Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is truly the answer. Picture tender, juicy chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, velvety garlic cream sauce that clings to every bite—this recipe comes together quickly but delivers an impressive depth of taste that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or aiming to wow guests, this recipe is approachable yet indulgent, making it one of my go-to favorites whenever the mood strikes for something cozy but elegant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients for this recipe are straightforward and easy to find, yet each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the rich heavy cream that adds silkiness to the fragrant garlic that brings warmth, these components come together effortlessly.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose even-sized breasts to ensure uniform cooking and juicy results.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a lovely depth when searing the chicken, preventing sticking and boosting flavor.
• 1 tablespoon butter: Combines with olive oil for richness and helps create a golden crust on the chicken.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is crucial here for that bold, aromatic punch that defines the dish.
• 1 cup heavy cream: The star ingredient that delivers the creamy texture every bite deserves.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds a subtle savoriness and helps to thin the cream into a perfect sauce consistency.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Amplifies the garlic flavor in an easy, even way throughout the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Offers a mild sweetness and depth that complements the garlic beautifully.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural flavors.
• Fresh parsley, for garnish: A vibrant touch of color and freshness to finish the dish.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This simple seasoning mix serves as a flavorful foundation, ensuring every bite has that irresistible savory punch. Don’t rush this step—pat the seasoning in so it sticks well to the meat.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat until hot and shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook them for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. This step is all about developing a gorgeous, golden-brown crust that locks in the juices while building those complex, caramelized flavors.

Step 3: Remove Chicken and Sauté Garlic

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside temporarily. Now add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for about a minute, just until it becomes fragrant. This quick step lets the garlic release its aromatic oils without burning, which is key for a smooth, garlicky sauce.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring them together with the garlic in the skillet. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, during which time the sauce will thicken and become delightfully silky. This simmering moment is where the magic happens—transforming simple ingredients into a luscious, comforting sauce that every chicken-loving heart dreams of.

Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the sauce’s richness while the flavors meld to perfection. This final step ensures every bite of the chicken is coated in that heavenly creamy garlic goodness.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing brightens this dish quite like a sprinkling of fresh parsley. The vibrant green not only adds a pop of color but brings a fresh, slightly peppery note that cuts through the richness of the cream. Feel free to chop it finely or leave larger leaves for a rustic touch—both look stunning on the plate.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides. Think buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the sauce, or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli to add a crisp, healthy balance. Roasted asparagus or a light, crisp salad also make fantastic companions to keep the meal well-rounded and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try serving your creamy garlic chicken over a bed of buttered egg noodles or alongside garlic bread for extra indulgence. For a low-carb twist, spoon the sauce over sautéed zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. And when entertaining, plating each chicken breast with a drizzle of sauce and a parsley garnish on elegant dishes instantly elevates the experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover creamy garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken breasts submerged in the sauce to prevent them from drying out and to maintain that luscious creaminess.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep or busy nights. Portion out the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at short intervals. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Reheating slowly helps keep the chicken tender and the sauce smooth without separating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to stay extra juicy and flavorful. You may just need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, but keep in mind this will alter the flavor profile slightly. Use dairy-free butter or oil instead of regular butter for the best results.

Can I add vegetables directly to the sauce?

Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions to the sauce. Add them after sautéing the garlic so they cook gently as the sauce simmers, creating a heartier dish.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If your sauce isn’t thickening as much as you’d like, try simmering it for a few extra minutes to reduce further. Alternatively, whisk in a small slurry of cornstarch and water to help it thicken up quickly.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! The creamy garlic chicken keeps well and actually tastes delicious warmed up, making it an excellent choice for meal prep and weeknight dinners that don’t sacrifice flavor or comfort.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe has a way of making any dinner feel special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Its rich sauce, tender chicken, and simple ingredients combine to create a dish that’s satisfying and memorable every time. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it might just become your new favorite comfort food to share with friends and family.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 68 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and smothered in a luscious garlic cream sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is ideal for a quick yet indulgent weeknight dinner that combines simple ingredients with rich, comforting flavors.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

For Cooking

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

Creamy Garlic Sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and combined with the oil, creating a flavorful base for cooking the chicken.
2. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to infuse them with savory flavors.
3. Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove Chicken: Take the cooked chicken breasts out of the skillet and set them aside on a plate to rest while you prepare the sauce.
5. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn to maintain a fresh garlic flavor.
6. Add Cream and Broth: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of chicken broth, stirring well to combine all the flavors and deglaze the pan.
7. Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Return Chicken to Sauce: Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them, and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.
9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness, then serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce before simmering.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier alternative, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
• Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and moist.
• This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Fresh garlic can be substituted with garlic powder if preferred, adjusting quantity to taste.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American