Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken: 1 Amazing Recipe

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Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken has been my go-to for impressing guests and satisfying my own cravings alike. I first tried making it on a whim one Tuesday night, hoping for something a little more exciting than my usual routine, and it was an instant hit! The aroma of garlic and herbs filling my kitchen was just the beginning. That first bite – tender chicken bathed in a rich, velvety sauce – was pure comfort. It’s a dish that feels elegant enough for company but is simple enough for any night. If you’re looking for a meal that’s both incredibly delicious and packed with goodness, especially if you’re incorporating high protein white beans into your diet, this is it. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken

This dish is a winner for so many reasons:

It’s incredibly quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
The sauce is luxuriously creamy and bursting with flavor.
It’s a fantastic way to get a cannellini bean protein boost if you serve it alongside them.
The chicken is always tender and juicy.
It feels elegant enough for special occasions but is simple enough for any meal.
It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides, including protein-rich white beans for a complete, high-protein meal.
The aroma alone will make your mouth water!

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken

Gather these ingredients for a simple yet flavorful meal. We’re focusing on the chicken and sauce, but remember that adding best white beans for protein like cannellini beans alongside makes for an even more complete, high-protein meal.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – about 6-8 oz each
2 tablespoons olive oil – for searing the chicken
4 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic is key for that pungent flavor
1 cup heavy cream – this creates our luscious, creamy sauce
1 cup chicken broth – adds depth and helps deglaze the pan
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil – these herbs bring a classic aromatic blend
Salt and pepper, to taste – season generously
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – melts into the sauce for richness
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – adds a pop of color and freshness

How to Make Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken

This recipe is surprisingly simple and comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something impressive without a lot of fuss. Imagine the sizzle as the chicken hits the pan – that golden-brown crust is the start of something delicious!

Step 1: Season your chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and pepper. This is your first chance to build flavor.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, carefully lay the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear for about 6-7 minutes per side, until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and are cooked through. Remove the chicken and place it on a clean plate, keeping it warm.
Step 3: Lower the heat slightly. Add the 4 cloves garlic, minced, to the same skillet. Sauté for just about 1 minute until you can smell that irresistible garlic aroma, but be careful not to let it burn.
Step 4: Pour in the 1 cup chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan – that’s where so much flavor is hiding! Bring this to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the 1 cup heavy cream. Watch as it begins to transform into a luscious sauce. If you’re thinking about adding some high protein white beans to this dish, now would be a great time to rinse and drain a can to add them to the simmering sauce.
Step 6: Add the dried herbs: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon dried basil. Season with a pinch more salt and pepper. Let the sauce gently bubble for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Step 7: Stir in the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts completely, making the sauce wonderfully creamy and rich. This step is crucial for that signature decadent texture.
Step 8: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon some of that glorious creamy garlic herb sauce over each piece. If you’ve added white bean protein to the sauce, ensure the beans are coated too.
Step 9: Let the chicken simmer gently in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes. This allows the chicken to warm through and soak up all those amazing flavors. It’s a fantastic way to create a truly satisfying meal, especially when serving alongside additional high protein white beans for a complete dish.
Step 10: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish generously with fresh parsley, chopped, for a burst of freshness and color. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Elevate Your Dish: Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken

Want to make this already delicious dish even more spectacular? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference.

Always use fresh garlic; dried granules just don’t offer the same pungent kick.
Don’t skip searing the chicken! That golden-brown crust adds incredible flavor and texture.
Make sure your heavy cream is at room temperature before adding it to the sauce to prevent curdling.
If you have time, marinating the chicken in a bit of the herbs and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking can deepen the flavor further.

What’s the secret to a perfectly creamy sauce for Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken?

The magic lies in a few key elements: gently simmering the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted, and not boiling the sauce vigorously. This careful approach ensures a smooth, velvety texture, showcasing the rich white bean protein content when served alongside. For more on cooking techniques, you can explore our cooking guides.

