There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of garlic sizzling in butter, isn’t there? It transports me back to evenings spent in the kitchen with family, laughter filling the air as we gathered around the table. This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe captures that warmth beautifully, transforming simple ingredients into a dish that feels special without straining your schedule.
In just about an hour, you can have a wonderfully rich and creamy meal that delights the senses and satisfies even the pickiest eaters. Imagine golden, seared chicken bathed in a luscious garlic cream sauce, paired perfectly with fluffy mashed potatoes and crisp green beans. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is a showstopper that brings everyone together.
Ditch the fast food routines and embrace the joy of home-cooked meals! Let’s dive into the easy steps to create this creamy delight that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Why is Creamy Garlic Chicken so irresistible?
Incredible flavor: This dish bursts with rich, savory garlic flavors accented by creamy Parmesan sauce.
Quick & easy: With just 55 minutes from prep to plate, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Versatile pairings: Perfect with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies—adapt it to your family’s favorites!
Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe will impress everyone at your table.
Nostalgic comfort: The warm aroma will bring back fond memories and create new ones around your dinner table. Embrace the joy of cooking at home and discover more delicious options with our other easy recipes.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts – slice and pound to even thickness for tender, juicy results.
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper – season generously for a flavorful touch before cooking.
• Italian seasoning – adds a delightful herbal note that elevates the overall taste.
For the Creamy Sauce
• All-purpose flour – this helps thicken the sauce and adds flavor when cooked briefly.
• Parmesan cheese – gives a rich, nutty flavor to the creamy garlic sauce.
• Unsalted butter – for sautéing and providing a rich, buttery base for your sauce.
• Whole garlic cloves – caramelizing these enhances the dish with savory depth.
• Heavy cream – creates a luscious, silky texture in the sauce that’s hard to resist.
• Chicken broth – the foundation for a flavorful sauce; low-sodium options keep it balanced.
• Low-sodium soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce – adds umami richness without overwhelming saltiness.
• Beef bouillon cube or Better Than Bouillon – boosts the savory flavor of the broth.
• Dried mustard powder – a subtle background note that brightens the sauce.
• Dried thyme – adds an aromatic touch that complements garlic beautifully.
• Onion powder – infuses the sauce with a gentle onion flavor for extra depth.
Optional Garnish
• Fresh parsley – chopped for a colorful finishing touch that brightens up your dish.
• Grated Parmesan cheese – sprinkle on top for that extra cheesy goodness if desired.
This Creamy Garlic Chicken is bound to impress your taste buds, so get your ingredients ready and let’s make some kitchen magic!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken
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Combine ingredients: In a large liquid measuring cup, mix the chicken broth, bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and thyme. Set aside this flavorful blend for later use.
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Prepare the coating: On a plate, whisk together the flour and Parmesan cheese. Make sure to measure and organize your remaining ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
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Slice and pound the chicken: Cut each chicken breast lengthwise into 2–3 thinner cutlets. Cover with plastic wrap and gently pound each to an even thickness of ½-inch. Pat them dry with paper towels.
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Season the cutlets: Generously season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Lightly coat each piece in the flour-Parmesan mixture, shaking off any excess.
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Sear the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and sear the chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes per side or until they’re golden brown. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
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Melt the butter: Reduce the heat to medium or medium-low, add the butter to the skillet. As it melts, scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance the sauce’s flavor.
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Cook the garlic: Add the whole garlic cloves and sauté while stirring occasionally for 6–7 minutes, until they’ve softened and are lightly caramelized.
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Thicken the sauce: Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. This eliminates the raw flour taste and helps develop a rich sauce.
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Add the broth mixture: Gradually pour the prepared broth mixture into the skillet while stirring constantly, ensuring the sauce remains smooth and lump-free.
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Incorporate the cream: Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to low and gradually fold in the Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and fully integrated into the sauce.
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Simmer the chicken: Return the seared chicken along with any accumulated juices to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken and partially cover, simmering for about 5 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
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Garnish and serve: If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot alongside fluffy mashed potatoes and crisp roasted green beans for a comforting meal.
Optional: Finish with extra grated Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken?
The delightful aroma of garlic and cream creates a warm ambiance that deserves a deliciously paired side.
- Fluffy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery, creamy texture perfectly soaks up the rich garlic sauce, making every bite heavenly.
- Roasted Green Beans: Crisp and vibrant, these add a refreshing crunch that balances the creamy richness of the chicken.
- Garlic Bread: A crunchy, savory accompaniment that invites you to scoop up the luscious sauce and adds extra warmth to the meal.
