There’s something magical about a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. If you’ve been looking for a way to elevate a classic dinner, this Chicken Breast in Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is the perfect solution. Tender chicken fillets are coated in a rich, creamy garlic sauce, accompanied by fluffy rice, sautéed vegetables, and a crisp, refreshing salad. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this meal is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and simplicity. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Comfort Food, Elevated: The creamy garlic sauce takes classic chicken breast to a whole new level.
- Balanced Meal: A complete dish with protein, carbs, vegetables, and salad.
- Simple and Elegant: Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Easily Customizable: Swap out ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
With just a few steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious and hearty meal:
For the Chicken
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Chicken fillets | 3 |
Salt | To taste |
Black pepper | To taste |
Oil | For frying |
Butter | 1 knob |
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Garlic (minced) | 7 cloves (2 for frying, 5 for sauce) |
Onion (chopped) | 1 |
Cream | 1/2 cup |
Broth or water | 1/2 cup |
Lemon juice | To taste |
Nutmeg | 1/2 teaspoon |
Parsley (chopped) | For garnish |
For the Rice
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Rice | 1 cup |
Water | As needed |
Salt | 1 teaspoon |
For the Vegetables
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Carrot (sliced) | 1 |
Bell pepper | 1, chopped |
Asparagus | 100 g (0.2 lb) |
Canned corn | 100 g (0.2 lb) |
Oil | For sautéing |
Salt | To taste |
Black pepper | To taste |
For the Salad
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Salad mix | As desired |
Tomato | 1, chopped |
Cucumber | 1, chopped |
Red onion | 1/2, chopped |
Olive oil | For drizzling |
Salt | To taste |
Black pepper | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Chicken
Season the Chicken
- Generously season the chicken fillets on both sides with salt and black pepper.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat oil and a knob of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken fillets and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Sauté the Garlic and Onion
- If needed, add more butter to the skillet.
- Add 2 minced cloves of garlic and the chopped onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and translucent.
Prepare the Sauce
- Add the remaining 5 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the cream and broth (or water), stirring until well combined.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice and the nutmeg. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Return the chicken fillets to the skillet and coat them with the sauce. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Add Fresh Parsley
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the sauce and gently stir before serving.
3. Cooking the Rice
Prepare the Rice
- Bring water to a boil in a pot and add a teaspoon of salt.
- Add the rice and cook according to package instructions (usually 15-20 minutes).
- Drain any excess water and fluff the rice with a fork.
4. Preparing the Vegetables
Cook the Vegetables
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the sliced carrot, chopped bell pepper, asparagus, and canned corn.
- Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Assembling the Salad
Prepare the Salad
- Combine the salad mix, chopped tomato, cucumber, and red onion in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Toss gently to combine.
6. Plating the Dish
Serve the Meal
- Plate the chicken breasts with creamy garlic sauce alongside the cooked rice.
- Add a serving of the sautéed vegetables and fresh salad for a complete meal.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a harmonious combination of flavors and textures:
- The creamy garlic sauce complements the tender chicken perfectly.
- The fluffy rice balances the richness of the sauce.
- Sautéed vegetables add a pop of color, crunch, and nutrients.
- The salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty components of the meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fats | Fiber |
---|---|---|---|---|
530 kcal | 38 g | 40 g | 18 g | 6 g |
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the exact measurements and brands of ingredients used.
Pro Tips for Success
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh chicken, vegetables, and herbs will make all the difference in flavor.
2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Cook the chicken fillets just until they’re golden brown and fully cooked to keep them juicy.
3. Customize the Sauce
Add a dash of chili flakes for spice, or substitute nutmeg with paprika for a smoky flavor.
4. Experiment with Vegetables
Swap the vegetables with your favorites, like broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a complete meal, but here are some ideas to elevate it further:
- Serve with Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy garlic sauce.
- Pair with White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the rich sauce beautifully.
- Add a Light Dessert: Finish with fruit salad or sorbet for a refreshing end to the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and work well in this recipe.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and reheat gently when ready to serve.
3. Can I replace cream with a lighter option?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version of the sauce.
4. What other vegetables can I use?
Feel free to add green beans, zucchini, or spinach for variety.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
6. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your broth and canned corn are certified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Breast in Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make yet rich in flavor. It’s perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant sides, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delicious homemade meal tonight!
Print
Chicken Breast in Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Tender chicken fillets coated in a luscious creamy garlic sauce, served with fluffy rice, vibrant sautéed vegetables, and a refreshing salad. This restaurant-quality dish is perfect for weeknights or special occasions!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 3 chicken fillets
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying
- 1 knob of butter
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 7 cloves of garlic (2 minced for frying, 5 minced for the sauce)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup of cream
- 1/2 cup of broth or water
- Lemon juice, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- Parsley, chopped
For the Rice:
- 1 cup of rice
- Water, as needed
- 1 teaspoon of salt
For the Vegetables:
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 100 g (0.2 lb) asparagus
- 100 g (0.2 lb) canned corn
- Oil, for sautéing
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Salad:
- Salad mix (lettuce, spinach, arugula, etc.)
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken fillets with salt and pepper. Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Set aside.
-
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté 2 minced garlic cloves and the chopped onion until fragrant and translucent. Add the remaining garlic, cooking for 1 minute. Stir in cream and broth. Add lemon juice and nutmeg. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce. Garnish with parsley.
-
Cook the Rice: Boil water with 1 teaspoon of salt. Add rice and cook according to package instructions (15-20 minutes). Drain and fluff with a fork.
-
Sauté the Vegetables: In a pan, heat oil and sauté the sliced carrot, bell pepper, asparagus, and canned corn for 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Prepare the Salad: Combine the salad mix, chopped tomato, cucumber, and red onion in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss gently.
-
Serve: Plate the chicken with creamy garlic sauce, rice, and sautéed vegetables. Add a side of fresh salad and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version.
- To avoid dry chicken, cook just until golden and no longer pink inside.
- Feel free to swap vegetables for your favorites, like zucchini or broccoli.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: International