Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, soul-warming dinner that feels a little fancy but is secretly super easy, say hello to this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe! Tender, juicy chicken bathed in a velvety garlic cream sauce—this dish is pure comfort on a plate. Every bite bursts with rich, savory goodness that just begs to be mopped up with a chunk of crusty bread or spooned over fluffy mashed potatoes. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll be in your weekly dinner rotation forever.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Restaurant-Quality: Tastes like it came straight from a fancy bistro.
  • Ultra-Creamy: That luscious garlic sauce is the real MVP.
  • Family Favorite: Kid-approved, husband-approved, heck, everyone-approved.
  • Versatile: Pair it with pasta, rice, or veggies for a full meal.

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
CategoryDinner
CuisineAmerican Comfort Food
DifficultyEasy
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Focus KeyphraseCreamy Garlic Chicken

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts or thighs: Boneless, skinless—juicy and perfect for soaking up all that sauce.
  • Garlic cloves: The heart and soul of the dish—use fresh for the best flavor.
  • Heavy cream: Creates that dreamy, silky sauce that feels so indulgent.
  • Chicken broth: Adds depth without making the sauce too heavy.
  • Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a cheesy, savory hit.
  • Butter: For rich flavor and a smooth sauce base.
  • Olive oil: Helps get that golden sear on the chicken.
  • Italian seasoning: A little herb magic to keep things lively.
  • Salt and pepper: Essentials to bring all the flavors together.
  • Fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of color and freshness at the end.

Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions!

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken

1. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken until golden on both sides—about 3-4 minutes per side. Then, set it aside.

2. Make That Dreamy Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it clean—those browned bits are flavor gold!), add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all that goodness.

3. Bring on the Cream

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly—this part smells like pure heaven.

4. Nestle the Chicken Back In

Pop the chicken back into the skillet, spoon some sauce over it, and let everything simmer together for another 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

5. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and serve hot with your favorite side!

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken

  • Pound your chicken to an even thickness for faster, more even cooking.
  • Don’t rush the searing step—those golden bits = major flavor.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a smoother sauce than pre-shredded.

Flavor Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Mushroom Magic: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy twist.
  • Lemon Love: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens everything up!

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over buttery mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or twirl it up with fettuccine.
  • Pair with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad.

Make-Ahead and Storage

  • You can sear the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it. Finish the sauce and final cooking when you’re ready to eat!

Leftovers

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better overnight!

Freezing

  • The cream sauce may separate a bit when frozen, so I recommend enjoying it fresh. But if needed, freeze it in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

  • Gently reheat over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

FAQ

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be a bit thinner. Still delicious though!

Can I make Creamy Garlic Chicken dairy-free?
You can try coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan, but the flavor will be slightly different.

What’s the best cut of chicken for this recipe?
Chicken thighs are juicier, but chicken breasts work great too—just be sure not to overcook them!

Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Absolutely! Baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even peas would be amazing stirred in toward the end.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is honestly a total showstopper. It’s one of those rare dishes that feels indulgent and effortless at the same time. The creamy, garlicky sauce wraps around the tender chicken like a cozy little hug, and trust me—you’re going to be spooning up every last drop. Whether it’s a casual Tuesday night or a dinner party with friends, this recipe will never let you down. So grab your skillet and let’s make some magic happen!

Creamy Garlic Chicken in a Skillet with Cream Sauce

Creamy Garlic Chicken

ChefMaster Emily
Tender chicken smothered in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce, ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or an impressive dinner party centerpiece.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American Comfort Food
Servings 4 servings
Calories 580 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 4 chicken breasts or thighs boneless, skinless

Sauce

  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear until golden on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
  • Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Mushrooms or spinach can also be added for extra flavor.
Keyword Creamy Garlic Chicken

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