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If you’re searching for easy chicken breast recipes bursting with flavor and ready in 30 minutes, you’ve landed at the right place! Creamy Garlic Chicken with Thyme layers juicy chicken, velvety sauce, and fragrant herbs to create a dinner everyone will love. This recipe combines crowd-pleasing comfort with simple instructions, making it one of our favorite quick dinner ideas around.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Makes tender, golden chicken quickly
- One skillet for minimal cleanup
- Versatile – pairs with rice, potatoes, or veggies
- Rich sauce with plenty of garlic
- Perfect for meal prep or weeknight meals
Ingredients
Below is a table outlining everything you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 large | Cut lengthwise for thin pieces |
| Kosher salt & black pepper | to taste | For seasoning |
| Garlic powder | 1–2 tsp | Adds depth |
| Olive oil | 1 Tbsp | For sautéing |
| Butter | 3 Tbsp, divided | Use unsalted if possible |
| Medium yellow onion, chopped | 1/2 | Sweetness for sauce |
| Whole garlic cloves, peeled | 12–15 | Smash half for mellow flavor |
| Chicken broth | 1/2 cup | Adds richness |
| Lemon juice | 2 tsp | Balances the cream |
| Fresh thyme leaves or dried thyme | 1 tsp fresh/½ tsp dried | Herb flavor |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup | Creamy sauce |
| Fresh thyme, parsley, lemon wedges | for garnish | Optional |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise so you end up with four thin pieces. Sprinkle both sides lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Once hot, add the chicken and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter, then onion; cook 2–3 minutes. Smash half the garlic cloves with the back of a knife, then add both smashed and whole cloves to the skillet with onions. Cook another 2–3 minutes, until fragrant and lightly browned.
- Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and thyme. Scrape the skillet’s bottom to deglaze. Simmer 4 minutes, allowing sauce to reduce.
- Turn heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream. Return chicken to the skillet and gently simmer 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
- Garnish with fresh thyme, parsley, and lemon wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Kitchen Equipment Used
Mentioned tools you’ll need and where to get them:
- Frying pans (affiliate)
- Cutting board (affiliate)
- Chef’s knives (affiliate)
- Measuring cups and spoons (affiliate)
- Mixing bowls (affiliate)
Explore more kitchen essentials:
- Air fryer: Buy here
- Thermomix: Buy here
- Oven: Buy here
- Electric mixer: Buy here
- Food processor: Buy here
- Pots: Buy here
- Colander strainer basket: Buy here
- Garlic press: Buy here
Helpful Tips & FAQs
Tips
- Smash garlic cloves for a mellow, sweet flavor don’t skip this step!
- Use a thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
- For extra sauce, double the cream and broth.
FAQs
What sides go well with creamy garlic chicken?
Rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered pasta make great pairings.
Can I substitute dried thyme for fresh?
Yes! Use half the amount of dried thyme as fresh.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, prepare sauce and chicken separately, combine and reheat gently to serve.
Creamy Garlic Chicken with Thyme : 30-Minute Recipe for Juicy Chicken Breasts
Juicy chicken breasts cooked in a rich creamy garlic and thyme sauce with caramelized onions and lemon for an easy weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste
1–2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons butter divided
1/2 medium yellow onion chopped
12–15 whole cloves peeled garlic
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried
1/2 cup heavy cream
fresh thyme, parsley, and lemon wedges, for garnish optional
Instructions
1. Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise so you have 4 thin pieces. Sprinkle both sides lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Warm the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts, add chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until it forms a golden crust and is cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Using the back of a knife, smash half of the garlic cloves, then add both the smashed and whole cloves to the pan with the onions. Cook 2-3 minutes more, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly browned on the outside.
5. Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and thyme. Scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze any browned bits and let the sauce simmer for about 4 minutes, until reduced.
6. Reduce heat again to medium-low, then stir in the cream. Return chicken to the skillet and let everything simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
7. Garnish with fresh thyme and parsley, lemon wedges, and a little more black pepper, as desired. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the creamy garlic sauce.
Use fresh thyme for the best flavor, or substitute 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.
Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
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