Creamy Garlic Chicken

When I want something simple yet indulgent for dinner, I always come back to Creamy Garlic Chicken. It’s a dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly easy to make at home. Tender chicken breasts are seared until golden, then simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce that’s smooth, flavorful, and perfect for spooning over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it uses basic ingredients but delivers maximum comfort. The garlic infuses the cream sauce with depth, while the seared chicken soaks up all the flavor. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for company, and it pairs with just about anything. Every bite is tender, creamy, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into 4 thin cutlets)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried thyme/oregano mix)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
I season the chicken cutlets generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. I sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes per side, then set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, I add the remaining butter and sauté the garlic for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. I pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits, then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. I let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine and Finish
I return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over the top. I let it simmer for another 3–5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is silky.

Step 5: Serve
I garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Calories: Approximately 480 per serving

Variations

• For extra depth, I add a splash of white wine before the broth.
• Sometimes I stir in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for more texture and flavor.
• I swap Parmesan for Asiago or Romano for a sharper taste.
• For a lighter option, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless thighs work beautifully and stay juicy.

Can I make this dairy-free?

I can use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan for a creamy, flavorful sauce without dairy.

How do I keep the sauce from curdling?

I avoid high heat once the cream is added and stir gently to keep the sauce smooth.

What’s the best pasta to serve with this?

I like fettuccine or linguine — their wide noodles catch the creamy sauce perfectly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I cook the chicken and sauce separately, then reheat and combine before serving for the best texture.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken is one of those dishes that never disappoints — easy to make, deeply comforting, and versatile enough to serve with any side. The garlic cream sauce is rich but not heavy, and the chicken turns out juicy every time. Whether I’m cooking for myself, my family, or dinner guests, this recipe always earns a spot on the table.

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