Creamy Garlic Chicken Breast
When you need an easy chicken dinner that feels comforting but still simple to make, this creamy garlic chicken breast recipe is a great choice for busy weeknights.
Made with skinless boneless chicken breast, garlic, cream, and simple pantry ingredients, this dish comes together in one pan and pairs well with mashed potato, rice, pasta, or seasonal vegetables.
It is a practical chicken breast recipe for NZ families who want something quick, warm, and satisfying without needing a long list of ingredients.
Why Chicken Breast Works Well for This Recipe
Chicken breast is one of the easiest cuts to keep on hand for everyday meals. It cooks quickly, absorbs sauces well, and works across many dinner ideas, from creamy chicken recipes to stir-fries, salads, wraps, and meal prep.
For this recipe, skinless boneless chicken breast is ideal because it is easy to slice, quick to pan-fry, and perfect for coating in a creamy garlic sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried mixed herbs
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and cracked black pepper
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1 cup cooking cream
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, optional
- Fresh parsley, chopped
To Serve
- Mashed potato
- Steamed rice
- Pasta
- Green beans
- Roasted vegetables
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breast dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, cracked black pepper, paprika, and dried mixed herbs.
For even cooking, you can gently flatten the thicker part of the chicken breast before pan-frying.
2. Sear the Chicken Breast
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken breast and cook for around 5–6 minutes on each side, or until golden and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Using the same pan, add butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring gently so the garlic does not burn.
Pour in the chicken stock and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes. Add the cooking cream and stir until the sauce starts to thicken.
If using parmesan cheese, stir it through at this stage.
4. Return the Chicken to the Pan
Place the chicken breast back into the pan and spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the top.
Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the chicken is coated and warmed through.
5. Serve
Serve the creamy garlic chicken breast with mashed potato, rice, pasta, or vegetables. Finish with fresh parsley and extra cracked black pepper.
Cooking Tips for Chicken Breast
- Cook chicken breast over medium heat so the outside does not brown too quickly.
- Avoid overcooking, as chicken breast can dry out if left too long in the pan.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 75°C before serving.
- Add a splash of chicken stock if the creamy garlic sauce becomes too thick.
Easy Chicken Breast Recipe for NZ Weeknight Dinners
This creamy garlic chicken breast recipe is simple enough for a weeknight meal but still feels special enough for a family dinner.
It is a great way to use skinless boneless chicken breast when you want a quick protein option that works with pantry staples and everyday sides.
Whether you serve it with mash, rice, pasta, or seasonal vegetables, this recipe is a reliable dinner idea to keep in your weekly meal rotation.