Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Get ready to fall for your new favorite skillet dinner! Creamy Garlic Chicken is a stunningly satisfying dish, all about tender chicken breasts nestled in a luscious, garlicky sauce that’s decadent and just the right amount of luxurious. Each bite brings the rich, savory kick of caramelized garlic, tangy Parmesan, and an ultra-creamy gravy. The best part? It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight, impressive enough to serve to guests, and guaranteed to disappear fast at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how simple it is to create rich flavors with just a handful of pantry staples. Every ingredient in this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe has a job to do, whether that’s adding depth, texture, or a dreamy, golden color to the sauce.

• Chicken Breasts: Use large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for juicy, tender results.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer of the dish perfectly.
• Italian Seasonings: Adds earthiness and a whiff of Italian countryside flavor.
• Flour: Creates a gorgeous, crispy crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami and a rich, nutty note to both breading and sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps achieve that dreamy golden sear on the chicken.
• Chicken Broth: The base of your creamy sauce—pick a good, flavorful one!
• Beef Bouillon Cube: Unexpected but brilliant for depth—try “Better Than Bouillon” if you have it.
• Low Sodium Soy Sauce: A tiny splash amps up the savory factor; Worcestershire works too.
• Onion Powder: Melds softly into the background for roundness without being overpowering.
• Dried Thyme and Mustard Powder: Infuse each bite with gentle aromatic warmth and subtle zing.
• Butter: The heart of the sauce, bringing silkiness as it melts down with the garlic.
• Garlic Cloves: An entire handful, caramelized for sweetness and flavor that’s front and center.
• Flour (for the roux): Blends butter and broth into irresistibly creamy, velvety gravy.
• Heavy Cream: The key to that signature restaurant-style richness—don’t skimp!
• Extra Parmesan Cheese (optional): For those who want an even cheesier, tangier sauce.
• Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness just before serving.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Flavor Base

Start by combining the chicken broth, beef bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and dried thyme in a measuring cup or small pitcher. Doing this ahead of time means your sauce will come together in a snap. Then, on a separate plate, mix together the flour and Parmesan cheese—this will be your chicken’s crispy coating. Have all your remaining ingredients measured out and ready, because once you get cooking, everything moves quickly!

Step 2: Prepare and Dredge the Chicken

Take your chicken breasts and slice them lengthwise into thinner cutlets—aim for about half an inch thick. This helps everything cook evenly and soak up more of that creamy sauce. Tenderize the chicken gently under plastic wrap with a meat mallet (the textured side is ideal), then pat completely dry. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Dredge each piece in the flour-Parmesan mixture, making sure to tap off excess, so you’re ready for a golden crust.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if needed, sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until they develop an irresistible golden color and crisp coating. Set the cooked pieces aside on a plate to rest, leaving those delicious browned bits in the pan—they’re pure flavor gold for your Creamy Garlic Chicken sauce.

Step 4: Caramelize the Garlic and Start the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium or medium-low, and melt the butter right in the same skillet. Use a silicone spatula to gently scrape up those brown bits left by the chicken. Toss in the whole garlic cloves and let them caramelize slowly for about 6–7 minutes. The smell alone will have everyone peeking into the kitchen! When the garlic is soft and toasty, sprinkle in the flour and cook for a minute or two, stirring continuously, to lose that raw flour taste.

Step 5: Build the Creamy Garlic Chicken Sauce

Gently pour in your broth mixture, adding just a bit at first and stirring well—this keeps the sauce smooth and lump-free. Once it all comes together, stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and slowly blend in the Parmesan (add the extra if you want more cheesiness!). The sauce should be luxuriously thick and creamy, ready for the star ingredient.

Step 6: Finish and Simmer

Slide the seared chicken back into the skillet, making sure to include any tasty juices from the plate. Generously spoon the sauce over each piece. Partially cover with a lid and let everything simmer for about five minutes—just enough for the chicken to finish cooking and truly absorb all the incredible flavor. You’re moments away from Creamy Garlic Chicken bliss.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken

Garnishes

Nothing tops off Creamy Garlic Chicken quite like a flutter of chopped fresh parsley. Its vivid green brightens the plate and its fresh flavor lifts the creamy sauce. For extra presentation points, try a light dusting of fresh Parmesan, some cracked black pepper, or even a sprinkle of lemon zest to accentuate the zippy notes in the sauce.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides for Creamy Garlic Chicken are creamy mashed potatoes that soak up every drop of the garlicky sauce, and roasted green beans for contrast and crunch. Fluffy rice, angel hair pasta, or simple steamed veggies also pair beautifully. Don’t forget a crusty loaf of bread on the side—trust me, you’ll want something for that sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests (or just treat yourself), serve Creamy Garlic Chicken in individual shallow bowls, pooling plenty of sauce over each piece. For a family-style dinner, bring the skillet right to the table for that cozy, rustic touch. You can also slice the chicken and fan it over a bed of herbed rice or mashed cauliflower for a lighter, modern spin.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Creamy Garlic Chicken tastes just as dreamy the next day, with the sauce thickening slightly and soaking into the chicken. Just be sure to reheat gently to preserve the luscious texture.

Freezing

This dish freezes remarkably well! Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, pressing out as much air as possible. It will keep for up to three months. Just label and date, and you’re only a quick thaw away from serious comfort food.

Reheating

You can reheat Creamy Garlic Chicken straight from the fridge in the microwave or gently in a covered skillet. If coming from frozen, use the microwave at 50 percent power, or thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven (covered) at 350°F for about 20 minutes. Stir the sauce gently and add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens up too much.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work perfectly and offer even more juiciness. Adjust cooking time as they may need a few more minutes to cook through.

How do I make Creamy Garlic Chicken gluten-free?

Just substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend for dredging and thickening. Everything else stays the same—creamy, comforting, and gluten-free!

Can I make Creamy Garlic Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare everything as directed, let it cool, then store in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully, making leftovers extra special.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce or a splash of milk with a teaspoon of flour to help thicken. Keep in mind, the richer the dairy, the silkier the sauce.

How can I add vegetables to the dish?

Mushrooms are a spectacular addition—sauté them separately and stir them in at the end. Spinach or baby kale wilted into the sauce is lovely, or toss in blanched green beans or steamed broccoli for more color and crunch.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Creamy Garlic Chicken and see just how easy it is to create something restaurant-worthy right at home. It’s rich and comforting, with flavors that keep everyone coming back for seconds. Grab your skillet, gather your garlic, and make this dish the highlight of your weeknight dinner rotation!

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