Creamy Garlic Chicken (Dairy Free & Paleo) | Get Inspired Everyday!
Introduction
If you crave a dish that’s decadently creamy, loaded with garlic flavor, yet surprisingly light and free from dairy, this Creamy Garlic Chicken checks all the boxes. Its luscious sauce and tender chicken make it a weeknight superstar, and it’s guaranteed to win over everyone at the table—whether you eat paleo, dairy free, or simply love a delicious meal. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and 30 minutes of your time, this dinner delivers bold flavor and satisfying comfort.
Why Creamy Garlic Chicken Stands Out
The secret to this recipe’s unforgettable taste is the clever use of coconut milk and a hint of nutritional yeast—creating a rich, garlicky sauce without a drop of dairy. The sauce coats juicy pan-seared chicken breasts, making every bite loaded with flavor. It’s cozy, elegant enough for company, but simple enough for busy weeknights—a true crowd pleaser with a healthy twist.
All About That Creamy Dairy Free Sauce
The ultra-creamy sauce starts with plenty of minced garlic sautéed until fragrant. Full-fat coconut milk steps in for cream, providing a rich texture without overpowering coconut flavor. A pinch of nutritional yeast gives depth reminiscent of parmesan, while arrowroot starch thickens the sauce to perfection. The final result is an indulgent pan sauce that will have you licking your plate!
Seared Chicken: Tender and Flavorful
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well here. For even cooking, pound them to a uniform thickness before seasoning and searing until golden-brown. Cooking the chicken in the same pan as the sauce infuses even more flavor and keeps cleanup minimal.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Chicken
Serve this dish over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or with a side of roasted vegetables to keep it paleo and dairy free. Fresh chopped parsley or chives make a vibrant garnish. Don’t forget to spoon plenty of creamy garlic sauce over each portion!
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields 4 generous servings. Each serving contains approximately 320 calories, 29g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 17g healthy fats (calculated with chicken breast and full-fat coconut milk). It’s gluten free, dairy free, and paleo—making it a nourishing main course for a variety of diets.
Ingredients
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Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 5–6 minutes per side (until golden-brown and cooked through). Remove to a plate and cover.
- Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute (do not brown).
- Pour in the coconut milk, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in nutritional yeast and a pinch more salt.
- In a small bowl, whisk arrowroot starch with water to make a slurry. Stir into the sauce and simmer until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Return chicken (and any juices) to the pan. Coat with the creamy sauce and simmer on low for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with parsley or chives and serve immediately.
Weekly Meal Planning
Creamy Garlic Chicken is an ideal choice for weekly meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe to effortlessly plan your week—CookifyAI automatically adds these ingredients to your master shopping list and syncs them with all other recipes you plan.
Planning Benefits:
- See exactly how many ingredients you need for multiple planned meals
- Shopping lists sort ingredients by store section for fast grocery runs
- Avoid duplicate purchases and accidental food waste
- Effortlessly balance your week with nourishing, crowd pleasing recipes
Pro tip: Schedule your meals to automatically adjust quantities, combine like ingredients, and simplify your shopping routine!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Enjoy the bold, comforting flavors of Creamy Garlic Chicken tonight and let CookifyAI make your weekly meal planning simpler and smarter!
