I’m always on the lookout for dishes that deliver maximum flavor with minimum effort, and this Creamy Garlic Chicken definitely hits the mark. Imagine this: tender chicken breasts nestled in a velvety sauce that’s rich with garlic and parmesan. The best part? It’s on your table in just 20 minutes. Perfect for those hectic weeknights when you want something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Want to know my secret for getting that restaurant-quality sauce every single time?
Why You’ll Love this Creamy Garlic Chicken
While some chicken recipes can be bland or boring, this creamy garlic chicken is anything but ordinary.
I’m talking about tender chicken breasts swimming in a rich, velvety sauce that’s loaded with garlic flavor. Can you imagine a better weeknight dinner?
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between elegant and easy, ready in just about 20 minutes.
The sauce, oh the sauce! It’s luxuriously creamy yet not heavy, with parmesan adding that perfect savory kick.
And those golden-brown seared chicken pieces? They’re the ideal canvas for soaking up every last drop of that garlicky goodness.
What Ingredients are in Creamy Garlic Chicken?
For this mouthwatering creamy garlic chicken, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create something truly magical in your kitchen.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper (for seasoning)
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8-10 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Don’t worry about running to specialty stores for this recipe—most of these ingredients are probably already hanging out in your pantry or fridge, and the quality of your garlic and parmesan will really shine through in the final dish, so use the best you can find.
How to Make this Creamy Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season both sides of your 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then lightly coat them with 1/4 cup of flour.
For even cooking, consider pounding the chicken to uniform thickness—your future self will thank you when everything cooks at the same rate.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the butter stops foaming, add your floured chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Remember, we’re not cooking it through just yet, just getting that gorgeous color.
Step 3: Remove and Rest
Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it hang out while you work on that dreamy sauce.
This little break actually helps the chicken stay juicy, and gives us room to create magic in the pan with all those delicious browned bits.
Step 4: Create the Garlic Base
In the same pan with all those flavorful drippings, add your 8-10 minced garlic cloves and sauté for just 30 seconds.
Can you smell that? That’s the aroma of everyone in your house suddenly becoming very interested in what you’re cooking.
For perfectly minced garlic, a professional stand mixer with proper attachments can save you time and ensure consistent results.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced by about half, scraping up all those caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan.
Then stir in 3/4 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese until smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 6: Reunite and Finish
Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into that luscious sauce.
Let everything simmer together for 5-8 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through to 165°F.
The sauce will continue to thicken as it simmers, coating the chicken in creamy, garlicky goodness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
This isn’t just for looks—it actually brightens up the rich sauce with its herbaceous notes.
Serve immediately while everything is hot and the sauce is at its creamiest.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken
This rich, velvety chicken practically begs for something to soak up all that heavenly sauce. Fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery rice make perfect landing pads, but don’t overlook a crusty baguette for sauce-mopping duties (honestly, I could eat the sauce with a spoon).
For dinner balance, roasted asparagus or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Steamed broccoli works wonderfully too, catching all those garlicky sauce drippings in its little floret pockets.
And to drink? A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements without overwhelming the creamy flavors. This is definitely dinner territory—the kind that makes everyone at the table go quiet except for the occasional “mmm.”
Creamy Garlic Chicken Substitutions and Variations
This recipe welcomes your personal touch—here’s how to make it your own:
- Protein options: Swap chicken for boneless pork chops or even firm white fish like cod (reduce cooking time for fish).
- Dairy alternatives: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version, or try cream cheese for extra thickness.
- Gluten-free needs: Replace flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for dredging.
- Flavor boosters: Add a splash of white wine before the broth, or stir in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach during the last 2 minutes.
- Herb variations: Try fresh thyme or tarragon instead of parsley, or add dried herbs like oregano to the flour coating.
- Heat level: Incorporate red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that balances the creaminess.
- Quick garnishes: Toasted pine nuts or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens everything up just before serving.
Leftovers and Storage for this Creamy Garlic Chicken
This creamy delight stores beautifully for quick weeknight meals. Here’s how to make the most of leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop overnight, making this dish possibly even more delicious the next day.
- To reheat, warm gently over low heat in a covered skillet, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwaving works in a pinch, but use 50% power and stir halfway through.
- Freezing is possible but not ideal—the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. If freezing (up to 1 month), reheat slowly while whisking to recombine the sauce.
- For meal prep, store the sauce separately from any side dishes to prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This creamy garlic chicken isn’t just dinner—it’s a hug on a plate.
The magical combination of golden-seared chicken and that velvety garlic sauce creates something far greater than the sum of its simple parts.
Perfect for those evenings when you need comfort food but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, this 30-minute wonder delivers restaurant-quality flavor with pantry staples.
Whether for a family dinner or date night in, there’s something undeniably special about watching everyone fall silent at the table, savoring each creamy, garlicky bite and sopping up sauce with whatever bread you can find.