Grilled Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a flavorful and comforting dish that features tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with smoky grill marks and topped with a rich, velvety garlic sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple yet packed with rich flavors
- Juicy, grilled chicken with a creamy, garlicky sauce
- Pairs well with a variety of side dishes
- Easy to make in under 30 minutes
- A restaurant-quality meal at home
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Grilled Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic, minced
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Dried oregano
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
Directions
Grill the Chicken:
- Marinate the chicken by combining olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and oregano. Coat the chicken evenly and let it rest for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (or use a grill pan).
- Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let rest while preparing the sauce.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Add fresh parsley and remove from heat.
Serve:
- Plate the grilled chicken and spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the top.
- Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve hot with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Mushroom Cream Sauce: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for extra depth.
- Lemon Garlic Twist: Add a splash of lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor.
- Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme or basil for additional flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
- Freezing: The chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months, but the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and provide extra juiciness.
What sides pair best with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad complement this dish perfectly.
Can I make this sauce without heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Marinate it for at least 15 minutes and avoid overcooking—remove from heat once it reaches 165°F (75°C).
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can grill the chicken ahead of time and reheat it with the sauce before serving.
How do I thicken the garlic sauce?
If needed, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce while simmering.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese make good substitutes.
Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of fresh?
Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but pre-minced garlic can be used if necessary.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the chicken broth and Parmesan cheese are gluten-free.
Can I make this dish in a pan instead of grilling?
Yes, cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side.
Conclusion
Grilled Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a simple yet delicious meal that combines juicy, flavorful chicken with a rich, garlicky sauce. Whether served with pasta, rice, or vegetables, this dish is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Try different variations to make it your own, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Print
Juicy grilled chicken breast smothered in a rich and creamy garlic sauce, perfect for serving with fries or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
-
Grill the Chicken:
- Season chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Grill over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
-
Make the Sauce:
- Melt butter in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. Stir until thickened.
-
Assemble:
- Pour the creamy garlic sauce over the grilled chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Can be served with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or pasta.
- Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more cream or broth.
- Add red pepper flakes for a slight kick.