Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts are a quick and delicious dinner, featuring tender chicken in a rich, garlicky sauce. This recipe ensures juicy chicken with a crispy exterior, smothered in a creamy sauce that’s perfectly balanced with garlic, onion, and cheese. It’s an easy-to-make dish that will become a new family favorite in just 30 minutes!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Chicken

  • 4 skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally)

  • 2 teaspoons salt

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder

  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 4 tablespoons freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• For the Sauce

  • 1 onion, finely chopped

  • 13-14 garlic cloves (smashed and whole)

  • 1 ¼ cups chicken stock or broth

  • 1 ¼ cups half & half or heavy cream

  • ½ cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Combine flour and Pecorino Romano cheese in a shallow bowl. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until softened. Add the smashed and whole garlic cloves, cooking until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

4. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in chicken stock and scrape up any browned bits from the skillet. Let the liquid simmer for 2-3 minutes.

5. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the half & half and let the sauce simmer for another 2 minutes. Add Pecorino Romano cheese, stirring until it melts and the sauce thickens.

6. Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the creamy garlic sauce. Simmer for 2-3 more minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Nutrients

• Calories: 452 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Protein: 20g

• Fat: 36g

• Saturated Fat: 12g

• Cholesterol: 85mg

• Sodium: 1205mg

• Sugar: 1g

Why Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts Are So Irresistible

The beauty of Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts lies in the balance of textures and flavors. The chicken breasts are first seasoned and dredged in a mixture of flour and Pecorino Romano cheese, which creates a light, crispy coating when seared. The golden crust gives way to juicy, tender chicken, while the creamy garlic sauce adds a rich, velvety layer that perfectly complements the savory, crispy exterior.

The sauce is made with garlic, onion, chicken stock, and heavy cream, which gives it a rich, smooth texture that clings to the chicken. The Pecorino Romano cheese adds a salty, umami depth to the sauce, enhancing its flavor. This combination of crispy, creamy, and garlicky elements creates a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Preparing the Chicken: Crispy and Tender

To start, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This ensures the chicken has a flavorful base. Next, combine flour and freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese in a shallow bowl. Dredging the chicken in this mixture helps to create a light crust that will turn golden brown when cooked, giving the chicken a crispy texture while keeping the interior moist and tender.

When cooking the chicken, heat vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This combination of oil and butter allows the chicken to crisp up nicely while also imparting a rich flavor. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce

The sauce for this dish is where the magic happens. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until it softens, releasing its natural sweetness. Then, add the smashed and whole garlic cloves, cooking them until fragrant. The garlic gives the sauce a deep, aromatic base that permeates the entire dish.

Next, pour in the chicken stock and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits, known as fond, are packed with flavor and will add a delicious richness to the sauce. Allow the chicken stock to simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly to concentrate the flavors.

After the stock has reduced, stir in the half & half or heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for another 2 minutes to thicken slightly. The cream adds a rich, velvety texture that complements the garlic and chicken stock. Finally, stir in the Pecorino Romano cheese. As it melts, it thickens the sauce and adds a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the overall dish.

Finishing the Dish: Combining Chicken and Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened and is creamy, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors and heat through. This ensures the chicken is perfectly tender and infused with the creamy garlic sauce.

Garnishing and Serving

To add a fresh element, garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley. The parsley adds a pop of color and a slight herbal note that balances the richness of the sauce. Serve the Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts immediately, paired with pasta, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information for Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts

Each serving of Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts contains approximately 452 calories, making it a filling and satisfying dish. The dish provides 20 grams of protein, thanks to the chicken, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It also contains 36 grams of fat, with 12 grams of saturated fat, due to the butter, cream, and cheese. While rich, it provides a comforting and indulgent meal in moderation.

With 10 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of sugar per serving, the dish is relatively low in carbs, making it suitable for those following low-carb or keto diets. The sodium content is 1205 mg per serving, so it’s best to adjust the amount of salt you use based on your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts can be paired with a variety of sides, depending on your preferences. For a low-carb option, serve it with steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. These vegetables provide a fresh, light contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.

If you’re craving something more substantial, serve the chicken with pasta—linguine or fettuccine would work perfectly, as the noodles will soak up the creamy garlic sauce. Alternatively, mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes make for a comforting, hearty side that complements the dish beautifully.

For a more balanced meal, consider pairing the chicken with a simple salad made with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. The acidity from the vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the sauce, creating a refreshing contrast.

Conclusion: A Flavorful, Quick, and Comforting Meal

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts are a perfect weeknight dinner that delivers on flavor, texture, and ease. The crispy chicken, combined with the rich and garlicky cream sauce, creates a comforting and indulgent dish that’s quick to make but feels like a special meal. Whether served with pasta, rice, or vegetables, this dish is a family favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Try it today and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, garlicky goodness in every bite!