Hey y’all! If comfort food is what you’re craving, this Creamy Garlic Chicken belongs on your dinner table. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a luxuriously creamy, garlicky sauce that’s absolutely bursting with flavor. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet elegant enough to impress guests at your next dinner party. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside roasted veggies, everyone will be asking for seconds. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Ultra flavorful with rich, garlicky cream sauce that pairs well with anything.
- Quick and easy dinner—ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Family-friendly and perfect for impressing guests on special occasions.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients without complicated steps.
- Can be customized to suit keto, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets.
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or mixed dried parsley, basil, and oregano)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
Creamy Garlic Chicken Directions
Step 1: Season and Prep Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Step 2: Sear Chicken Breasts
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt butter, then stir in minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, scraping any bits from the bottom.
Add chicken broth to deglaze, simmering for 2-3 minutes. Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian herbs, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened (about 3-4 minutes).
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return chicken breasts and juices to the skillet. Simmer in the creamy garlic sauce for 3-4 minutes, spooning sauce over the top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve immediately.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Notes for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken
- For extra juicy chicken, lightly pound breasts to even thickness before cooking. Here’s more on cooking perfect chicken breast.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to lighten things up, but note the sauce will be less thick.
- Double the sauce to use as a delicious pasta topping or to serve over veggies.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Variations
- Keto Creamy Garlic Chicken: Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative, and serve with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice.
- Mushroom Creamy Garlic Chicken: Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms to the skillet when adding garlic for earthy flavor.
- Spicy Creamy Garlic Chicken: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for gentle heat.
Equipment Needed for Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
- Whisk
Creamy Garlic Chicken Storage Instructions
Cool leftovers completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. Not recommended for freezing as the sauce may split.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Serve over buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or cooked pasta.
- Pair with steamed broccoli, green beans, or a crisp mixed salad.
- Finish with crusty bread to soak up every bit of the creamy garlic sauce.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Don’t let the garlic burn—cook until just fragrant for best flavor. Here’s a helpful guide on cooking with garlic.
- Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing for maximum juiciness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, melt-in-your-mouth sauce. More on cheese science at Exploratorium.
Creamy Garlic Chicken FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well—just adjust the cook time as they may need a few extra minutes.
- Can I make Creamy Garlic Chicken dairy-free?
- Yes, swap out heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative for a delicious, dairy-free version.
- How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
- Let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, stirring often. If needed, whisk in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a splash of water.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
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1Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
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2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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3Add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
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4Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
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5Add grated Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, until thickened.
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6Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and coat them with the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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