Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken is one of my favorite comfort meals—a rich, savory dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a velvety garlic cream sauce. It’s full of bold, satisfying flavor, yet surprisingly easy to make with ingredients I usually have on hand. I love serving it over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for a cozy, satisfying dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The garlic-infused cream sauce is luxurious but not heavy, and the chicken turns out juicy and flavorful every time. Whether I’m cooking for my family or entertaining guests, it always feels like a special meal. Plus, it’s made in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• Olive oil

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Garlic cloves, minced

• Butter

• Chicken broth

• Heavy cream

• Parmesan cheese (optional for extra richness)

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

• Flour (optional, for dredging or thickening)

Directions

1. I season the chicken with salt and pepper, and optionally dredge it lightly in flour for a golden crust.

2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. I remove it and set it aside.

3. In the same skillet, I melt butter and sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant.

4. I pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits, then stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.

5. I add Parmesan cheese at this stage if I want extra creaminess and depth of flavor.

6. I return the chicken to the pan, reduce the heat, and simmer until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through—usually about 10–12 minutes.

7. I finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve it hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to cook, so I can have it on the table in about 35–40 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for a more hearty dish. If I’m feeling bold, I add a splash of white wine with the broth. I’ve also tried it with sun-dried tomatoes or a touch of lemon juice to brighten the flavor. For a lower-fat option, I’ve swapped heavy cream with half-and-half and thickened the sauce with a bit of cornstarch.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce needs loosening. It also reheats well in the microwave, though I stir halfway to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, I often use thighs for extra juiciness and flavor—they work just as well in this recipe.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?

I make sure to simmer gently and avoid boiling once the cream is added. Stirring frequently also helps.

What should I serve it with?

I love it over mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or even with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, I’ve made it with coconut cream and dairy-free butter, though the flavor changes slightly.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

I reduce the sauce longer or add a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it quickly.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a go-to recipe in my kitchen for its rich, savory flavor and comforting appeal. I love how it comes together in one pan and feels like something special without being complicated. Whether I’m making it for a quiet dinner or guests, it’s always a crowd-pleaser and a recipe I keep coming back to.

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sauté
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

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Description

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a rich, one-skillet dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a smooth garlic cream sauce, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.

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Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for dredging)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Optionally, dredge lightly in flour for a golden crust.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides, then remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
4. Add chicken broth, scraping up browned bits, then stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese, if using, for extra richness.
6. Return chicken to skillet, reduce heat, and simmer for 10–12 minutes or until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.

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Notes

• Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for variation.
• Use half-and-half or a cornstarch slurry for a lighter sauce.
• Simmer gently after adding cream to prevent curdling.
• Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently with extra broth if needed.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 140mg