Minimal Ingredient Creamy Garlic Chicken – A Quick & Rich Delight

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When time is short but your craving for something comforting and indulgent is sky-high, this Minimal Ingredient Creamy Garlic Chicken delivers in full. Juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts swim in a lush garlic cream sauce that’s shockingly simple to create. It’s a weeknight savior that feels like a gourmet treat — no long ingredient list or advanced techniques required.

This dish is all about letting a handful of pantry staples do the heavy lifting. The creamy sauce is infused with garlic’s natural sweetness, while the chicken remains tender and flavorful thanks to a high-heat sear and a short simmer. Serve it over mashed potatoes, pasta, or even steamed veggies for a no-fuss dinner that satisfies every time.

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Ingredients for Minimal Ingredient Creamy Garlic Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• Optional: Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

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Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels — this helps them sear nicely. Generously season both sides with salt and black pepper.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear each side for about 4–5 minutes until golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage. Remove the chicken and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

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Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Then stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook for 3–4 minutes until it slightly thickens.

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Step 5: Simmer Chicken in Sauce

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the top and reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 7–10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if using. Serve hot with your favorite side.

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Storage Instructions

Leftovers of this Minimal Ingredient Creamy Garlic Chicken keep beautifully for easy meal prep or next-day lunches. Here’s how to store them properly:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure the chicken is fully cooled before sealing.
• Freezer: While the cream sauce may separate slightly when frozen, it can still be stored for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently over low heat while stirring to recombine the sauce.
• Reheating: Use a skillet on low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: ~380mg

Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What sides go well with creamy garlic chicken?

Great choices include mashed potatoes, steamed rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work just as well and tend to stay extra juicy.

Is there a dairy-free substitute for heavy cream?

You can use full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. The flavor will change slightly but still be delicious.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely. Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli during the final simmer.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer a bit longer uncovered, or stir in a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch slurry if needed.

Can I use pre-minced garlic from a jar?

Yes, though fresh garlic delivers the most robust flavor. Use 1 teaspoon of jarred garlic per clove.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs, making it suitable for a keto diet.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely! Just scale up the cream and broth in equal parts — great if serving over pasta or rice.

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