Get ready to fall in love with Creamy Garlic Chicken—a luscious skillet dinner that’s practically begging to become your new weeknight staple! Juicy chicken breasts are golden-seared and nestled into a sauce bursting with fresh garlic, a splash of cream, and melty Parmesan. The result? Every bite is pure velvety, garlicky comfort that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. If you’ve been searching for a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy and restaurant-worthy, this is it.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Garlic Chicken is in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one brings something special—whether it’s rich flavor, irresistible texture, or a pop of color—to this showstopping dish.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, these turn beautifully juicy while soaking up all the flavors.
Salt: Enhances the chicken’s flavor and balances the sauce.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity—don’t skip it!
Olive Oil: Helps get that gorgeous golden crust when searing the chicken.
Butter: For lush richness and extra flavor in the sauce (and who can resist a bit of butter?).
Garlic: Six cloves, minced—a generous amount that infuses every drop of sauce with pure garlicky bliss.
Chicken Broth: Loosens any delicious browned bits and forms the base of the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Adds dreamy, silky texture and decadent body to the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Melds into the sauce for a salty-nutty punch and extra creaminess.
Italian Seasoning: Just a teaspoon brings perfect savory herbal notes without overpowering the sauce.
Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of bright green freshness to finish and add color.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, then season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This simple step lets the chicken develop flavor right from the beginning, setting the stage for a truly delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once it’s shimmering but not smoking, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear them for 5 to 6 minutes per side so they develop a beautiful golden crust and cook through. After both sides are perfectly seared, set the chicken aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Garlic-Butter Base

With the heat lowered to medium, drop the butter into the same skillet—no need to clean it, those tasty browned bits add so much flavor! Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until the garlic is wonderfully fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to gently scrape up all those garlicky, caramelized bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let this luscious mixture simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, until it thickens slightly and the cheese melts into pure velvet.

Step 5: Return Chicken and Finish

Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy garlic sauce. Spoon the sauce over the top and let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the chicken is heated through and coated beautifully in sauce. For a final flourish, sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken

Garnishes

For the perfect finishing touch, a shower of chopped fresh parsley goes a long way. Not only does it add beautiful color contrast against the creamy sauce, but it also brings a gentle burst of freshness to every bite. You can also add an extra dusting of Parmesan or a grind of black pepper for even more flavor.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Garlic Chicken absolutely shines alongside creamy mashed potatoes, buttery noodles, or tender steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve it with a slice of crusty bread to mop up every last drop of that garlicky cream sauce. Pasta like fettuccine or linguine is also a fantastic pairing!

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party-worthy presentation, slice the chicken breasts and fan them out on a serving platter, then drizzle over the sauce and garnish with parsley. Or, for a cozy family dinner, serve individual portions straight from the skillet for a rustic, homey feel that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making Creamy Garlic Chicken a fantastic meal prep option for busy weeks.

Freezing

You can freeze Creamy Garlic Chicken, but keep in mind that cream sauces sometimes change texture once thawed. Store cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat Creamy Garlic Chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of extra cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid boiling, as high heat can cause the sauce to separate. Microwave reheating works too—use short bursts and stir between each to keep everything silky.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well and add even more juiciness. Adjust the searing time slightly, as thighs may need a little longer to cook through.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream and cheese?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative like full-fat coconut milk, and use your favorite non-dairy Parmesan-style cheese. The sauce will be different, but still rich and delicious.

What can I use instead of Italian seasoning?

If you’re out of Italian seasoning, a blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme makes a great substitute. You can even add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a mild kick.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

A meat thermometer is the best tool here—chicken is safely cooked at 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, simply cut into the thickest part and ensure the juices run clear with no pinkness.

Can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

Definitely! For a thicker sauce, simmer a minute or two longer. To thin it out, add a splash more chicken broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the way Creamy Garlic Chicken brings people to the table and keeps them coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply yourself, I hope you’ll give this recipe a chance to earn a spot in your kitchen favorites lineup—trust me, it’s worth every garlicky, creamy bite!

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 15 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this easy-to-make Creamy Garlic Chicken. Tender chicken breasts smothered in a luxurious garlic cream sauce, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

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

Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
6 garlic cloves, 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)

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Rub salt and pepper onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
Sear the chicken: Cook chicken in olive oil until golden brown. Set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, then add broth, cream, Parmesan, and seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
Finish the dish: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over, and cook briefly. Garnish with parsley.