finish

  1. Return Chicken to the Pan: Toss with the sauce until evenly coated.
  2. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Pro Tip: For extra richness, stir in 1 tbsp butter at the end!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned cooks can make errors when preparing Creamy Garlic Chicken . Here’s how to avoid them:

  1. Overcrowding the Pan: Cook chicken in batches to ensure proper browning.
  2. Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly—keep the heat at medium and stir constantly.
  3. Curded Sauce: Avoid sudden temperature changes. If the sauce separates, whisk in a splash of broth or lemon juice.

Creamy Garlic Chicken FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?

A: Thaw first! Cooking frozen chicken leads to uneven texture and undercooked centers.

Q: How to make it dairy-free?

A: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and skip Parmesan.

Q: Can I add veggies?

A: Absolutely! Toss in sliced mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes during the sauce step.

Q: How to store leftovers?

A: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid curdling.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Garlic Chicken served over quinoa, tossed with pasta, and as a dip with baguette slices, paired with wine.

Elevate your meal with these creative pairings:

  • Over Rice: Try it with our Lemon Herb Quinoa for a healthy twist.
  • With Pasta: Toss with fettuccine or penne for a pasta version.
  • As a Dip: Serve with warm baguette slices for a creamy appetizer.
  • Wine Pairing: A buttery Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir complements the richness.

Pro Tip: Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant-style presentation!

Recipe Variations

  1. Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  2. Wine Lover’s Version: Deglaze with 1/4 cup dry white wine instead of broth.
  3. One-Pan Option: Cook the chicken and sauce together for a slower simmer (add 5 minutes to cooking time).
  4. Keto-Friendly: Skip Parmesan and serve over cauliflower rice.

Make Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

  • Prep Ingredients: Mince garlic and slice chicken the night before. Store separately in the fridge.
  • Freeze for Later: Freeze the sauce (without chicken) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat with freshly cooked chicken.
  • Batch Cooking: Double the recipe and portion into containers for lunches or quick dinners.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbs: 3g
  • Fiber: 0.5g

Note: Values may vary based on substitutions.

Health Benefits:

  • Garlic: Boosts immunity and supports heart health.
  • Chicken: A lean protein source for muscle repair and satiety.
  • Parmesan: Adds calcium for strong bones.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is the ultimate weeknight hero. It’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

Got questions or twists to share? Please don’t hesitate to contact us!

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