Creamy Garlic Chicken

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Elevate your Thanksgiving dinner with this luscious Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts are seared to a golden perfection and then smothered in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce that will leave everyone wanting more. Perfect for cozy gatherings, this dish combines comfort and elegance, making it a fabulous centerpiece for your holiday feast.

Eden Clarke

Created by

Eden Clarke

Last updated on 2025-11-27T10:53:23.918Z

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is sure to impress your guests with its rich flavors and elegant presentation.

Why This Creamy Garlic Chicken Stands Out

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is more than just a meal; it's an experience that combines rich flavors and delightful textures, making it a standout dish for any special occasion. The careful balance of garlic and cream produces a sauce that perfectly complements the juicy chicken, creating an effortless harmony on your plate. This dish not only satisfies hunger but also brings a touch of sophistication to your dining table, ideal for impressing guests or indulging in a cozy family dinner.

With its creamy texture and aromatic essence, this recipe elevates the typical chicken dish into something memorable. The golden-browned chicken breasts soak up the luscious sauce, creating a delightful contrast between the rich creaminess and the savory seasonings. Your guests will appreciate the effort behind this dish, while you enjoy the simplicity of its preparation. It's the perfect way to make your cooking shine during the holiday season or any celebratory gathering.

Perfect Pairings for Creamy Garlic Chicken

The robust flavors of Creamy Garlic Chicken pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes that can elevate your dining experience. Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice, as they absorb the rich sauce and enhance the overall meal. Alternatively, a light, fluffy rice pilaf can serve as a wonderful base, allowing the sauce to shine while adding texture to your plate.

For a fresh element, consider serving a vibrant green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing will cut through the creaminess of the chicken, creating a well-balanced meal. Roasted seasonal vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or green beans, also add color and nutrition, making your Thanksgiving spread not only delicious but visually appealing.

Tips for Making the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious dish:

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Make sure to have everything measured out before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your creamy garlic chicken:

Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Make the Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine and Serve

Add the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy your creamy garlic chicken with your favorite sides!

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, storing them properly can ensure that the creamy goodness lasts longer. Place the cooled Creamy Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 3-4 days to enjoy the freshest flavors. You can safely reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking, ensuring that the cream sauce remains deliciously rich.

For longer storage, consider freezing the dish. Portion out the chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers, and it can last up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently. The time saved on cooking allows you to indulge in this exquisite dish without needing to start from scratch.

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables or different proteins. For an extra burst of flavor, incorporate spinach or mushrooms into the garlic cream sauce. Both complement the dish beautifully and add nutritional value, making your meal even more satisfying. You could also substitute chicken breasts with thinner cuts, like chicken thighs, which can create an even more flavorful dish due to their higher fat content.

For a twist, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. While this will create a lighter sauce, you can enhance the flavor by stirring in a bit of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy cream sauce experience. Choosing high-quality ingredients will elevate your Creamy Garlic Chicken, so opt for organic chicken and fresh garlic whenever possible for the best flavor.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge.

→ What sides pair well with creamy garlic chicken?

This dish goes well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Elevate your Thanksgiving dinner with this luscious Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts are seared to a golden perfection and then smothered in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce that will leave everyone wanting more. Perfect for cozy gatherings, this dish combines comfort and elegance, making it a fabulous centerpiece for your holiday feast.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Eden Clarke

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 4 chicken breasts
  2. 1 cup heavy cream
  3. 4 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  5. Salt and pepper to taste
  6. Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 02

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 03

Add the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 35g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g