Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken – A Comfort Food Classic
Nothing says comfort like tender chicken simmered in a creamy, flavorful sauce. The beauty of creamy garlic herb chicken lies in its simplicity—juicy chicken breasts or thighs paired with a rich, velvety sauce infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and just the right touch of creaminess. It’s the kind of meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
The combination of garlic and herbs is timeless, creating an aroma that fills the kitchen with warmth and instantly whets your appetite. Paired with cream, it transforms into a luxurious sauce that coats each bite of chicken, turning a basic weeknight dinner into something special. Whether served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, this dish satisfies cravings for both comfort and elegance.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) | 4 (about 1.5 lbs) | 660 kcal |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | 240 kcal |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 4 cloves | 18 kcal |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup | 15 kcal |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | 800 kcal |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | ½ cup | 200 kcal |
| Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, basil) | 2 tbsp | 5 kcal |
| Butter | 2 tbsp | 200 kcal |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | 0 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the chicken – Pat chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on each side for 4–5 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce base – In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add liquids – Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Create the cream sauce – Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Whisk until the sauce becomes smooth and begins to thicken.
- Return the chicken – Add chicken back into the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Finish with herbs – Stir in fresh parsley, thyme, and basil. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot – Plate chicken with plenty of sauce drizzled over the top.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Lighter option: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or unsweetened coconut cream.
- Add veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes make tasty additions.
- Different protein: Try the same sauce with shrimp, turkey cutlets, or even tofu for variety.
- Extra flavor: A splash of white wine in place of some chicken broth adds depth.
- Cheese lovers: Add mozzarella or provolone for extra gooeyness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 535 kcal |
| Protein | 41 g |
| Fat | 36 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over buttery mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Pair with steamed vegetables or a crisp side salad for balance.
- Spoon over pasta or rice to soak up the creamy garlic sauce.
- Enjoy with crusty bread to scoop up every last bit of the sauce.
Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken – A Comfort Food Classic
Course: Recipes4
servings10
minutes25
minutes535
kcalIngredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs) – 660 kcal
2 tbsp olive oil – 240 kcal
4 garlic cloves, minced – 18 kcal
1 cup chicken broth – 15 kcal
1 cup heavy cream – 800 kcal
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated – 200 kcal
2 tbsp butter – 200 kcal
2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, basil) – 5 kcal
Salt & pepper, to taste
Directions
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits, and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Whisk until smooth and thickened.
- Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and simmer on low for 8–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in fresh herbs, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Recipe Video
Notes
- If the sauce gets too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
Want a lighter version? Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk, but expect a thinner sauce.
FAQs
1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They stay extra juicy and add even more flavor to the creamy sauce.
2: Can I make creamy garlic herb chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dish and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating.
3: How can I make the sauce lighter?
For a lighter option, use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or unsweetened coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Keep in mind the sauce will be thinner.
4: Can I freeze creamy garlic herb chicken?
It’s best eaten fresh because cream sauces don’t always freeze well. If you do freeze it, reheat slowly and whisk in a little extra cream or broth to restore the sauce’s texture.
5: What herbs work best in this recipe?
Fresh parsley, thyme, and basil are classic choices, but rosemary, oregano, or chives can also add a delicious twist.
Conclusion
Creamy garlic herb chicken is the perfect mix of simple cooking and indulgent flavor. With its golden seared chicken, aromatic garlic, and luscious cream sauce, this dish proves you don’t need complicated ingredients to create something truly delicious. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special dinner, this recipe delivers comfort and satisfaction every time.
