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I’ve always been a fan of comfort food that doesn’t take all day in the kitchen, and that’s exactly what this Creamy Garlic Chicken delivers. Picture this: tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce that clings to every bite—it’s the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners feel special. In my experience, nothing beats the aroma of fresh garlic sizzling in butter as you prepare Creamy Garlic Chicken; it fills the house with warmth and anticipation. If you’re craving something indulgent yet easy, this recipe is your new go-to.
What I love most about making Creamy Garlic Chicken is how versatile it is—you can whip it up in under 30 minutes with ingredients you probably already have on hand. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you want to impress without the stress. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a meal that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant? I’m excited to share this foolproof recipe with you, complete with tips to make your Creamy Garlic Chicken shine.
For more quick chicken ideas, check out our 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites or Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipes—they pair beautifully with this one.
Key Takeaways:
- This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a one-pan wonder that’s ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- It’s incredibly creamy and flavorful thanks to fresh garlic and heavy cream, elevating simple chicken to gourmet status.
- Use boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness if breasts seem too lean.
- Pair it with pasta or rice to soak up that luscious sauce—don’t waste a drop!
- Leftovers store well for up to three days, making meal prep a breeze.
Why You’ll Adore This Creamy Garlic Chicken
Quick and Effortless Prep: In a world full of rushed dinners, this Creamy Garlic Chicken stands out because it comes together in one skillet with minimal cleanup. You’ll spend more time enjoying it than cooking, which is a win in my book. Here’s the thing: even beginner cooks can nail this recipe without breaking a sweat.
Rich, Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic and cream creates a sauce that’s silky and addictive—think cozy hugs in food form. I find that adding a touch of parmesan takes it over the top, making every forkful memorable. Now, you might be thinking it’s too heavy, but trust me, it’s balanced perfectly.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike rave about this Creamy Garlic Chicken; it’s comforting without being overly fussy. Serve it over veggies for a healthier twist that still feels indulgent. What I find interesting is how it adapts to any palate with simple tweaks.
Versatile for Any Meal: Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or even brunch, this dish fits seamlessly. I’ve served Creamy Garlic Chicken at potlucks and it always gets requests for the recipe. Let’s get cooking—you won’t regret it!
Essential Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken
Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts as the star of this dish—they cook evenly and absorb the flavors beautifully. In my experience, pounding them to an even thickness ensures juicy results every time. They’re the canvas for that creamy sauce to shine, making your Creamy Garlic Chicken tender and satisfying.
Fresh Garlic: Nothing beats the punch of fresh minced garlic; it infuses the sauce with aromatic depth that’s impossible to replicate with powder. Use about 6-8 cloves for that bold yet not overpowering taste. I always mince it finely to release those essential oils, elevating the entire profile of the recipe.
Heavy Cream: This is the key to the velvety texture in Creamy Garlic Chicken—its richness coats everything in luxurious goodness. Choose full-fat for the best results, as it won’t separate under heat. However, if you’re watching calories, half-and-half works in a pinch but won’t be quite as indulgent.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken
Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and seasoning them generously with salt, pepper, and a dash of Italian herbs—this builds the base flavor for your Creamy Garlic Chicken. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through to 165°F internally; the sizzle will tell you it’s doing its magic. Remove the chicken and set aside, keeping that flavorful browned bit in the pan—they’re gold for the sauce. This step locks in juices, ensuring your final dish is moist and delicious. Don’t rush it; patience here pays off big time.
Create the Garlic Cream Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and melt a couple of tablespoons of butter in the same skillet, then toss in the minced garlic—watch it dance and release its fragrance, which is pure heaven. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, avoiding any bitterness. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to deglaze those tasty pan bits while it simmers gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken. Add grated parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat; taste and adjust seasoning. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon, signaling it’s ready to embrace the chicken. Sensory-wise, the creamy swirl and garlic perfume will have you salivating.
Combine and Simmer for Perfection
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the bubbling sauce, and spoon some over the top for even coating—this is where the Creamy Garlic Chicken truly comes alive. Let it simmer covered for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to soak up that garlicky goodness. Uncover and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. For extra flair, link this process to our Garlic Butter Chicken with Veggies if you want to add greens. Your kitchen will smell irresistible, and the result is a cohesive, comforting meal that’s hard to beat.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Creamy Garlic Chicken Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking to combine. Simmer 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in parmesan and red pepper flakes if using. Return chicken to skillet and simmer covered for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken
Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Sauté just until fragrant to keep it sweet and avoid bitterness in your sauce.
