Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts; Salt/Pepper; 3 teaspoons Italian seasonings; ⅓ cup flour; 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (shredded); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 ½ cups chicken broth; 1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 tsp better than bouillon); 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce (can sub Worcestershire sauce); 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon EACH: Dried thyme, mustard powder; 3 tablespoons butter; 10 whole cloves garlic; 3 tablespoons flour; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s as impressive to serve as it is easy to make? This Creamy Garlic Chicken is your ticket to weeknight dinner bliss! With juicy, pan-seared chicken bathed in a luscious sauce made from golden garlic cloves, cream, and a touch of Parmesan, every bite delivers rich, cozy flavor. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, it’s a sensational meal that tastes like a hug in a skillet.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Creamy Garlic Chicken is how it transforms humble pantry staples into a truly show-stopping meal. Each ingredient brings something special: tenderness, richness, boldness, or a punch of savory depth.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Slicing these in half helps them cook quickly and stay juicy every time.
Salt and pepper: A classic essential, for building flavor from the very first step.
Italian seasonings: These herbs add that irresistible, earthy aroma and Mediterranean flair.
Flour: A quick dredge gives the chicken its crave-worthy crispy crust, plus helps thicken the sauce later.
Parmesan cheese (shredded): Nutty, salty, and utterly irresistible, it’s used for breading and creamy pockets in the sauce.
Olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden-brown perfection and delivering a hint of fruitiness.
Chicken broth: Brings savory depth and forms the saucy backbone of the dish.
Beef bouillon cube (or Better Than Bouillon): A little secret weapon to intensify the umami punch.
Low sodium soy sauce (or Worcestershire): Adds a subtle complexity and a savory layer that keeps you coming back for more.
Onion powder: For gentle sweetness that melds seamlessly into the sauce.
Dried thyme: Just the right amount of herbal charm, never overpowering.
Mustard powder: A tiny bit sharp and tangy, this brightens every bite.
Butter: Melted into the pan, it creates a silky base for caramelized garlic.
Whole garlic cloves: Yes, whole! These mellow and sweeten as they cook, lending deep garlic flavor without sharpness.
Flour (for sauce): Helps create a thick, luscious consistency that hugs the chicken beautifully.
Heavy cream: The star of the sauce—ultra-rich and velvety, tying everything together.
Parmesan cheese (optional, for sauce): Why not double up? For next-level creaminess and saltiness in the final dish.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Set Up and Prep

Start by getting organized! Whisk together your chicken broth, bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and thyme in a big measuring cup—this quick step means extra flavor layering later. Next, combine the flour and shredded Parmesan on a plate for your dredging station. Trust me, a little prep now makes everything flow effortlessly.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Carefully slice each chicken breast lengthwise to create thinner cutlets—think three from two breasts, if sized just right. Lay them under plastic wrap and give them a quick tap-tap with a meat mallet until about half an inch thick. Dab away any moisture, then sprinkle both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The secret here is a light but thorough dredge in your Parmesan-flour mix; shake off the excess for a thin, crispy crust.

Step 3: Sear for Golden Goodness

Heat the olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high—when it shimmers, it’s ready. Gently add the chicken slices in batches to avoid crowding. Let them sear for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, flipping only once so a lovely golden crust forms. Remove all chicken to a plate—and get ready for the main event!

Step 4: Transform the Garlic

Reduce heat to medium-low, add the butter to your pan, and let it melt. With your spatula, gently scrape up all the caramelized bits stuck to the bottom (that’s pure flavor gold for your sauce!). Toss in the whole garlic cloves, letting them soften and caramelize for 6 to 7 minutes. You want the cloves gently golden and deeply fragrant, not burnt.

Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring, for a minute or two until that raw flour smell fades. Now, slowly add the chicken broth mixture in splashes, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. You’ll see the sauce thicken and absorb all those beautiful drippings.

Step 6: Make It Luscious

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then quickly reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the remaining Parmesan (if using), stirring until it melts into glorious, velvety silk. Each addition will make the sauce creamier and richer—don’t rush it!

