Garlic Creamed Chicken: A Decadent and Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe

Garlic creamed chicken is a classic comfort food dish that’s both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to make. This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken bathed in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce that’s perfect served over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying dish to impress guests, this garlic creamed chicken recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

**Why You’ll Love This Recipe:**

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Incredibly Flavorful:** The combination of garlic, cream, and herbs creates a rich and satisfying sauce.
* **Versatile:** Serve it over your favorite starch or vegetable for a complete meal.
* **Family-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will love the creamy, comforting flavors of this dish.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices.

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional: 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
* Optional: 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
* Optional: 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped

**Equipment:**

* Large skillet or sauté pan
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons

**Instructions:**

**1. Prepare the Chicken:**

* Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better in the pan. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Generously season each piece to ensure even flavor throughout the dish.

**2. Sear the Chicken:**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. A hot skillet is essential for achieving a good sear, which adds flavor and texture.
* Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the skillet and cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
* Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature.
* Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**3. Sauté the Garlic (and optional mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes):**

* Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
* If using mushrooms, add them to the skillet along with the garlic and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and browned. This adds an earthy flavor and hearty texture to the dish.
* If using sun-dried tomatoes, add them to the skillet with the garlic and mushrooms (or just garlic if not using mushrooms) during the last minute of sautéing. Their tangy flavor complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

**4. Deglaze the Pan (Optional):**

* If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits, called fond, are packed with flavor and will add depth to the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the wine has reduced slightly.

**5. Make the Cream Sauce:**

* Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. The chicken broth provides a flavorful base for the cream sauce.
* Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. The heavy cream gives the sauce its rich and creamy texture. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami flavor. Fresh parsley and dried thyme provide herbal notes that complement the garlic and cream.
* Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

**6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:**

* Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the cream sauce. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce so that each piece is flavorful.
* Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the chicken is piping hot.

**7. Serve:**

* Serve the garlic creamed chicken hot over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. Garnish with extra parsley, if desired.

**Tips for the Best Garlic Creamed Chicken:**

* **Use fresh garlic:** Fresh garlic has a much more intense flavor than garlic powder or jarred minced garlic. Use at least 4 cloves for a truly garlicky flavor.
* **Don’t burn the garlic:** Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter. Sauté the garlic over medium heat and stir constantly to prevent burning.
* **Pat the chicken dry:** Patting the chicken dry with paper towels helps it brown better in the pan. Moisture prevents proper searing.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature of the skillet and cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
* **Use heavy cream:** Heavy cream is essential for creating a rich and creamy sauce. Half-and-half or milk will not work as well.
* **Add a splash of white wine:** A splash of dry white wine will add depth of flavor to the sauce. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are good choices.
* **Adjust the seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
* **Don’t overcook the chicken:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Garnish with fresh parsley:** Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

**Variations:**

* **Add vegetables:** Add your favorite vegetables to the skillet along with the garlic, such as mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or asparagus. Sauté them until tender before adding the cream sauce.
* **Add herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, oregano, or basil. Add them to the skillet along with the thyme.
* **Add spices:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Or try adding a teaspoon of paprika for a smoky flavor.
* **Use different cheese:** Instead of Parmesan cheese, try using Gruyere, Fontina, or Asiago cheese. Each cheese will impart a slightly different flavor to the sauce.
* **Make it dairy-free:** Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version. You can also omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
* **Lemon Garlic Creamed Chicken:** Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce for a bright and tangy flavor. This variation is especially delicious with seafood.
* **Sun-Dried Tomato Garlic Creamed Chicken:** Add 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped to the skillet along with the garlic. Their tangy sweetness complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
* **Mushroom Garlic Creamed Chicken:** Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the garlic. Sauté them until softened and browned before adding the cream sauce. This adds an earthy flavor and hearty texture to the dish.

**Serving Suggestions:**

* **Pasta:** Serve the garlic creamed chicken over your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti. Cook the pasta according to package directions and toss it with the chicken and sauce.
* **Rice:** Serve the garlic creamed chicken over white rice, brown rice, or wild rice. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Serve the garlic creamed chicken over mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal. Top with extra sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve the garlic creamed chicken with crusty bread for dipping in the sauce. A baguette or sourdough bread would be perfect.
* **Vegetables:** Serve the garlic creamed chicken with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. This adds a healthy element to the meal.
* **Salad:** Serve the garlic creamed chicken with a side salad for a light and refreshing meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing would be a good choice.

**Storage and Reheating:**

* **Storage:** Store leftover garlic creamed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the garlic creamed chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as the sauce may separate.

**Nutrition Information (Approximate):**

* Calories: 450
* Protein: 40g
* Fat: 30g
* Carbohydrates: 10g

*(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)*

**Conclusion:**

This garlic creamed chicken recipe is a winner! It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and versatile enough to be served with a variety of sides. With its creamy, garlicky sauce and tender chicken, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal that will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations to customize the recipe to your liking. Enjoy!