Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dinner that’s pure comfort, with a restaurant-worthy sauce and plenty of garlic, this Creamy Garlic Chicken is your new go-to! Each bite delivers perfectly seared chicken bathed in a velvety sauce loaded with mellow whole garlic cloves, savory herbs, and just the right touch of Parmesan. Weeknight dinner just got a major upgrade!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Garlic Chicken comes together with a handful of straightforward, but thoughtfully chosen ingredients—each one earns its spot, contributing the perfect bite, texture, or aroma to the dish. Here’s why you shouldn’t skip anything!

• Chicken Breasts: Slicing and pounding them ensures juicy, evenly cooked pieces that absorb loads of flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: The unsung heroes—just enough to brighten the chicken and balance the creamy sauce.
• Italian Seasonings: This blend brings aromatic warmth and savory backbone to both the chicken and the final sauce.
• Flour: Double duty! First, it creates a golden crust on the chicken, and later, thickens the garlicky sauce to pure silkiness.
• Parmesan Cheese (Shredded): Folded into the dredge, it crisps up on the chicken and adds extra umami.
• Olive Oil: For that golden sear and a delicate fruity base, making every bit of crust irresistibly flavorful.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a light, savory body for the sauce—be sure to use low-sodium if possible for best control over saltiness.
• Beef Bouillon Cube or Better Than Bouillon: Adds a sneaky note of depth (it doesn’t taste beefy, just extra savory!).
• Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Subtle, but brilliant—it gives the sauce a deep, rounded savoriness that works as a flavor booster (or use Worcestershire sauce for a tangier note).
• Onion Powder: Sweet, mellow Allium flavor that rounds out the garlicky punch.
• Dried Thyme & Mustard Powder: These work in the background, balancing out the richness with mild herbaceous and spicy notes.
• Butter: Adds silkiness and helps the garlic caramelize to perfection.
• Whole Garlic Cloves: The star—these slowly caramelize and soften, transforming into jammy, mellow bites of magic.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce extra creamy, rich, and decadent—don’t sub for milk!
• Extra Parmesan Cheese (Optional): For those who want an even cheesier finish, a little more stirred into the sauce at the end is heavenly.

Variations

The beauty of this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe is how wonderfully it adapts to your mood, what’s in your pantry, or any special dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to get creative—these swaps will keep it fun and delicious every time!

• Use Chicken Thighs: Swap the breasts for boneless thighs—juicier and just as delicious (they may need a little extra cooking time).
• Add a Veggie Boost: Toss in fresh spinach, mushrooms, or even cherry tomatoes in the last few minutes for color and a bonus dose of nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a surprisingly luscious dairy-free twist.
• Spicy Garlic Chicken: Amp up the heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the sauce, or a dash of hot sauce for a little zippy kick.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

First, grab those chicken breasts and slice each one in half lengthwise—this gives you thinner cutlets that cook quickly and evenly. Lay them between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with the textured side of a meat mallet until they’re about ½ inch thick. This step is the secret to that juicy, restaurant-style finish. Pat the chicken dry, then sprinkle both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Dredge in Parmesan Flour

On a large plate, combine the flour with shredded Parmesan cheese. Press each piece of seasoned chicken into this mixture, coating both sides well and gently shaking off the excess. The combo of Parm and flour creates the crispest, most flavorful crust once cooked—don’t skip this part!

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high. When it shimmers, lay the chicken into the pan (work in batches if needed). Sear each side for 4–5 minutes until beautifully golden and cooked through. Transferring to a plate keeps the crust intact and ensures juicy results while you work on the magic sauce.

Step 4: Caramelize the Garlic

Lower the heat to medium/medium-low and add butter to the now-empty skillet. Sprinkle in the whole garlic cloves—let them sizzle and caramelize gently for 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow, patient step transforms the garlic, mellowing out its bite until it’s sweet, jammy, and unbelievably delicious.

Step 5: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of flour into the garlicky, buttery mixture—cook for a minute or two to banish the raw flour taste. Then, pour in your premixed chicken broth, bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, thyme, and mustard powder a little at a time, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once smooth, add the heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat. Gradually stir in more Parmesan (if using) for extra creaminess.

Step 6: Finish & Simmer

Gently nestle the cooked chicken (plus any resting juices) back into the skillet, spooning sauce over the top so every piece gets cozy. Partially cover and let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes—just enough to meld the flavors and achieve that signature Creamy Garlic Chicken richness. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley just before serving!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley (or even basil) adds color, freshness, and a beautiful contrast against the creamy sauce. If you’re really feeling fancy, shave a little extra Parmesan right on top just before serving—because a little more cheese is always a good idea with Creamy Garlic Chicken!

Side Dishes

This dish is a sauce-lover’s dream, so plan for a “soak-it-up” side: Creamy mashed potatoes or a simple bed of buttered pasta are both incredible. Roasted green beans or asparagus bring a crisp, light counterpoint, cutting through the richness and rounding out your meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a date-night dinner, plate the chicken atop a swirl of mashed potatoes, drizzle everything with extra sauce, and finish with a flourish of fresh herbs. Serving family-style in a big (warm!) skillet lets everyone help themselves—which always leads to seconds. Or try slicing the chicken and serving over toasted, crusty bread for a rustic, casual twist on Creamy Garlic Chicken bruschetta.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it chills but will return to silky magic when gently reheated.

Freezing

Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, but this recipe does pretty well! Wrap the chicken in sauce and freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers slowly in a skillet over medium-low, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce is too thick. Microwaving works too (just cover loosely and use short intervals), but gentle stove-top reheating preserves the chicken’s juiciness and the sauce’s silky texture best.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Give this Creamy Garlic Chicken a place at your table and get ready for rave reviews! Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a dinner to impress, you’ll fall hard for that dreamy garlic sauce, tender chicken, and every comforting, delicious bite. Can’t wait for you to try it—enjoy!

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