Step 7: Marry the Flavors

Nestle the chicken (with any juices from the plate) back into the skillet. Spoon the dreamy sauce all over each piece, then cover the skillet partially and let everything simmer gently for about five minutes. This last step lets the chicken soak up every ounce of flavor, while the sauce thickens and clings beautifully.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken

Garnishes

A scatter of freshly chopped parsley is classic—its brightness pops against the creamy garlic sauce and brings freshness to each forkful. For an extra cheesy finish, try a last dusting of Parmesan. Cracked black pepper on top doesn’t hurt, either!

Side Dishes

Creamy Garlic Chicken craves cozy partners: serve it over a mountain of garlicky mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or buttery noodles to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce. Roasted green beans, crisp asparagus, or tender broccoli make the perfect veggie combos, adding crunch and color to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping dinner, serve the chicken in a shallow dish with sauce poured generously over the top, surrounded by simple sides. Or, try slicing the chicken and nestling it into a bowl of creamy risotto for an eye-catching, restaurant-style presentation. If you’re feeling playful, spoon the sauce into a hollowed-out bread bowl and serve the chicken over the top—it’s dinner and a dipping adventure in one!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), transfer any remaining Creamy Garlic Chicken and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It keeps well for up to 3 days. Store the chicken and sauce together so the flavors continue to meld and the chicken stays moist.

Freezing

While you can freeze Creamy Garlic Chicken, keep in mind that creamy sauces may separate when thawed. For best results, cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating; a quick whisk may help the sauce come back together.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer chicken and sauce to a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it. Avoid the microwave if possible—it can overcook the chicken and make the sauce grainy—but if that’s easiest, use a low setting and stir every 30 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative for Creamy Garlic Chicken. They offer even more juiciness and stand up beautifully to the rich sauce. Just slice them to an even thickness for consistent cooking.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and ensure your bouillon and soy sauce are also gluten-free varieties. The finished sauce will still be wonderfully creamy and flavorful.

Is there a way to make it lighter?

You can lighten up Creamy Garlic Chicken by using half-and-half or evaporated milk in place of heavy cream. Just keep in mind, the sauce won’t be quite as rich, but you’ll still have plenty of flavor and comfort in each bite.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Warm it gently before serving and give it a good whisk; if it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up before adding the chicken.

How do I get the chicken extra crispy?

Ensure you pat the chicken dry and let the oil get nice and hot before adding the pieces. Don’t overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches if needed for the most delicious, golden crust every time!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a meal that’s sure to win over even the pickiest eaters, Creamy Garlic Chicken is your golden ticket. It’s rich but never heavy, soulful but so simple, and always guaranteed to bring everyone to the table. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite comfort classic!

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 8 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in the rich and flavorful Creamy Garlic Chicken, a dish that promises to delight your taste buds with its creamy sauce and tender chicken. This recipe is a perfect combination of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and savory seasonings that come together to create a satisfying meal.

Instructions

Prep Work: Combine the chicken broth, bouillon cube, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and thyme in a large measuring cup with a spout and set aside. Combine flour and Parmesan cheese on a plate and measure out remaining ingredients prior to beginning.
Cook the Chicken: Slice the chicken in half lengthwise to create 2-3 thinner slices. Cover with saran wrap and use the textured side of a meat mallet to pound it to ½ inch thick. Season each side with Italian seasoning and salt/pepper. Dredge in the flour mixture and tap off excess. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, until a golden crust has developed. Set aside.
Make the Sauce: Melt the butter in the skillet over medium/medium-low heat. Use a silicone spatula to “clean” the bottom of the pot, this will add more flavor to the sauce. Add the garlic cloves and let them soften and caramelize for 6-7 minutes. Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the raw flour smell is gone. Add the chicken broth mixture (from step 1) in splashes, stirring continuously. Stir in the cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese. Add the chicken back to the skillet along with any juices from the plate. Spoon the sauce on top. Cover partially and simmer for 5 minutes.
Garnish with parsley and serve with mashed potatoes and roasted green beans!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian