Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a rich and comforting dish made with tender chicken breasts simmered in a silky, garlic-infused cream sauce. It’s the kind of meal I reach for when I want something hearty, flavorful, and ready in under an hour. Paired with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, it’s always a dinner winner at my table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe delivers so much flavor with just a few everyday ingredients. The garlic is the star—soft, fragrant, and mellowed by the cream, creating a sauce that’s impossible to resist. It’s perfect for a cozy night in but impressive enough to serve for guests. And the best part? It all comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

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

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• Garlic cloves (lots of them—minced or sliced)

• Heavy cream

• Chicken broth

• Olive oil or butter

• Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)

• All-purpose flour (for dredging or thickening)

• Salt and black pepper

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. I season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge them in flour.

2. In a large skillet, I heat oil or butter over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown—about 4–5 minutes per side. I set it aside.

3. In the same skillet, I reduce the heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

4. I pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.

5. I stir in the cream and let it simmer until slightly thickened. If I want extra depth, I add a little grated Parmesan at this stage.

6. I return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for another 5–10 minutes, until it’s fully cooked and the sauce is velvety.

7. I garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with my favorite sides.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 35 minutes total—10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking.

Variations

I sometimes add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for a veggie boost. If I want a lemony twist, I stir in a splash of lemon juice or zest at the end. For a spicy version, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes while the garlic cooks. And when I’m feeling indulgent, I top the finished dish with crispy bacon bits.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too, but I go low and slow to keep the cream from separating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, I often use boneless thighs—they stay extra juicy and work beautifully with the creamy garlic sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I can, but I prefer to make it fresh for the best texture. If I do prep ahead, I reheat it gently to keep the sauce from breaking.

What sides go best with creamy garlic chicken?

I love it with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up all that sauce.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

I simmer it a bit longer or add a small slurry of flour and water. Parmesan also helps thicken it naturally.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, I’ve used coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative. The flavor changes slightly, but it’s still delicious.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken is one of those easy, flavorful meals that never fails me. I love the richness of the sauce, the tenderness of the chicken, and how easily it pairs with just about any side dish. It’s a true comfort food classic that I always keep in my dinner rotation.