Creamy Garlic Chicken: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a dish that combines rich flavors with a comforting touch, look no further than Creamy Garlic Chicken. This dish features tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious garlic cream sauce, creating a perfect blend of savory and creamy that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a surefire way to impress.

Ingredients
To prepare Creamy Garlic Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This enhances the flavor of the chicken and provides a well-seasoned base for the creamy sauce.

Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Make the Garlic Sauce
Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.

Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. This adds extra flavor to the sauce.

Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the cream thickens slightly. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well combined.

Season the Sauce: If desired, add dried thyme and basil to the sauce. These herbs add an extra layer of flavor that complements the garlic beautifully.

3. Combine and Serve
Return Chicken to the Skillet: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to ensure it’s well-coated.

Simmer: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.

Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the Creamy Garlic Chicken over rice, pasta, or alongside your favorite vegetables.

Tips and Variations
Vegetables: You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for added texture and flavor.
Chicken Thighs: For a richer flavor, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts.
Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream if you’re looking for a lighter version of the dish.

Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a delectable dish that brings together the rich flavors of garlic and cream in a way that is both indulgent and comforting. With its simple preparation and mouthwatering taste, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household!