Room Temperature Chicken: Let it sit out for 15 minutes before cooking for even searing and juicier results.
Thicken with Cornstarch if Needed: If the sauce is too thin, whisk in a slurry for that perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken consistency.
You Must Know
- This recipe serves 4 and totals around 450 calories per serving, balancing indulgence with satisfaction.
- Heavy cream is crucial—substitutes may curdle if the heat is too high.
- Fresh garlic outperforms jarred for authentic flavor depth.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure safe chicken cooking.
How to Store Creamy Garlic Chicken
Once cooled, transfer your Creamy Garlic Chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days—it’s even better the next day as flavors deepen. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer bags for up to 2 months, though the cream sauce might separate slightly upon thawing. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk, stirring until creamy again; avoid microwaving to prevent toughness in the chicken.
Customizing Your Creamy Garlic Chicken
Swap chicken for thighs if you prefer darker meat, or go vegetarian with mushrooms for a similar texture in your Creamy Garlic Chicken. Add spinach or broccoli during the simmer for hidden veggies that blend right in. For a spicy kick, amp up the red pepper flakes. Check out our Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta for inspiration on bolder variations.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or al dente pasta to capture every bit of the sauce—think fettuccine for an Italian vibe. Add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness, or roasted veggies like asparagus for color and crunch. Don’t forget crusty bread for dipping, and a crisp white wine like Chardonnay to complement the garlic notes. It’s a complete meal that feels elegant yet approachable.
Creamy Garlic Chicken
This Creamy Garlic Chicken is smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy that's easy to make in a single skillet. Caramelized garlic cloves add the perfect balance of gourmet flavor.
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 02 Salt/Pepper
- 03 3 teaspoons Italian seasonings
- 04 ⅓ cup flour
- 05 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- 06 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 07 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 08 1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 tsp better than bouillon)
- 09 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce (can sub Worcestershire sauce)
- 10 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 11 ½ teaspoon EACH Dried thyme, mustard powder
- 12 3 tablespoons butter
- 13 10 whole cloves garlic
- 14 3 tablespoons flour
- 15 ½ cup heavy cream
- 16 ½ cup Parmesan cheese ((optional))
FILED UNDER:
NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Chicken
Can I make Creamy Garlic Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Creamy Garlic Chicken up to the simmering step, then refrigerate and finish cooking when ready— it reheats beautifully. This makes it ideal for meal prepping on Sundays. Just add a minute or two extra on the stovetop to warm through evenly.
How long does Creamy Garlic Chicken last in the fridge?
Your Creamy Garlic Chicken will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container. Beyond that, freeze it to extend enjoyment. Always check for off smells before reheating.
Is Creamy Garlic Chicken gluten-free?
Absolutely, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth is too—no flour or wheat involved. Double-check labels on store-bought broth. It’s a safe bet for gluten-sensitive folks craving comfort food.
Can I use milk instead of cream in Creamy Garlic Chicken?
While heavy cream gives the best texture, you can substitute whole milk thinned with cornstarch for a lighter version of Creamy Garlic Chicken, though it won’t be as rich. Simmer longer to thicken. In my tests, it works well for calorie-conscious meals.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
If your sauce needs more body, simmer uncovered or add a parmesan rind during cooking. A quick cornstarch slurry does the trick too. Patience is key—rushing leads to separation.
How do I make Creamy Garlic Chicken dairy-free?
For a dairy-free twist on Creamy Garlic Chicken, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast for cheesiness—it mimics the original closely. Sauté with vegan butter or oil. See our Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for more ideas.
Can I bake Creamy Garlic Chicken instead of pan-searing?
Sure, bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes after searing lightly, then add sauce and broil briefly. This method suits hands-off cooking. It yields similar results with less monitoring.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, Creamy Garlic Chicken is low-carb and keto-approved, clocking in under 5g net carbs per serving. Skip pasta sides and pair with cauliflower rice. It’s a staple in my low-carb rotation.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Creamy Garlic Chicken—it’s simple, soul-warming, and guaranteed to become a staple in your home. From the first garlicky bite to the last creamy trace, it delivers comfort without complication. I encourage you to try it tonight and let me know how it turns out; tag us on social for a chance to be featured!