Creamy Garlic Chicken Without Heavy Cream

This creamy garlic chicken recipe is a weeknight lifesaver, delivering incredible flavor without the need for heavy cream.

It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken with a rich, savory garlic parmesan sauce, perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious on the table fast.

Forget complicated steps or long ingredient lists; this recipe focuses on accessible ingredients and straightforward techniques. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can create a restaurant-quality meal that the whole family will love, all while keeping things light and flavorful.

Creamy Garlic Chicken (No Heavy Cream)

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• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This creamy garlic chicken is a weeknight lifesaver, delivering incredible flavor without the need for heavy cream. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken with a rich, savory garlic parmesan sauce, perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious on the table fast.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup milk (any kind, dairy or non-dairy)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons cold water

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. If using breasts, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets, about 1/2-inch thick. This helps them cook faster and more evenly. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165 F (74 C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, tented loosely with foil to keep warm.

3. Saute the Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.

4. Deglaze and Build the Sauce Base: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. These bits are full of flavor! Bring the broth to a simmer.

5. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth to create a slurry. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering broth in the skillet, whisking continuously. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, usually within 1-2 minutes. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

6. Add Creaminess and Finish: Stir in the milk and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed.

7. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over it. Let it warm through for a minute or two. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: main dish
• Method: pan-fried, simmered
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: chicken, creamy, garlic, parmesan, weeknight, easy, quick, dinner, sauce, skillet

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This creamy garlic chicken is a true family favorite because it’s incredibly versatile and consistently delicious. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a comforting meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The absence of heavy cream means it feels a little lighter, yet still delivers that luxurious, rich texture everyone craves in a creamy dish. It’s a fantastic option for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners looking for a foolproof recipe to seasoned cooks seeking a reliable staple. Serve it as a hearty main course, or pair it with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying dinner.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients ahead of time makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. This recipe uses common pantry staples and fresh chicken, ensuring you can likely whip it up with minimal fuss.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup milk (any kind, dairy or non-dairy)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

For the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a classic choice, but boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully too and often stay even more tender. If you prefer a richer flavor, thighs are an excellent option. When it comes to milk, feel free to use whatever you have on hand – whole milk, 2%, or even unsweetened almond milk will work for the sauce, providing creaminess without the heaviness of cream. The Parmesan cheese is key for flavor; use freshly grated if possible for the best taste, but pre-grated will also do in a pinch.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for speed and efficiency, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15-20 minutes
• Total time: 25-30 minutes

These times are estimates and can vary slightly depending on how quickly you chop and the thickness of your chicken. However, with a little organization, you can easily have this delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Follow these simple steps to create your creamy garlic chicken with ease.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. If using breasts, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets, about ½-inch thick. This helps them cook faster and more evenly. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, tented loosely with foil to keep warm.
3. Sauté the Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.
4. Deglaze and Build the Sauce Base: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. These bits are full of flavor! Bring the broth to a simmer.
5. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth to create a slurry. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering broth in the skillet, whisking continuously. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, usually within 1-2 minutes. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
6. Add Creaminess and Finish: Stir in the milk and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed.
7. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over it. Let it warm through for a minute or two. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This creamy garlic chicken is incredibly adaptable, making it a fantastic base for various meals and preferences.

• Kid-Friendly Twists: For younger eaters, you can cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces before returning it to the sauce. Serve it with plain pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, which are usually big hits with kids. You can also reduce the garlic slightly if your children are sensitive to strong flavors.
• Vegetable Boost: Stir in some cooked spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli florets into the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for an added nutritional punch and pop of color. Mushrooms also pair wonderfully with the garlic sauce.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce along with the garlic.
• Herb Swaps: While Italian seasoning is classic, feel free to experiment with other dried herbs like thyme or oregano, or fresh herbs like chives or basil stirred in at the end.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish is wonderfully versatile. Serve it over pasta (linguine or fettuccine are excellent choices), with fluffy white rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a lighter meal, pair it with steamed green beans, asparagus, or a simple side salad. Crusty bread is also a must for dipping!

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have a few pitfalls. Knowing what to look out for will help you achieve perfect results every time.

• Overcrowding the Pan: When searing the chicken, avoid putting too many pieces in the skillet at once. This lowers the pan’s temperature, causing the chicken to steam instead of sear, resulting in less browning and flavor. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts, especially when cut thin, cook quickly. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) and then remove it promptly.
• Burning the Garlic: Minced garlic can burn very quickly, turning bitter. Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly for just about a minute until it’s fragrant, then immediately add the broth to stop the cooking.
• Lumpy Sauce: To prevent a lumpy sauce, always mix the cornstarch with cold water *before* adding it to the hot liquid. This creates a smooth slurry that incorporates easily. Also, whisk continuously as you pour it into the simmering broth.
• Too Salty Sauce: Remember that chicken broth and Parmesan cheese both contain salt. Start with the recommended amount of salt for the chicken, then taste the sauce *before* adding more salt. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This creamy garlic chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but it stores and reheats quite well with a few considerations.

• Storing Leftovers: Allow any leftover creamy garlic chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin the sauce back to its original consistency, as it can thicken in the refrigerator. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the chicken tough.
• Make-Ahead Tips: While the dish is best fresh, you can prep components ahead. Slice and season the chicken, and mince the garlic. You can also measure out your broth, milk, and cheese. This will shave precious minutes off your cooking time on a busy weeknight. I don’t recommend making the entire dish more than a day in advance, as the sauce texture can change slightly upon prolonged refrigeration.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Here are some common questions about making creamy garlic chicken without heavy cream.

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FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.