Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter, divided; 1 whole garlic bulb (about 8-9 cloves), peeled; 1 cup chicken broth; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce—this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe is a comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The garlic-infused sauce is velvety and full of flavor, making this chicken dish a family favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

¼ cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons butter, divided

1 whole garlic bulb (about 8-9 cloves), peeled

1 cup chicken broth

¾ cup heavy cream

½ teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

To start, I slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner cutlets. I then season both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. After that, I dredge each chicken piece in flour, shaking off any excess.

In a large skillet, I heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, I add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, I remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, I add the remaining tablespoon of butter and throw in the peeled garlic cloves. I sauté them for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant.

Next, I pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor. I stir in the garlic powder and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Once the broth has reduced a bit, I reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream. I stir to combine, allowing the sauce to gently simmer.

I return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over each piece. I let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes to soak up all the flavors and allow the sauce to thicken a bit.

After tasting the sauce, I adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Finally, I garnish the chicken with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a bit of freshness and color.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Each serving is approximately 400 kcal.

Variations

Add mushrooms: If I want to make it more hearty, I sometimes add sliced mushrooms when sautéing the garlic. The earthy flavor pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

Spicy version: For a little kick, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Low-carb option: If I’m looking for a low-carb alternative, I skip the flour and serve the chicken with steamed veggies or a cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: This creamy garlic chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken as it cools, but it will still taste great.

Reheating: To reheat, I place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. I stir occasionally until it’s heated through.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

I ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink in the center.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes! I can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it with the sauce in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, I simply reheat everything and garnish with parsley.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! If I prefer dark meat, I can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’ll work just as well, though they might need a few extra minutes of cooking.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, I can substitute the butter with olive oil and the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative.

Can I freeze the creamy garlic chicken?

While the texture of the sauce may change when frozen, I can freeze the cooked chicken with the sauce for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken is one of those dishes that never disappoints. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Whether I’m making it for a busy weeknight or a special meal, it’s a go-to recipe that always hits the spot. The rich and creamy garlic sauce takes the chicken to the next level, making this a recipe worth making again and again.

Recipe:

Creamy Garlic Chicken

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, golden-brown chicken breasts simmered in a rich, velvety garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal, this dish is a family favorite that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables.

Instructions

Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off the excess.
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and garlic cloves. Sauté for 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the skillet. Stir in garlic powder and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium-low, add heavy cream, and stir. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over each piece. Simmer for 5 more minutes to thicken the sauce.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve.