If you’re in the mood for a cozy, comforting meal that feels special but is totally doable on a busy weeknight, this Creamy Garlic Chicken absolutely delivers. Juicy chicken breasts are bathed in a luscious sauce made with plenty of garlic, a splash of cream, and a handful of Parmesan, capturing all those dreamy, rich flavors we crave. It’s the kind of dish that earns rave reviews from family and friends, and best of all, it goes from stovetop to table in just 30 minutes. If Creamy Garlic Chicken isn’t already in your regular dinner rotation, it’s about to be a true star!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Garlic Chicken is that every ingredient matters, bringing its own little “wow” factor to the dish. This recipe keeps it wonderfully simple, yet each addition elevates the flavor, tenderness, and appearance of your final chicken masterpiece.
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless breasts for quick cooking and maximum tenderness in every bite.
- Salt: Just a pinch is perfect for bringing out the natural flavors of both the chicken and the sauce.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle savory warmth that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken beautifully while adding a touch of fruity flavor.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Four cloves create that signature aromatic punch and melt right into the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and brings depth; it’s the start of that irresistibly silky sauce.
- Heavy cream: The star for making the sauce decadently smooth and full-bodied.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a bold, cheesy finish that’s hard to resist.
- Italian seasoning: Balances the rich flavors with a medley of herbs for an Italian-inspired twist.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A pop of color and freshness that brightens the whole dish right before serving.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry and generously sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper. This quick step gives your Creamy Garlic Chicken a flavorful foundation and ensures every bite is tasty from the inside out.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts and let them cook undisturbed for 5–6 minutes per side. You’ll see a gorgeous golden crust form while the insides stay juicy. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic. Give it a quick stir for about a minute, just until it’s fragrant and it perfumes your kitchen. Be careful—garlic cooks fast and you don’t want it to burn!
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce gently simmer for 3–4 minutes, thickening slightly into creamy perfection.
Step 5: Return and Finish
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into that dreamy sauce. Spoon some sauce over each breast and let everything mingle for 2–3 more minutes, just until the chicken is fully warmed through. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving for a burst of color and freshness. You’ve got Creamy Garlic Chicken done right!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is my first choice because it instantly brightens up the dish, making the creamy sauce look even more tempting. A little extra Parmesan on top also adds a lovely salty bite and a gorgeous finish. If you like a hint of zip, try a light scatter of lemon zest as well.
Side Dishes
The rich sauce practically begs to be sopped up, so serve your Creamy Garlic Chicken with pillowy mashed potatoes, wide egg noodles, or warm, crusty bread. If you want to lighten things up, steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp green salad make perfect partners and help balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Sometimes, I slice the chicken and fan it out over a bed of buttered pasta before spooning the sauce over—great for entertaining! For a rustic family-style meal, keep everything right in the skillet and bring it to the table so everyone can help themselves. Leftover sauce? Pour it over roasted veggies or use it as a decadent dip for breadsticks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Creamy Garlic Chicken has cooled, just transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce does thicken as it chills, but a splash of broth or cream brings it back to life when reheated.
Freezing
For longer storage, place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just note that creamy sauces can change texture a bit after freezing, but giving the sauce a good whisk while reheating helps restore its smoothness.
Reheating
Warm your Creamy Garlic Chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, covered, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth, milk, or cream—and it’ll be creamy as ever. Avoid microwaving for too long, as this might make the chicken rubbery and the sauce separate.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work wonderfully—just increase the searing time slightly as they tend to be a bit thicker and richer. The result will still be that signature Creamy Garlic Chicken flavor with extra juiciness.
How do I make the sauce lighter?
If you want to cut back a bit on richness, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, or even try evaporated milk. The sauce will be slightly less thick but still comforting and full of flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Creamy Garlic Chicken uses no flour or thickening agents, making it a great gluten-free main course—just make sure to double-check your chicken broth for hidden gluten ingredients.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can mix equal parts dried basil, oregano, and thyme, or just use what you have on hand. Italian seasoning is flexible and the chicken will still shine with the classic herbs you love.
How do I keep my chicken juicy?
Start with even-sized chicken breasts, don’t overcook them during searing, and let them finish heating through gently in the sauce. The creamy garlic sauce helps lock in moisture, so you get perfectly juicy chicken every time!
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a dinner that’s easy, comforting, and destined to be a hit with everyone at the table, Creamy Garlic Chicken is calling your name. With just a handful of staple ingredients and a skillet, you’ll create a meal that’s bursting with garlicky goodness and satisfyingly creamy sauce. Treat yourself to homemade comfort—this recipe is as foolproof as it is irresistible! Let me know if you think it deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a decadent and comforting meal with this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe. Juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich garlic cream sauce, served with your favorite sides for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Rub salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Cook the chicken: In a skillet, cook the chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
- Make the sauce: Sauté garlic, add broth, then stir in cream, Parmesan, and seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and simmer: Return chicken to the skillet, coat with sauce, and simmer to heat through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter option
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
