Easy 20-Minute Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

What if you could recreate a luxurious restaurant-worthy dish in under 30 minutes? Our creamy garlic chicken recipe proves that gourmet flavors don’t require hours in the kitchen. With its velvety garlic cream sauce coating tender chicken, this dish strikes the perfect balance between comforting and sophisticated – ideal for date nights or impressing last-minute guests.

Ingredients & Kitchen Tools

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  • Protein: 4 boneless chicken breasts (or thighs for richer flavor)
  
  
  
  
  • Aromatics: 6 garlic cloves, minced (plus 1 tsp garlic powder)
  
  
  
  
  • Cream Base: 1 cup heavy cream (sub coconut milk for dairy-free)
  
  
  
  
  • Flavor Builders: 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, ½ cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp olive oil
  
  
  
  
  • Seasonings: 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp thyme, salt & pepper to taste
  
  
  
  
  • Thickener: 1 tbsp cornstarch (or flour for non-GF option)
  
  
  • Tools: Large skillet, tongs, measuring spoons, wooden spoon

Prep & Cook Time

⏱️ Prep: 10 mins | 🔥 Cook: 20 mins | 🍽️ Total: 30 mins | 👨👩👧👦 Serves: 4

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 
   
   • Prep Chicken: Pat dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika
   
   
   
   • Sear to Perfection: Heat oil in skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken 5-6 mins per side until golden. Remove and set aside
   
   
   
   • Build Flavor: In same pan, sauté garlic 1 minute until fragrant. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping browned bits
   
   
   
   • Creamy Magic: Whisk in cream, Dijon, and seasonings. For the ultimate garlic cream sauce, simmer 3 mins until slightly thickened
   
   
   • Finish & Serve: Return chicken to pan, spooning sauce over top. Cook 2 mins more until your creamy garlic chicken reaches 165°F internal temp

Nutritional Benefits

This protein-packed meal delivers impressive nutritional value:
✓ 32g protein per serving for muscle maintenance
✓ Garlic’s allicin boosts immune function
✓ Controlled sodium vs. restaurant versions
✓ No preservatives unlike store-bought sauces

Tips & Variations

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  • Lighter Twist: Swap cream for Greek yogurt + milk mixture
  
  
  
  
  • Flavor Boosts: Add sun-dried tomatoes or spinach in last 5 mins
  
  
  
  
  • Wine Pairing: Stir ¼ cup dry white wine into sauce with broth
  
  
  • Sheet Pan Method: Roast chicken at 425°F (20 mins), then top with separately made sauce

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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  • ❌ Overcrowded Pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed
  
  
  
  
  • ❌ High Heat on Sauce: Cream curdles above medium heat
  
  
  
  
  • ❌ Underseasoned Sauce: Taste before adding chicken back
  
  
  • ❌ Overcooked Garlic: Burnt garlic turns bitter instantly

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store in airtight container up to 4 days
Freeze: Sauce separates when frozen – not recommended
Reheat: Gently warm in skillet with splash of broth over low heat

Conclusion

Once you’ve experienced this luscious creamy garlic chicken with its signature garlic cream sauce, takeout will never compare. The recipe’s flexibility makes it perfect for clean-out-the-fridge meals – toss in leftover veggies or fresh herbs. Share your version using #GarlicChickenMagic and explore our Italian chicken recipes next!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Prep components separately – store cooked chicken and sauce in fridge, combine when reheating.

Q: Freezer-friendly?
A: Chicken freezes well, but cream sauces tend to separate when thawed.

Q: Best sides for creamy garlic chicken?
A: Try mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or crusty bread for sauce dipping.

Q: Help! My sauce is too thin
A: Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 2 tsp cold water, then whisk into simmering sauce.