Some weeknights need a dinner that does not ask much from you. This creamy garlic chicken is one of those meals. It uses five main ingredients, cooks in one skillet, and still feels like a proper dinner.
The sauce is simple: garlic, cream, and Parmesan. The chicken cooks first, so the browned bits stay in the pan and give the sauce more flavor. It is rich without being complicated, and you can put it on the table in about half an hour.
Why this easy chicken dinner works
You do not need a long ingredient list to make chicken taste good. Browning the chicken gives it color and flavor, while the garlic and Parmesan make the sauce taste fuller than the short ingredient list suggests.
This is also an easy recipe to pair with what you already have. Rice is great for soaking up the sauce. Pasta works too. If you want something lighter, add steamed broccoli or green beans.
A few small tips before you start
Try to use chicken breasts that are close to the same thickness. They will cook more evenly. If yours are very thick, slice them in half horizontally or gently pound them before cooking.
Keep the heat lower after you add the cream. A hard boil can make a cream sauce separate. A quiet simmer is all you need.
5-Ingredient Creamy Garlic Chicken
A simple skillet dinner with tender chicken in a smooth garlic cream sauce.
Cook: 20 mins
Total: 30 mins
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and season it with salt and black pepper from your pantry.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Move it to a plate.
- Lower the heat. Add the garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Pour in the cream and stir in the Parmesan. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Return the chicken to the pan. Spoon the sauce over the top and warm for another 2 minutes before serving.
Helpful Notes
- Do not boil the cream hard. A gentle simmer keeps the sauce smooth.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a small splash of water or chicken broth.
- Serve with rice, pasta, green beans, or a simple salad.
