Creamy Garlic Chicken is a rich, comforting one-pan dinner made with tender chicken breasts simmered in a velvety garlic cream sauce. This creamy garlic chicken recipe is easy to prepare, full of bold garlic flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something cozy and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-creamy garlic sauce packed with flavor
- One-pan recipe with minimal cleanup
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Family-friendly and comforting
- Pairs perfectly with rice, pasta, or vegetables
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 (8–9 cloves), peeled and smashed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thin cutlets.
- Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle flour over both sides and rub to coat evenly.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Add remaining butter to the same skillet, then add smashed garlic cloves. Reduce heat to medium-low and sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then add garlic powder. Stir and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Simmer sauce for 8–10 minutes until reduced and thickened by about half. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Tips & Tricks
- Smash garlic cloves gently to prevent burning
- Use thin chicken cutlets for even cooking
- Simmer sauce gently to avoid curdling
- Add a splash of broth if sauce thickens too much
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-Friendly, Gluten-Free option (use GF flour)
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts
- Add mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor
- Parmesan cheese can be added for richer sauce
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 36 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fat: 32 g
FAQ
Can I make creamy garlic chicken ahead of time?
Yes, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Cream is best, but whole milk will work with slightly thinner sauce.
How do I avoid burning the garlic?
Lower the heat and stir frequently once garlic is added.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, omit flour or use almond flour.
What sides go best with creamy garlic chicken?
Rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables pair perfectly.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat. Freezing is not recommended due to cream sauce texture.
Similar Recipes
Creamy Garlic Chicken
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 8–9 cloves, peeled and smashed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thin cutlets.
- Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle flour over both sides and rub to coat evenly.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Add remaining butter to the same skillet, then add smashed garlic cloves. Reduce heat to medium-low and sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then add garlic powder. Stir and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Simmer sauce for 8–10 minutes until reduced and thickened by about half. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Chicken is an easy, flavorful dinner that feels indulgent without being complicated. With tender chicken and a rich garlic cream sauce, this recipe is guaranteed to become a regular favorite on your dinner table.