Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

A rich and comforting dish, this creamy garlic chicken brings together tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce. It’s simple to make yet full of flavor—perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or cozy weekend meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish cooks in just one pan, saving time and dishes. The garlic cream sauce is decadently creamy without feeling heavy, and the chicken stays tender and juicy. With minimal prep, it feels indulgent but comes together effortlessly.

ingredients

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

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and pepper

• Olive oil

• Butter

• Garlic cloves, minced

• Chicken broth

• Heavy cream

• Parmesan cheese, grated

• Fresh parsley, chopped

directions

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Brown the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes per side until golden and mostly cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits, and simmer for a couple of minutes.

6. Reduce heat to medium-low, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens.

7. Return the chicken to the pan, spoon the sauce over it, and let it cook another few minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce coats it beautifully.

8. Finish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. I estimate total time to be about 30 minutes:

• Prep: 10 minutes

• Cook: 20 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes swap half-and-half for heavy cream if I want a lighter sauce.

• I can stir in spinach or sun‑dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.

• For a spicy kick, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

• I’ve substituted Italian seasoning or thyme in place of parsley depending on what’s in my pantry.

storage/reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I gently warm the chicken and sauce on low heat in a skillet until heated through, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce is too thick—about 5–7 minutes. I avoid microwaving to preserve texture and keep the sauce creamy.

FAQs

What can I serve with creamy garlic chicken?

I love pairing it with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or even roasted veggies to soak up all that flavorful sauce.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! I’ve used boneless, skinless thighs—it adds extra juiciness and works really well.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes. I swap heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan—still creamy and delicious.

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

To thicken, I simmer the sauce a bit longer or add a slurry of cornstarch and water. For a thinner consistency, I stir in extra chicken broth.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Definitely. I cook the chicken up to the sauce step, store everything separately, and finish cooking together when ready—just reheat the sauce, add the chicken, and warm through.

Conclusion

This creamy garlic chicken recipe is one I turn to when I want a cozy yet elegant dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s flavorful, comforting, and versatile. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen, too—enjoy every bite!