Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

If you think chicken breasts are dry and bland, you are yet to try my creamy garlic chicken recipe!

This creamy garlic chicken recipe is one of those dishes that seems too simple to be this delicious. The best part about this low-carb, high-protein chicken breast recipe is that it comes together in just 30 minutes and is made entirely in just one pan.

Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option or a make-ahead lunch for the week, this versatile recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

How to Cook Chicken Breast

1. Even thickness: Pound the chicken breasts with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even thickness. Or slice the chicken breasts so they are of uniform thickness. This ensures they cook evenly
2. Marinade: Marinade adds flavor and helps to keep the chicken moist during cooking
3. Cooking (stovetop): Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons of oil. Cook chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through
4. Cooking (oven): Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Make sure there is enough space between the chicken pieces so they can cook evenly. Bake the chicken breasts in the preheated oven for 20-25 minute
5. Resting: Once the chicken is cooked through, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, and keep it tender and juicy

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Here is an overview of all the ingredients and steps to make creamy garlic chicken. Refer to the recipe card below for details

Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Large skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• Garlic: Add as much fresh garlic as you like
• Onion: Sweet white onion would be ideal but other kinds work too
• Herbs: Oregano and parsley are delicious in this sauce
• Chicken Stock: Home-made or low sodium stocks work best
• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice cuts through the rich sauce beautifully and elevates the dish
• Heavy Cream: heavy cream works best for this recipe as it can handle higher temperatures without curdling
• Olive Oil & Butter: Butter is the main fat component and olive oil is used to keep the butter from burning
• Salt & Pepper: Add as needed. Salt needs to be added as per the sodium content in the stock

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken

1. Marinade: Pound the chicken breasts into evenly sized fillets and season with salt and pepper. Set aside for 10 minutes while preparing the other ingredients
2. Prep: Finely chop onion, mince garlic, measure and set aside chicken stock and cream
3. Cook chicken: Add olive oil and butter to a pan and infuse it with the crushed garlic. Sear and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through. It should take about 4-5 mins per side. Set aside once done
4. Sauce: Add some butter to the pan and sauté onion and garlic. Deglaze the pan with chicken stock. Add lemon juice, dried herbs and simmer until the onions have softened. Next add the heavy cream and reduce until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Add a pinch of nutmeg (freshly grated/powdered) to further enhance the dish
5. Assemble: Add back the cooked chicken and simmer for 1 minute or until the chicken has warmed

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Substitutes

Here are a few substitutes in case you are missing an ingredient. They may alter the flavor of the original dish.

• Lemon juice: 1/2 tsp lime juice
• Chicken stock: 1/2 cup water + 1 small chicken stock cube
• Dried herbs: thyme, rosemary, terragon or mixed italian herbs
• Heavy cream: fresh cream, sour cream, half and half, evaporated milk, creme fraiche, yogurt
• Butter: Ghee or clarified butter
• Olive oil: Neutral cooking oil
• Fresh garlic and onion: 2 tsp garlic powder and 1 tbsp onion powder can be used

What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Pasta: Dice the chicken breasts once cooked and add it to the sauce along with cooked pasta
• Vegetables: Sauteed Vegetables
• Rice: Plain rice or herb garlic rice pairs well with this dish
• Bread: Crusty bread pairs well with the rich sauce