Creamy Garlic Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special dinner, this recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients and delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
- Rich and creamy – The garlic-infused cream sauce is indulgent and packed with flavor.
- Versatile – Pair it with pasta, rice, or vegetables for a complete meal.
- Family-friendly – Even picky eaters will love the creamy, garlicky goodness.
- One-pan meal – Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your dinner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic cloves
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the chicken – Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the chicken – Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce – In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, then add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Simmer and combine – Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
- Serve – Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite side dish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add mushrooms – Sauté mushrooms before adding the garlic for extra depth of flavor.
- Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a kick.
- Use different protein – Swap chicken for shrimp or pork chops.
- Low-carb option – Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
- Lemon twist – Add a splash of lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?
Use low to medium heat and avoid boiling the sauce to prevent separation.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You can thicken it with a little cornstarch.
What’s the best way to check if the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time as bone-in chicken takes longer to cook.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s naturally low-carb when served without pasta or rice.
What can I serve with creamy garlic chicken?
It pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, pasta, or a fresh salad.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce longer or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry.
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but pre-minced can be used for convenience.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding extra cream or broth to restore the sauce.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. With its rich, garlicky sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with your choice of sides, and enjoy a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Print
Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy garlic chicken is rich, flavorful, and made in just one pan! The tender, juicy chicken is coated in a creamy garlic sauce with Parmesan and a hint of herbs. It’s perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice large chicken breasts in half to make thinner fillets. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Dredge lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add Cream & Cheese: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Combine & Serve: Return the chicken to the pan, coating it in the sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve!
Notes
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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