🍗 Creamy Garlic Chicken – Rich, Comforting, and Ready in 30 Minutes

If there’s one dish that brings everyone running to the dinner table, it’s Creamy Garlic Chicken. With its golden-seared chicken breasts bathed in a smooth, garlic-infused cream sauce, this recipe checks every box: comfort food, weeknight-friendly, and restaurant-level flavor—all from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, guests, or a cozy night in, this one-pan meal is an instant crowd-pleaser.

---

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken

This dish is a staple for good reason:

✅ Rich and Flavorful

The garlic cream sauce is bold, buttery, and kissed with herbs—coating every bite in velvety goodness.

✅ One-Pan Wonder

Minimal cleanup! You’ll sear and simmer everything in a single skillet.

✅ Ready in 30 Minutes

Perfect for weeknights or when you want something indulgent but fast.

✅ Customizable

Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for variety.

---

Key Ingredients (Original Recipe Preserved)

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Garlic cloves, freshly minced
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth or stock
• Butter and olive oil
• Salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Want extra tang? A splash of Parmesan cheese or Dijon mustard can elevate the sauce even more (optional).

---

Step-by-Step: How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Pat your chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Heat a combination of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness). Remove and set aside.

🔥 Pro Tip: Let chicken rest undisturbed while searing to get that delicious caramelization.

---

Step 2: Build the Garlic Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add a bit more butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Slowly whisk in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits—that’s pure flavor gold. Then, stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Let the sauce reduce slightly (4–5 minutes) until it begins to thicken.

---

Step 3: Return Chicken to the Pan

Nestle the chicken back into the sauce. Spoon sauce over each piece and simmer another 3–5 minutes on low, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to stay juicy.

🧄 Want more depth? Stir in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan for a subtle nutty kick.

---

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and freshly cracked pepper before serving.

---

Serving Suggestions

This dish begs for something to soak up the garlicky sauce. Try:

• Mashed potatoes or garlic roasted potatoes
• Buttered pasta or fettuccine noodles
• Steamed green beans, asparagus, or broccoli
• Crusty bread or homemade rolls for sopping up the sauce

For a low-carb version, serve with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.

---

Tips for Success

• Don’t burn the garlic: Cook it just until fragrant—burnt garlic tastes bitter.
• Use room-temperature chicken for even cooking.
• Deglaze the pan: Scraping up those brown bits adds umami and depth.
• Simmer low and slow once the cream is added to avoid breaking the sauce.

---

Flavor Variations

• Add mushrooms: Sauté before adding garlic.
• Stir in spinach during the last 2 minutes for added color and nutrients.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes for an earthy, sweet-tangy twist.
• Make it cheesy: Add shredded mozzarella or Gruyère.

---

Make Ahead & Storage

Meal Prep:

Cook and store in airtight containers. Add sauce separately if needed to keep texture perfect.

Fridge:

Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer:

Freeze in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

---

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and work beautifully with this sauce.

Can I lighten this recipe?

Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter—but slightly thinner—sauce.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Swap butter for olive oil and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. Flavor will change but it still works!

---

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is one of those recipes that belongs in your forever rotation. It’s simple enough for busy nights but elegant enough for guests. The garlic-infused cream sauce wraps each piece of chicken in comfort, while the ease of preparation will have you making it over and over again.

Whether you serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or something green, this dish is sure to be a hit. Make it once, and your family will ask for it weekly!

Print