Creamy Garlic Chicken

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Elevate your Thanksgiving dinner with this decadent Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe. This dish features tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich and luscious garlic cream sauce, creating a mouthwatering experience that's perfect for impressing your guests. Serve it with buttery mashed potatoes or fresh vegetables to complete a delightful holiday feast.

Created by

Imogen Price

Last updated on 2025-11-25T15:35:08.402Z

This creamy garlic chicken is not just a meal, it's an experience that will elevate any dinner gathering.

The Perfect Thanksgiving Dish

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and most importantly, a delicious feast. Creamy Garlic Chicken makes a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table. The combination of tender chicken and a rich, creamy sauce ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. Your guests will be captivated by the savory aroma and the luxurious consistency of this dish, making it a perfect choice for special occasions.

Not only does this dish taste incredible, but it also lends a touch of sophistication to your holiday gathering. Pair it with classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, and you’ll have a meal that is sure to impress. As you gather around the table, the flavors of this Creamy Garlic Chicken will create lasting memories as you share in the spirit of Thanksgiving with loved ones.

Flavorful Ingredients

The key to a mouthwatering Creamy Garlic Chicken lies in its simple yet luxurious ingredients. Using high-quality chicken breasts ensures a tender and juicy texture, while the addition of olive oil adds a healthy fat that enhances the overall flavor. The garlic not only provides a robust aroma but also imparts a savory depth to the sauce, making it irresistible.

Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese contribute to the richness of the sauce, creating a velvety texture that clings beautifully to the chicken. Italian seasoning brings a blend of herbs that perfectly complements the other flavors without overpowering them. This harmony of ingredients not only satisfies the palate but also makes this dish a standout for any holiday spread.

Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with this recipe, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This brief marination enhances the flavors and ensures the chicken remains juicy throughout the cooking process. Additionally, using a meat thermometer can help you check for doneness, ensuring your chicken reaches the safe cooking temperature of 165°F.

When making the creamy garlic sauce, be gentle when stirring in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer to let the flavors meld beautifully, but be cautious not to overheat it, as high temperatures can cause the cream to separate. By following these tips, you can elevate this dish from good to truly gourmet, impressing all who gather around your table.

Ingredients

For the chicken

4 chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the creamy garlic sauce

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the garlic sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth.

Combine chicken and sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the creamy garlic sauce for about 5 minutes. Add Italian seasoning and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your choice of sides.

Serving Suggestions

To complete your festive meal, consider serving Creamy Garlic Chicken alongside buttery mashed potatoes. The creamy texture of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the rich garlic sauce, making each mouthful a delightful experience. Alternatively, you can offer a medley of sautéed green beans, carrots, and peas, providing a colorful and nutritious counterbalance to the main dish.

You could also add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to refresh the palate. The crunchiness of the salad will contrast nicely with the creaminess of the chicken, bringing balance to your meal. This attention to detail ensures that your Thanksgiving dinner is not only flavorful but also visually stunning.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers can be a delightful treat, and Creamy Garlic Chicken stores well in the refrigerator. To keep it fresh, place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container. It will stay delicious for up to three days. When ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the dish on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from curdling.

If you wish to store the dish for an extended period, consider freezing the chicken in the creamy sauce. Portion it out in freezer-safe containers, and it can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as described earlier for a quick and satisfying meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will also work well with this recipe.

→ How can I make it healthier?

You can substitute heavy cream with a lighter cream or a mixture of Greek yogurt and chicken broth.