Can I make Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash more broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken?

Avoid overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry; cook it just until done before adding it back to the sauce. Also, be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Finally, don’t boil the sauce rapidly after adding the cream and cheese, as this can cause it to break.

Serving Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken with Protein-Rich Sides

This decadent Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken is fantastic on its own, but pairing it with the right sides truly elevates the meal. For a complete, satisfying experience, I love serving it alongside a generous portion of cannellini beans. They soak up that delicious sauce beautifully and add a wonderful texture. These create truly healthy white bean protein meals that are both nourishing and incredibly tasty. You can find more ideas on our homepage.

Another great option is a simple side of steamed or roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, to add a fresh counterpoint to the rich sauce. And if you’re looking for a starch, some crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that creamy goodness, or consider a side of quinoa for an extra protein punch.

Nutritional Spotlight: Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken and White Beans

This Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken is not only a flavor powerhouse but also a great source of protein, especially when you consider pairing it with nutrient-dense white beans. The chicken alone provides a solid foundation, and adding beans significantly enhances the white bean protein boost. Each serving offers a satisfying amount of nutrients:

Calories: 540 kcal
Fat: 41g
Saturated Fat: N/A
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: N/A
Fiber: N/A
Sugar: N/A
Sodium: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially if you add different types of beans. For more details on nutritional information, please refer to our privacy policy.

Storing and Reheating Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken

Leftovers of this delicious Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken are a true gift! Once it’s cooled down completely, transfer any remaining chicken and sauce into airtight containers. This helps maintain its flavor and texture. For the best quality, I recommend keeping it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s a fantastic option for meal prep, ensuring you have a high-protein meal ready to go.

If you want to store it for longer, freezing is a great option. You can freeze portions for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the key is gentle reheating. Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash more chicken broth or a bit of cream if the sauce seems too thick. This method helps preserve the chicken’s tenderness and the sauce’s creaminess, making it taste almost as good as fresh, and it remains one of your go-to protein sources white beans can complement. Learn more about our terms of use.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken and White Beans

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts, just make sure they are completely thawed before you begin. Pat them dry very well after thawing to ensure a good sear.

How much protein is in white beans, and are they a good source of protein?

Yes, white beans are an excellent source of protein! For example, a typical 1-cup serving of cooked cannellini beans contains about 15 grams of protein. This makes them a fantastic addition to meals like this chicken dish, enhancing the overall protein-rich white beans profile and making it a more complete, satisfying meal. They are definitely one of the best white beans for protein.

What are some other high-protein bean recipes I can try?

If you love the idea of boosting protein with beans, there are tons of delicious options! Consider a hearty high protein white bean chili, a flavorful white bean stew protein dish, or even a simple salad with mixed beans and a light vinaigrette. These high protein bean recipes are wonderful for diverse meal planning. You can find more recipes on our recipes page.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

To make this recipe dairy-free, you would need to substitute the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Coconut cream or a cashew-based cream can work for the sauce, and nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor. For a vegan version, you would also substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein like firm tofu or tempeh. These substitutions can still result in delicious vegan high protein white beans meals.

Delicious Variations of Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken

While this Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken is fantastic as is, I love experimenting with ways to change it up! It’s a versatile base that works wonderfully in many different contexts, especially when you’re looking for high protein bean recipes.

Lemon-Herb Twist: Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and a teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce for a bright, zesty flavor. This complements the herbs beautifully and adds a refreshing note.
Mushroom Medley: Sauté sliced mushrooms (like cremini or shiitake) with the garlic before adding the broth. They add a lovely earthy flavor and meaty texture, making the dish even more satisfying.
Spicy Kick: For those who like a little heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the dried herbs. It adds a subtle warmth that balances the creamy richness.
Sun-Dried Tomato Addition: Chop and add a few oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce along with the Parmesan cheese. They bring a concentrated, savory sweetness that’s absolutely delightful.