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright and healthy, it offers a nutritious contrast to the indulgent chicken, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Lemon Butter Rice: This light and zesty rice complements the dish while adding a bright flavor that cuts through the creaminess.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and parmesan provide a hearty freshness that pairs beautifully with the garlic sauce.
- Chardonnay: A glass of chilled Chardonnay enhances the meal with its crispness, creating a delightful harmony with the flavors of the dish.
- Chocolate Mousse: A rich, velvety dessert to finish the meal, bringing a sweet note that lingers pleasingly after the savory main course.
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Garlic Chicken
Fridge: Store leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream to revive the sauce.
Freezer: If you want to save it for later, freeze the creamy chicken without the sauce. Wrap in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little chicken broth or cream to keep it moist and creamy.
Portioning: Consider dividing the chicken into individual servings before freezing for easy meals later on.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Variations
Feel free to let your imagination soar and customize this recipe to your taste preferences!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a creamy yet dairy-free version that offers a hint of sweetness.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary for an aromatic twist that brightens every bite.
- Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest adds a zesty brightness to the creamy sauce, elevating the overall flavor profile beautifully.
- Mushroom Madness: Toss in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy richness that perfectly complements the garlic notes in the dish.
- Spicy Kick: For heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce; this will awaken your taste buds in a deliciously unexpected way.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for hearty vegetables like eggplant or zucchini, which soak up the creamy sauce wonderfully.
- Pasta Perfection: Serve the creamy sauce over your favorite pasta instead of chicken for a comforting and carb-filled meal your whole family will love.
- Nutty Flavor: Mix in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a delicious crunch and a layer of nutty flavor that enhances the creaminess.
Experiment and find your favorite combination!
Make Ahead Options
These Creamy Garlic Chicken make-ahead options are perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to streamline your meal prep. You can season and dredge the chicken cutlets up to 24 hours in advance; just be sure to refrigerate them to maintain freshness. Additionally, the creamy sauce can be prepared and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. To finish, simply reheat the sauce over low heat while cooking the chicken; this ensures that the creaminess stays just as delightful as when first made. With these prep strategies, your family can enjoy a comforting dinner that feels special without the last-minute rush!
Expert Tips for Creamy Garlic Chicken
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Pound Evenly: Ensure your chicken cutlets are pounded to an even ½-inch thickness. This helps them cook uniformly and stay tender.
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Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! Proper seasoning enhances the flavors of the chicken, making your creamy garlic chicken even more delicious.
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Mind the Heat: When searing the chicken, maintain medium-high heat. Too low and you won’t achieve a nice golden crust; too high and the insides may remain raw.
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Watch the Garlic: Keep an eye on the garlic cloves as they caramelize. If they burn, they can become bitter and affect the overall taste of the creamy sauce.
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Slowly Add Liquids: When adding the broth mixture to the skillet, pour it in slowly while stirring constantly. This avoids lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy sauce.
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Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store the sauce separately to prevent the chicken from getting soggy. Reheat gently on the stove for best results.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select chicken for this recipe?
Look for large, boneless skinless chicken breasts that are firm to the touch and have a pinkish hue. Avoid any that have dark spots or an unpleasant odor. Fresh chicken should feel moist but not slimy.
How long can I store Creamy Garlic Chicken in the fridge?
You can store leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, adding a splash of heavy cream to revive its creamy texture.
Can I freeze Creamy Garlic Chicken?
Absolutely! However, it’s best to freeze the chicken without the sauce to maintain its quality. Wrap each chicken portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently in a skillet with a little broth or cream.
What if my garlic burns while cooking?
If your garlic starts to burn, immediately lower the heat and add a small amount of cream or broth to cool it down. If the garlic is too charred, you might want to discard it and start fresh to avoid a bitter taste in your creamy sauce.
Are there any dietary concerns with this recipe?
This Creamy Garlic Chicken contains dairy and gluten due to the heavy cream and flour. For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour. Always check for any allergies, especially for anyone who may be sensitive to garlic or dairy products.
Deliciously Creamy Garlic Chicken in Just 55 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large liquid measuring cup, mix the chicken broth, bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and thyme. Set aside this flavorful blend for later use.
- On a plate, whisk together the flour and Parmesan cheese. Measure and organize ingredients.
- Cut each chicken breast into 2–3 thinner cutlets. Cover and pound to ½-inch thickness. Pat dry.
- Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Coat in the flour-Parmesan mixture.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Reduce heat, add butter to the skillet, and scrape up the browned bits.
- Add garlic cloves and sauté for 6–7 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
- Sprinkle in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to develop the sauce.
- Gradually pour in the broth mixture while stirring to keep the sauce smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and fold in Parmesan cheese.
- Return seared chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over, and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes and green beans.