5-Ingredient Creamy Garlic Chicken (Ready in 20 Minutes!)

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal that requires minimal ingredients but delivers big on flavor, look no further than 5-Ingredient Creamy Garlic Chicken! This simple recipe is ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute dinners, or when you’re craving something rich and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

With just five ingredients, you’ll create a luscious, creamy sauce that perfectly complements tender, juicy chicken breasts. It’s a dish that will have your family asking for seconds, and it’s so simple that even beginner cooks can master it with ease.

Why You’ll Love This 5-Ingredient Creamy Garlic Chicken

Minimal Ingredients: You only need 5 simple ingredients—making it a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this is the perfect weeknight dinner when time is tight.
Creamy and Flavorful: The garlic cream sauce is rich, savory, and pairs wonderfully with the juicy chicken, creating a dish everyone will love.
Versatile: You can pair this dish with any side, like rice, mashed potatoes, or even a simple salad, making it adaptable to any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

As the name suggests, this recipe calls for just five ingredients. These ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, making this dish both convenient and cost-effective.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The lean protein that forms the base of the dish. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer, but chicken breasts work best for a quick cook time.
Heavy cream – This is the secret to the creamy, dreamy garlic sauce. You could substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version, but heavy cream will give the best results.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is best for this recipe. It provides the rich, savory flavor that pairs so well with the creamy sauce.
Parmesan cheese – This adds depth to the creamy sauce and enhances the richness of the dish.
Butter – For sautéing the chicken and adding richness to the sauce.

How to Make 5-Ingredient Creamy Garlic Chicken

Let’s get into the steps for making this incredibly easy and flavorful 5-ingredient creamy garlic chicken!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

To start, season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning will enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and give it a nice base before you cook it.

If your chicken breasts are thick, you may want to pound them to an even thickness (about 1-inch) using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly, giving you that perfect juicy inside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the chicken breasts to the pan.

Cook the chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). You may need to adjust the heat to avoid burning the butter, but make sure the chicken is cooked through and has a nice sear on both sides.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. You can cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm while you make the creamy garlic sauce.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add another tablespoon of butter to the pan and let it melt.

Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The garlic should just become aromatic and slightly golden.

Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir the cream and garlic together to combine.

Once the cream starts to bubble gently, stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture.

You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, depending on your preference. If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it with a little bit of chicken broth or water.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken with the Sauce

Once the sauce is creamy and well-combined, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat it. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat and absorb some of the flavors.

At this point, the chicken should be moist and juicy on the inside, with a nice coating of creamy garlic sauce on the outside.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the chicken is ready, serve it immediately with the creamy garlic sauce drizzled over the top. You can garnish the dish with some freshly chopped parsley or extra grated Parmesan for added flavor and a beautiful presentation.

This dish is perfect with sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Tips for Making Perfect 5-Ingredient Creamy Garlic Chicken

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly if overcooked. Make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked but still moist.
Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic creates the best flavor in this recipe. Pre-minced garlic from a jar can work in a pinch, but fresh garlic brings the best depth of flavor.
Use Fresh Parmesan: While pre-grated Parmesan cheese is convenient, freshly grated Parmesan adds a much richer flavor and better texture to the sauce.
Customize the Sauce: Feel free to customize the garlic cream sauce with herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a splash of white wine for extra depth.
Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions for 5-Ingredient Creamy Garlic Chicken

This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside your creamy garlic chicken:

Rice: A fluffy bowl of white rice or garlic rice makes a great base to soak up the creamy sauce.
Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting, hearty meal, serve this dish with creamy mashed potatoes.
Vegetables: Pair it with sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or steamed green beans to add a healthy, fresh element to the meal.
Pasta: Serve this creamy garlic chicken over a bed of pasta for a delicious, rich dish that the whole family will love.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a little extra cream or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional information for a serving of 5-Ingredient Creamy Garlic Chicken (based on 1 chicken breast with the sauce):

Calories: 400-450 calories per serving
Protein: 30-35 grams
Fat: 30 grams
Carbohydrates: 4-6 grams
Fiber: 0 grams
Sugar: 1-2 grams

Conclusion

With just 5 simple ingredients and 20 minutes of your time, you can prepare a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a household favorite. This creamy garlic chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, and it’s versatile enough to serve with a variety of sides. The rich, creamy garlic sauce will have everyone asking for seconds, and the best part is that it’s so easy to make!

So, if you’re looking for a quick and creamy chicken dish that’s bursting with flavor, try out this recipe tonight and enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal effort.