There’s something so comforting about a simple chicken dinner, isn’t there? It takes me back to cozy evenings spent in the kitchen, the aroma of garlic wafting through the air, making my mouth water. This Easy Chicken Dinner with Garlic and Cream Sauce is not just a recipe; it’s an experience, a warm hug on a plate. I learned this dish from my grandmother, who always knew how to turn everyday ingredients into something magical. You’ll find that it’s as easy as pie—and even more delicious!
Why you’ll love this recipe
This dish is a perfect blend of quick prep and rich flavors. You know those nights when you want something comforting, but you don’t want to spend hours sweating over the stove? This recipe is your answer! The creamy garlic sauce envelops the chicken in a way that dances on your taste buds. Plus, it’s utterly versatile—you could serve it over pasta, rice, or even with a simple side of veggies.
And let’s not forget about the mushrooms! They add a beautiful earthiness that pairs perfectly with the creamy richness of the sauce. Not to mention, everything can be made in one skillet. Less cleanup means more time for what matters—enjoying your meal! Finally, the vibrant touch of fresh parsley gives it a pop of color and flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Gather these ingredients
Let’s break down what you’ll need for this culinary adventure:
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Chicken Breasts: You’ll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They’re the star of the show! Feel free to swap them out for thighs if you prefer dark meat; they’ll just bring a deeper flavor to the dish.
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Mushrooms: Two cups of sliced mushrooms add not just texture but a lovely umami flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using shiitake or a mix of wild mushrooms for a unique twist.
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Garlic: Four cloves, minced. Garlic is what brings this dish to life with its aromatic charm. Don’t skimp on it—the more, the merrier!
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Heavy Cream: One cup gives that luscious, velvety texture to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half could work, but let’s be honest—rich is what we’re after here!
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Olive Oil: Two tablespoons for sautéing. A good quality extra virgin olive oil will add depth to the flavor.
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Salt and Pepper: Season to taste. These are your trusty sidekicks that enhance all the other flavors.
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Fresh Parsley: A handful for garnish. This little sprinkle lifts the dish both visually and taste-wise. Plus, it’s a great way to brighten up any meal!
Preparing Easy Chicken Dinner with Garlic and Cream Sauce
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Heat the Skillet: Drizzle olive oil into a skillet over medium heat. Let it warm up—just like you would before diving into a warm blanket on a chilly evening.
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Sauté the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Into the skillet they go! Sauté for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Don’t rush this part; let those beautiful browning moments happen. When ready, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Mushrooms and Garlic: In that same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the garlic is fragrant. Trust me, it smells divine!
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Create the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to blend it with the mushrooms and garlic. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to thicken. This is the moment where magic happens—watch for that creamy transformation!
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Reintroduce the Chicken: Bring the chicken back to the skillet, coating it generously with that luscious cream sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors meld together—oh, what a joy!
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Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot. Just like that, you’ve created a heartwarming dish that will impress anyone at your table!
Best way to enjoy it
This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove, but let’s not stop there! Serve it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, or perhaps with a side of sautéed green beans or a crisp salad. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a drizzle of balsamic reduction on top adds a delightful pop of acidity to balance the creaminess.
Pair it with a glass of your favorite white wine—something crisp and refreshing like a Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully. Not in the mood for wine? A sparkling water with lemon could brighten up your dinner, too!
Keeping leftovers fresh
A culinary gem like this deserves to be stored correctly! Firstly, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to bring back that luscious texture.
If you’ve made a big batch and want to freeze it, go ahead! Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and it’ll be good for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. And remember, always ensure food safety practices—don’t let lingering doubts about food freshness ruin your enjoyment!
Pro chef tips
Here are a few insider secrets to elevate your chicken dinner:
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Don’t skip the seasoning: Season each component as you go. It builds layers of flavor that can make a mundane dish quite extraordinary.
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Adjust creaminess: If you want to lighten it up a bit, you could substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth. This still keeps a nice creamy texture while reducing calories!
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Bring on the herbs: If you have it on hand, fresh thyme or rosemary could be a fabulous addition, sprinkled in while sautéing the mushrooms. It amplifies the aroma and taste—like a walk in the woods!
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous or working with what’s in your pantry? Here are some fun variations to try:
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Add Spinach: Toss in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach with the mushrooms for a healthy boost.
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Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes can bring some heat into the cream sauce, giving it a nice zing!
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Cheesy Goodness: Stir in some grated Parmesan or Gouda for a cheesy twist that’ll make it taste just like a restaurant classic.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions to follow
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sauté for 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add sliced mushrooms and garlic to the same skillet. Sauté until mushrooms are tender and garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
- Return chicken to the skillet, coating it with the cream sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Your questions answered
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Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, but make sure they’re fully thawed before cooking for even cooking.
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What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can use half-and-half, or a mixture of milk and butter in a pinch, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
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How can I make this dairy-free? Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
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What should I serve with it? It pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad—ideal for soaking up that delicious sauce!
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How long does this dish take to make? Approximately 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a weeknight dinner!
This recipe is not just about nourishing your body; it’s about nourishing your soul. Enjoy every moment spent cooking and eating. I can’t wait to hear how your version turns out! So, roll up your sleeves, dive in, and let your kitchen come alive with flavors. You’re part of a vibrant cooking community—so share your successes, experiments, and little twists!
Use Your Leftovers
Reduce food waste by making these recipes with your leftover ingredients:
Easy Chicken Dinner with Garlic and Cream Sauce
Description
This Easy Chicken Dinner with Garlic and Cream Sauce is not just a recipe; it’s an experience, a warm hug on a plate. The creamy garlic sauce envelops the chicken, creating a comforting dish that is sure to impress.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Steps
-
Heat the Skillet
Drizzle olive oil into a skillet over medium heat.Let it warm up properly. -
Sauté the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sauté for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.Remove and set aside. -
Mushrooms and Garlic
In that same skillet, add mushrooms and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender. -
Create the Sauce
Pour in heavy cream and stir. Allow to simmer for a few minutes to thicken.Watch for the creamy transformation. -
Reintroduce the Chicken
Add the chicken back to the skillet to coat with the cream sauce.Cook for an additional 2 minutes. -
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 500kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 36g56%
- Saturated Fat 20g100%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 150mg50%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Potassium 600mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 8g3%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 40g80%
- Vitamin A 10 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 5 mg
- Iron 10 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
