I am so excited to share my favorite creamy garlic chicken recipe with all of you today. It is the kind of meal that makes my whole kitchen feel like a five-star restaurant.
If you have tried my thin cut chicken breast recipes, you know how much I value speed. This dish is the perfect indulgent alternative to my lighter lemon chicken versions.
My family loves how the rich sauce hugs the tender meat, making every single bite feel like a warm hug. We often cook this when we need something quick yet incredibly impressive for our guests.
📝 Recipe Snapshot
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Cooling Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: Serves 4 people
📊 Nutrition Check (Per Serving)
This meal contains around 6g of Carbs and only 2g of Sugar. It is loaded with 32g of Protein to keep you satisfied throughout the evening.
Table of Contents
The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
I have found that the secret to a perfect meal lies in the quality of your ingredients and the heat of your pan. My creamy garlic chicken recipe is designed to be foolproof, even if you are in a rush after a long day.
The Ingredients You Will Need
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced thin (my secret for speed).
- 4 cloves of fresh garlic, minced (never use the bottled stuff).
- 1 cup of heavy cream (or a full-fat coconut milk substitute).
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped for the finish.
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pan.
My Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these cooking instructions carefully to ensure your creamy garlic chicken recipe stays silky and your meat remains incredibly juicy. We want that golden crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and flavorful for your family.
- Season your thin slices of chicken generously with salt and pepper on both sides to build a crust.
- Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it bubbles.
- Place the chicken in the hot pan and sear until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side for thin cuts.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a warm plate to keep it juicy.
- In the same pan, add the remaining butter and the minced garlic, stirring constantly so it stays golden.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to get all those flavorful brown bits.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Slide the chicken back into the sauce to coat every single inch of the golden brown meat.
- Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor.
🌡️ Internal Temp Guide
- Pull off heat: at 160°F (71°C).
- Final Temp (after rest): 165°F (74°C).
- Grandpa’s Note: Carry-over cooking does the final work! Trust the rest time for the best results.
My Secrets for the Perfect Golden Chicken
Avoiding the Rubbery Texture Trap
I have found that the secret to a great creamy garlic chicken recipe is all in the timing of your heat. You must watch the pan closely to ensure the meat stays tender rather than becoming tough and rubbery.
Why Searing Matters in My Kitchen
Creating a beautiful golden crust requires a hot skillet, but on nights when I want to avoid oil splatters, I use this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe base. If you prefer a mess-free oven method, my Juicy Baked Chicken Bites are your best alternative
Simple Steps for a Family Masterpiece
Preparing the Ingredients with Care
I always take a moment to breathe and enjoy the process of making this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe for my family. If you want a fresher prep with less cream, my Greek Chicken Power Bowl is my go-to choice for a healthy lunch.
The Cooking Process in Real Time
We believe that the best memories are made in the kitchen, and this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe is a perfect way to bond. Watching the sauce come together is pure magic, and it is the kind of simple joy that I love sharing with everyone.
🍽️ What to Serve With This?
For your Carbs: I love serving this with Angel Hair Pasta tossed in garlic and oil. Creamy Mashed Potatoes are also a legendary choice to soak up every drop of that sauce.
Grandpa Chef’s Quick Answers (FAQ)
People often ask me for little secrets when they start making my Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe at home. I want to make sure you have all the answers you need for a perfect family dinner.
How do I keep my chicken breast from getting rubbery?
You should always avoid overcooking your meat and try using thin cuts to ensure it stays tender and moist in the pan.
What is the best substitute for heavy cream in garlic chicken?
I recommend using full-fat coconut milk or even a bit of Greek yogurt if you want a lighter but still creamy result.
Can I use thin-sliced chicken breasts for this recipe to save time?
Yes, using thin slices is the best way to speed up the process and make this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe even easier.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning and becoming bitter?
Keep your heat at a medium level and stir constantly so the garlic turns golden rather than brown or black.
A Final Gift From My Kitchen
Recipes may look alike, but they are never quite the same as when I share them with you. And as a thank you for bringing this story to life today, here is my final kitchen secret.
I always tell my family that a great Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe deserves a warm welcome. Most people serve their hot food on cold plates, which makes the delicate cream sauce tighten up instantly.
Before you serve, simply run your dinner plates under hot water or pop them in a low oven for a minute. This “Warm Plate Hug” keeps the sauce perfectly velvety from the first bite to the very last.
It is this small attention to detail that makes my Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe feel like a real professional experience. These little steps are what transform a simple meal into a moment of pure comfort.
Now, your table is ready for something truly special and delicious. From my kitchen to yours, happy cooking.
The Best Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe | in 25 Mins | Grandpa Chef
Ingredients
Method
- Season your thin slices of chicken generously with salt and pepper on both sides to build a crust.
- Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it bubbles.
- Place the chicken in the hot pan and sear until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side for thin cuts.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a warm plate to keep it juicy.
- In the same pan, add the remaining butter and the minced garlic, stirring constantly so it stays golden.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to get all those flavorful brown bits.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Slide the chicken back into the sauce to coat every single inch of the golden brown meat.
- Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor.