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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup heavy cream - 4 cloves garlic, minced - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup fresh spinach leaves - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped In this dish, the chicken forms the heart. It brings protein and a mild flavor. Heavy cream adds richness, making every bite smooth. Garlic gives a punch of flavor. The Parmesan cheese brings in a salty, nutty taste that elevates the dish. Seasonings like thyme and smoked paprika add depth. Thyme has a sweet, earthy flavor, while smoked paprika adds a hint of heat. Salt and pepper bring balance to the dish. For the sauce, we use olive oil to sear the chicken. Chicken broth deglazes the pan and adds moisture. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients. Finally, parsley not only looks great but adds freshness to each plate. With these ingredients, you create a creamy garlic chicken dish that will wow everyone at your table. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Season the chicken breasts Start by seasoning your chicken. Use salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika. Make sure to cover both sides well. This adds great flavor to the meat. - Heat the oil in a skillet Next, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Use medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers before adding chicken. - Sear the chicken Carefully place the seasoned chicken in the hot skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want a nice golden brown crust. Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety. - Transfer and cover Once cooked, move the chicken to a plate. Cover it loosely with foil. This keeps it warm while you make the sauce. - Sauté garlic and deglaze In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add four minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about one minute. Stir constantly to avoid burning. Then, pour in one cup of chicken broth. This will help deglaze the skillet. - Incorporate cream and cheese Now, stir in one cup of heavy cream and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts. The sauce should thicken in about 3-4 minutes. - Add spinach and return chicken Add one cup of fresh spinach to the sauce. Stir until the leaves wilt. Then, return the chicken to the skillet. Coat the chicken in the creamy sauce. - Final cooking and seasoning Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes. Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if needed. This ensures a balanced flavor. - To achieve the right crust, use medium-high heat. This helps the chicken brown well. - Ensure the chicken is dry before adding it to the skillet. This enhances the sear. - Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side. Check for a golden color. - To thicken the sauce, let it simmer a bit longer. This helps it reduce. - You can add more cheese to enhance flavor and thickness. Parmesan works great. - Taste the sauce often and adjust with salt or pepper. A little can make a big difference. - Fresh parsley adds color and taste. Sprinkle some on before serving. - Serve the chicken over rice or mashed potatoes for a lovely base. - A lemon wedge on the side is great for a fresh pop of flavor. Pro Tips Resting the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier bite. Adding Depth of Flavor: Consider adding a splash of white wine when deglazing the skillet for an extra layer of flavor in your sauce. Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh herbs like thyme or basil can elevate the dish significantly. Add them at the end to preserve their vibrant flavor. Adjusting Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a low-fat cream option. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Using shrimp makes a quick and tasty meal. Just sauté the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink. Pork works well too. Cook pork chops the same way as chicken. They will soak up the creamy sauce nicely. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using cauliflower or mushrooms. Sauté them until tender, then follow the same steps. These veggies absorb the garlic flavor and add a nice texture to the dish. Adding lemon elevates the dish. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the sauce just before serving. This adds a bright note that balances the creaminess. Other herbs, like basil or rosemary, can also add depth. Simply chop them finely and stir them in along with the garlic. Want to try something special? Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for a rich, tangy flavor. Chop them up and add them when you mix in the spinach. They give a nice color and a burst of flavor in every bite. This creamy garlic chicken pairs well with many sides. Fluffy rice acts as a great base, soaking up the rich sauce. Buttery mashed potatoes are another favorite. They offer a creamy contrast and make the meal feel more hearty. For a twist, you can serve it over quinoa or polenta. Both add a nutty flavor and unique texture. Roasted veggies also complement the dish well. They bring in a bit of crunch and extra nutrients. Try asparagus or green beans for a colorful plate. Store your creamy garlic chicken in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well for this dish. It stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure it cools before sealing the container to avoid steam build-up. This helps keep the chicken moist and safe. To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat. Stir often to help the sauce warm evenly. You can also use a microwave. Cover the dish to keep moisture in. Avoid high heat, as this can cause the sauce to separate. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. This will help bring back its creamy texture. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. First, thaw it in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Cook it straight from frozen, but adjust your cooking time. When using frozen chicken, add a few extra minutes to ensure it's fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (74°C). You can use milk and butter as a lighter option. Mix ¾ cup of milk with ¼ cup of melted butter. This gives a creamy texture without the heaviness. Another option is Greek yogurt. It adds a nice tang and creaminess. Use it in equal parts as heavy cream for great flavor. To make this dish ahead, cook the chicken and the sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. You can prep the chicken up to two days in advance. When ready to eat, reheat them in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. This keeps the flavors fresh and delicious! This blog post covered a delicious creamy chicken recipe. You learned about key ingredients like chicken breasts, heavy cream, and garlic. We discussed step-by-step instructions for cooking and making the sauce. Tips helped you perfect the sear and adjust sauce consistency. Variations offered protein choices and flavor tweaks to suit your taste. Finally, we shared effective ways to store leftovers and reheat them. Try this recipe to impress your family or friends. Enjoy the rich flavors and make it your own!

Creamy Garlic Chicken Delight

A rich and flavorful chicken dish cooked in a creamy garlic sauce with spinach and Parmesan.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika for added flavor.
  • Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook them for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, aiming for a golden brown crust and ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken onto a plate and cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
  • Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until it becomes aromatic. Be cautious not to let it burn, as this can create a bitter taste.
  • Deglaze the Skillet: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the skillet, releasing any flavorful browned bits stuck to the surface.
  • Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing them well until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens slightly, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
  • Incorporate the Spinach and Chicken: Add the fresh spinach to the sauce, stirring until the leaves are wilted. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, ensuring it's well coated in the luscious sauce. Allow everything to cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend harmoniously.
  • Final Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, ensuring a balanced flavor.
  • Serve and Garnish: Once ready, plate the creamy garlic chicken and garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve over rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, creamy, dinner, easy, garlic