I love simple chicken recipes that bring big flavor without much fuss. Today, I’m sharing two of my favorite easy chicken dishes, both packed with delicious garlic goodness. They are perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Whether you’re in the mood for something rich and creamy or a bright, buttery option, I have you covered. You’ll find these chicken recipes quick to make and wonderful to eat.
Jump to Recipe:
Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken Dinner
This recipe is a comforting meal that comes together quickly. You’ll love the rich, creamy sauce coating tender chicken, making it a family favorite.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Chicken Thighs: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs keeps the chicken very juicy. You can use breasts, but thighs tend to stay more tender.
- Fresh Garlic: Don’t skip fresh garlic here; it truly makes a difference to the overall taste of your sauce.
- Heavy Cream: For the best creamy sauce, heavy cream works wonders. Lighter creams might curdle if cooked too high.
What You Need
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or fresh parsley)
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Prep Chicken & Brown
Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Combine & Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. If using, add fresh spinach and cook until it wilts. Let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Check seasonings and add more if needed. Serve your creamy garlic chicken hot, perhaps with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
📝 Final Note
This creamy garlic chicken is fantastic reheated the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Simple Garlic Butter Chicken Meal
This recipe makes chicken that’s tender and full of flavor from a simple garlic butter sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying dinner you can get on the table fast.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of your dish. You can add more salt later if needed.
- High Heat Searing: Start with high heat to get a nice golden crust on your chicken. This adds a lot of flavor and texture.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the rich butter and garlic notes.
What You Need
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced thinner
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Prep & Season Chicken
Pat your chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. If using thick breasts, slice them in half horizontally to make them thinner and cook faster.
Step 2: Cook Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice (if using). Stir well, scraping up any browned bits.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or green beans.
📝 Final Note
For extra freshness, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a little warmth to this garlic butter chicken. Enjoy it hot!