If you are searching for a comforting yet elegant dish that will impress anyone at your dinner table, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, golden-browned chicken breasts swimming in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Every bite delivers a perfect harmony of garlic’s warmth and the softness of cream, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. This recipe balances simplicity with indulgence, showing that a handful of pantry staples can come together to create an unforgettable experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each plays a crucial role: the chicken provides tender protein, the garlic infuses deep savory notes, while the cream creates that silky texture everyone loves. Together, these ingredients blend beautifully to make a dish that feels both rustic and refined.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Using thinner cutlets ensures quick and even cooking while keeping the chicken juicy.
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning: Adds a subtle herbaceous background that complements the garlic perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper: Offers a gentle kick without overpowering the dish.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps create a light crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce wonderfully.
- 2 Tbsp olive oil: Provides a healthy fat with a fruity aroma for sautéing the chicken.
- 2 Tbsp butter, divided: Adds richness and helps brown both chicken and garlic.
- 1 whole garlic bulb (about 8-9 cloves): The star ingredient, giving the dish its signature garlicky punch.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Forms the savory base of the sauce for freshness and moisture.
- 3/4 cup heavy cream: Brings the sauce its creamy, velvety texture that clings perfectly to the chicken.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Boosts garlic flavor for an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: Final seasoning adjustments to balance the flavors just right.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by trimming your chicken breasts and slicing them into thinner cutlets if they aren’t already. This makes cooking faster and ensures every bite is tender. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, then generously coat each piece with flour. This layer not only adds flavor but also helps create a perfect golden crust when cooked.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat your skillet over medium heat and add olive oil along with half the butter. Once the pan is hot, carefully place the chicken cutlets in and cook them until they develop a beautiful golden color on each side, approximately four minutes per side. Remove the chicken and keep it warm while you prepare the sauce. This searing step locks in juices and builds flavor foundations for the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Peel the garlic cloves from the bulb and give each a gentle smash with the flat side of your knife. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the smashed garlic cloves. Lower the heat slightly and sauté for about three minutes until the garlic turns lightly browned and fragrant. Keep stirring so that the garlic softens but doesn’t burn — this process releases that signature mellow garlic aroma essential to the dish.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then sprinkle the garlic powder into the skillet. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom — these morsels pack incredible flavor. Let the sauce simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken by half. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to achieve the perfect balance of richness and savoriness.
Step 5: Combine and Warm Through
Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce generously over each piece. Allow them to heat together for a few minutes so the chicken can absorb those garlicky, creamy flavors. This final touch ties everything into a luscious dish ready to serve and delight your taste buds.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley brings a pop of green color and a slight herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the sauce. For an extra touch, a dash of freshly grated Parmesan can add a nutty finish that’s absolutely divine.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy mashed potatoes, tender roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. Each side complements the creamy garlic chicken by either soaking up the sauce or providing a fresh counterpoint, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating the chicken atop a bed of sautéed spinach or creamy polenta for an elegant touch. You can also drizzle some sauce around the plate for a restaurant-style look. For family-style dinners, serve the chicken in the skillet itself to keep everything warm and inviting right at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover creamy garlic chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. The sauce and chicken hold well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day meals or a quick reheat lunch.
Freezing
If you want to save the dish longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container. The cream sauce may thicken slightly upon thawing, but a quick gentle reheat with a splash of broth or water will bring back its silky texture without losing flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low to medium heat on the stove to avoid breaking the sauce. Stir gently and cover to maintain moisture, adding a bit of broth if the sauce becomes too thick. Microwave reheating is possible but be sure to heat in short increments to keep the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work wonderfully and offer a juicier, slightly richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through but not dry.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative and use olive oil instead of butter. The flavor will differ slightly but will still result in a creamy, delicious sauce.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes can be sautéed along with the garlic to add color, texture, and nutritional value to your creamy garlic chicken.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the richness and garlic notes beautifully, balancing the creaminess with a refreshing acidity.
How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Taking care to not overcook the chicken cutlets and slicing them thin helps keep them tender. Cooking over medium heat and removing them promptly once golden prevents dryness.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is hands-down one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Its perfect balance of flavors and textures makes dinner feel special without complicated steps or ingredients. I encourage you to give it a try — I promise it’s a dish that will warm your heart and delight your palate every time.
PrintCreamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, flour-coated chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection in a skillet, then finished with a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce made from sautéed garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and seasonings. Perfect for a comforting yet elegant weeknight dinner, the simple ingredients come together in about 40 minutes to create a flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lbs. total)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp butter, divided
Garlic Cream Sauce
- 1 whole garlic bulb (about 8–9 garlic cloves)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully fillet each chicken breast into two thinner cutlets, or use thin-cut chicken breasts to ensure even cooking.
- Season and Coat: Season each chicken breast with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle flour over both sides of the chicken breasts and rub it in to evenly coat each piece.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook for about 4 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm on a clean plate.
- Prepare Garlic: While cooking the chicken, peel the garlic cloves and smash them gently with the side of a large chef’s knife by pressing down with the heel of your hand to release their flavor.
- Sauté Garlic: Return the skillet to medium-low heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the smashed garlic cloves and sauté for about 3 minutes until they are lightly browned and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Make Sauce: Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, then sprinkle in garlic powder. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet’s bottom. Let the sauce simmer for 8-10 minutes until it reduces and thickens by approximately half. Taste the sauce and season with additional salt and pepper as desired.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy garlic sauce over them. Allow the chicken to heat through in the sauce for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness if not using thin-cut breasts to ensure uniform cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially the salt and pepper in the sauce after it reduces.
- Serve alongside mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic cream sauce.
- If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the number of garlic cloves or cooking time during sautéing.
- The sauce can be thickened further by simmering longer, or thinned with additional broth if it becomes too thick.
