If you’re after a weeknight dinner upgrade or a dish that dazzles for date night in, let me introduce you to the magic of Creamy Garlic Chicken. Imagine juicy, golden chicken breasts smothered in a luscious, velvety garlic sauce that clings to every bite, thanks to a generous splash of heavy cream and a handful of Parmesan. This recipe is the ultimate comfort food hero: easy to make, luxuriously flavorful, and guaranteed to have everyone reaching for second helpings before you’ve even sat down.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The success of Creamy Garlic Chicken comes down to simple, high-quality ingredients – nothing fancy, just a handful of pantry and fridge staples that let the creamy, garlicky flavors shine. Each item here plays an important role, so let’s celebrate every ingredient that brings this dish to life.

Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender results that soak up that creamy sauce beautifully.
Olive oil: Gives the chicken a gorgeous, golden sear and adds a little heart-healthy flavor to the pan.
Butter: Brings rich flavor and melds perfectly with the garlic for an irresistible aroma.
Fresh garlic: Use five cloves for full-on garlic goodness – it’s what makes this Creamy Garlic Chicken unforgettable.
Heavy cream: Lends the sauce its luxuriously smooth, thick texture (no shortcuts here).
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth, thins the sauce just enough, and helps deglaze those delicious browned bits from the pan.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parm melts seamlessly into the sauce, giving it a nutty, salty richness you can’t resist.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties every element together and adds personality to the chicken.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out and balancing all the other flavors.
Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle on top wakes up the whole dish with color and a burst of freshness.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry, then generously season both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Don’t be shy with your seasoning here – it’s the foundation for bold, crave-worthy flavor in every bite of Creamy Garlic Chicken.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken and sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until beautifully browned and cooked through. You want a gorgeous golden crust, which means flavor! Set the cooked chicken aside on a plate, keeping their juices for extra flavor later.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted and foamy, add in your minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute, just until the kitchen smells like heaven – be careful not to let the garlic brown, or it might turn bitter.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up every caramelized bit stuck to the pan (that’s pure flavor). Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking as the sauce turns gorgeously thick and glossy – about 3 to 4 minutes is all it takes for the creamy magic to happen.

Step 5: Simmer Chicken in Sauce

Return those golden chicken breasts and any juices to the skillet, turning to coat in the creamy garlic sauce. Let everything simmer gently for another 3 to 4 minutes, so the flavors meld and every morsel of chicken is cloaked in that dreamy sauce. Finish with a shower of fresh parsley, and you’re ready to serve Creamy Garlic Chicken hot and bubbling.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken

Garnishes

No Creamy Garlic Chicken is complete without a finishing touch! I love to scatter plenty of chopped fresh parsley over the top for color and freshness. If you’re feeling festive, add a few extra shavings of Parmesan or a light sprinkle of cracked black pepper just before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish absolutely begs for something to soak up all that luscious sauce. Mashed potatoes are a classic, but fluffy rice or your favorite pasta work just as beautifully. Steamed green beans, sautéed spinach, or roasted asparagus are great veggie sides that cut through the richness and add a pop of color to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try slicing the chicken and fanning it over a bed of buttered noodles with the sauce artfully drizzled on top. Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken family-style in the skillet for a rustic, cozy vibe, or add baby spinach and sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for a colorful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let Creamy Garlic Chicken cool to room temperature, then store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce keeps the chicken beautifully moist, so it tastes just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze Creamy Garlic Chicken for up to 2 months. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator – the creamy sauce thickens a bit upon freezing, but it’s still deeply flavorful after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm chicken and sauce in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to its original consistency if it gets too thick. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the creamy sauce can separate if overheated.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are just as delicious in Creamy Garlic Chicken. They’ll be extra juicy and flavorful – just adjust the cooking time as thighs may need a minute or two longer to cook through.

How can I make this dish lighter?

For a lighter twist, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap out some of the cream for additional chicken broth. The sauce will be a bit thinner, but you’ll still get that lovely garlic and Parmesan flavor.

Is Creamy Garlic Chicken gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe doesn’t require any flour or gluten-containing ingredients, so it’s a naturally gluten-free main course. Just ensure your chicken broth and Parmesan are gluten-free as well.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Definitely. Try stirring in a handful of baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to add color and extra nutrients to your Creamy Garlic Chicken. Just add them after the garlic is sautéed for the best texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Gently reheat Creamy Garlic Chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir often and warm just until heated through to keep the sauce creamy and the chicken juicy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall head-over-heels for a new dinner favorite, Creamy Garlic Chicken is it. This classic delivers on cozy comfort and restaurant-worthy flavor, and it couldn’t be easier to whip up at home. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it ends up on repeat in your kitchen – the only regret you’ll have is not making a double batch!

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe that features tender, seared chicken breasts smothered in a luscious garlic cream sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce:

5 garlic cloves (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Cook until sauce thickens.
Finish Dish: Return chicken to the skillet, simmer for a few minutes, spooning sauce over. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.