Prepare to fall in love with this incredibly lush and flavorful Delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe—a dish where juicy, golden-seared chicken meets a silky, aromatic garlic and parmesan cream sauce. Each bite feels like a cozy restaurant-quality meal, but you can whip it up right in your own kitchen using just one skillet. Whether you’re looking for an impressive dinner or an indulgent weeknight treat, the combination of caramelized garlic and creamy gravy is pure magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients to create this Delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe. Each one brings something essential to the table, whether it’s deep flavor, crave-worthy texture, or a gorgeous finish. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you’ll want every last bit!
- Chicken breasts: Sliced and pounded thin so they cook quickly and stay unbelievably tender throughout.
- Salt/Pepper: These basics bring out every savory note in both the chicken and the sauce.
- Italian seasonings: An herb blend that adds warmth and beautiful aroma to each bite.
- Flour: Creates a delicate crust on the chicken, and later, thickens the creamy gravy for just the right richness.
- Parmesan cheese (for dredging): Melts into the coating, giving each chicken breast a salty, golden edge.
- Olive oil: Helps achieve that perfect sear—the secret to incredible flavor.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful backbone of our sauce, balancing savory and creamy.
- Beef bouillon cube: Adds irresistible depth and umami to the gravy.
- Low sodium soy sauce: A surprising splash that deepens, darkens, and enriches the sauce (Worcestershire works too!).
- Onion powder: Lends a gentle, subtle sweetness to the overall flavor profile.
- Dried thyme and mustard powder: Add earthy and tangy notes for a restaurant-worthy taste.
- Butter: Caramelizes the garlic and builds the base of the sauce, making everything silkier.
- Whole garlic cloves: Star of the show—cooked low and slow for a mellow, irresistible sweetness.
- Flour (for sauce): Ensures the gravy clings perfectly to chicken and potatoes alike.
- Heavy cream: Adds body and a delectable silkiness to the finished sauce.
- Parmesan cheese (for sauce, optional): For extra cheesy richness if you want to take it over the top.
How to Make Delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by getting everything measured and ready before you turn on the stove: Combine the chicken broth, bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and thyme in a large measuring cup—having your broth mixture prepped in advance makes the cooking process a breeze. On a separate plate, mix together the flour and shredded Parmesan for dredging. Gathering everything now will make sure you can move confidently (and calmly) through the recipe!
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Take your two large chicken breasts and slice them in half lengthwise, aiming for 2-3 thinner cutlets from each piece. Cover the pieces with plastic wrap and gently pound them to about half an inch thick using a meat mallet—this guarantees quick cooking and the juiciest results. Pat them dry with paper towels, then season both sides with Italian seasoning and a touch of salt and pepper. Dredge each breast in the flour-Parmesan mixture, be sure to tap off any excess—this crust is going to get gorgeously crispy!
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the chicken pieces in (work in batches if necessary for a beautiful sear), and let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes per side. The goal is a deeply golden, crisp crust. Once all pieces are cooked through, set them aside on a plate. These will soak up even more flavor in the next steps!
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium or medium-low, depending on your stove. Add butter to the same skillet, scraping up any tasty browned bits stuck to the pan—they’re flavor gold! Toss in the whole garlic cloves and let them soften and caramelize for about 6-7 minutes, stirring gently so they don’t burn. Next, sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell is gone. This simple roux will give your sauce that legendary creamy body.
Step 5: Finish the Creamy Gravy
Pour in your prepared chicken broth mixture bit by bit, stirring constantly. Watch as the gravy comes together, thickening and absorbing those sweet garlic and herb notes. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce up to a simmer—let it gently bubble, then reduce the heat to low. If you love a cheesy finish, now’s the time to gradually whisk in a little more shredded Parmesan. Season to taste and congratulate yourself: Your kitchen officially smells amazing!
Step 6: Return Chicken and Simmer
Slip the seared chicken (plus any of its resting juices) back into the sauce, spooning the creamy gravy over the top. Partially cover the pan and let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes. This lets the flavors meld and ensures every bite is infused with garlicky, herby goodness. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh parsley is classic, bringing vibrant color and a hint of brightness that plays perfectly off the rich, creamy sauce. For even more flair, try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few toasted pine nuts. Don’t forget a scatter of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving—the aroma hits you first!
Side Dishes
This dish is practically begging for a side of creamy mashed potatoes (perfect for soaking up that sauce!), but fluffy rice or buttered egg noodles are just as dreamy. If you want to balance all the richness, serve it with crisp roasted green beans, garlicky broccolini, or a simple tossed salad with a bright vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
For a restaurant-style twist, serve each cutlet atop a mound of pureed cauliflower or herbed polenta, pooling the sauce all around. You could even tuck slices of chicken into a toasted ciabatta roll and spoon the sauce over for a decadent sandwich. Hosting for date night? Plate it with extra-roasted garlic cloves and a sprinkle of microgreens—practically guaranteed to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let everything cool before storing, and be sure to spoon some extra sauce over each portion so it stays wonderfully moist and flavorful.
Freezing
This recipe is a meal-prepper’s dream! Portion cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, then stash in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, or reheat from frozen for ultimate convenience—with virtually no loss of creamy sauce quality.
Reheating
To reheat, you can pop leftovers in the microwave at 50% power (especially straight from frozen), or rewarm gently in a covered, lightly greased casserole dish in a 350-degree oven for about 20 minutes. Give the sauce a good stir before serving, and if it seems a bit thick, add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to its luscious glory.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work just as well and bring even more juicy flavor to the Delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe—just expect them to take another minute or two to cook through.
How can I avoid curdling the cream in the sauce?
Always stir in the cream over low heat, after taking the sauce off a full boil. This let’s the sauce stay smooth and velvety, making the Delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe turn out picture-perfect every time.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can substitute full-fat coconut milk or a creamy, unsweetened almond milk for the heavy cream, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a satisfying, dairy-free spin on the recipe.
What’s the best way to caramelize the garlic without burning it?
Use medium to medium-low heat and keep the garlic moving in plenty of butter. Cook it slowly until each clove is soft, golden, and sweet. This mellow flavor is essential for Delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe!
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Mushrooms are fantastic—sauté them separately and stir them in right at the end. Spinach, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts are all wonderful add-ins for extra texture, color, and nutrients.
Final Thoughts
Give this Delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe a try and watch it become a staple for every comfort food craving. It’s the kind of dish that feels equally at home on a weeknight or special occasion table, and I promise, the garlicky cream sauce will have everyone asking for seconds!
PrintDelicious Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a mouthwatering dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich gravy with caramelized garlic cloves for a gourmet touch. A one-skillet wonder that’s easy to make!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt/Pepper
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasonings
- ⅓ cup flour
- 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 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)
Instructions
- Prep Work: Combine chicken broth, bouillon cube, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and thyme in a large measuring cup. Combine flour and Parmesan on a plate.
- Cook the Chicken: Pound chicken to ½ inch thickness, season, dredge in flour mixture, and sear in olive oil until golden. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Melt butter, caramelize garlic, add flour, broth mixture, cream, and Parmesan. Simmer chicken in sauce for 5 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve with mashed potatoes and roasted green beans!
Notes
- Consider using more chicken breasts if they are smaller.
- Adding sautéed mushrooms is a tasty variation.
- This recipe is featured in The Cozy Cookbook on page 99.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 488 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1029mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 123mg
