If you’re craving a dish that’s both rich in flavor and effortlessly comforting, then this Creamy Garlic Chicken is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine tender, perfectly seared chicken breasts bathed in a luscious sauce that’s bursting with garlic, herbs, and just the right amount of cheesy goodness. The Creamy Garlic Chicken strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and approachable, making it a dish that’s ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions when you want something truly satisfying on your plate.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients for this Creamy Garlic Chicken are simple yet essential, each playing a special role in building layers of incredible flavor, creamy texture, and that inviting golden color. From fragrant herbs to the rich Parmesan, every element is carefully chosen to elevate this dish to something memorable.

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: The main star, providing tender, juicy protein that soaks up all the flavors.
Salt and pepper: To season and enhance the natural taste of the chicken.
3 teaspoons Italian seasonings: A fragrant blend that infuses the meat with herbaceous warmth.
⅓ cup flour: For dredging, helping create a crispy crust and thickening the sauce later.
4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (shredded): Adds a sharp, salty kick that enriches both the crust and sauce.
3 tablespoons olive oil: For that perfect sear, lending a subtle fruitiness and crisp texture.
2 ½ cups chicken broth: The base of the sauce, contributing savory depth.
1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 tsp better than bouillon): Amplifies the umami, making each bite truly flavorful.
1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce): A secret ingredient that layers in complexity and richness.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings mild sweetness and aromatic notes to the sauce.
½ teaspoon dried thyme: This subtle herb adds earthy brightness without overpowering.
½ teaspoon mustard powder: A gentle heat that awakens the palate.
3 tablespoons butter: For that silky, indulgent sauce texture and depth of flavor.
10 whole cloves garlic: The heart of the dish, slowly caramelized to sweet, mellow perfection.
3 tablespoons flour: To thicken the sauce and give it body.
½ cup heavy cream: Brings luscious creaminess that ties everything together.
½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional): Stirred into the sauce for extra cheesy richness if you’re feeling decadent.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Flavorful Broth Mixture

The secret to a sauce that sings lies in the broth mixture. Start by combining chicken broth, a beef bouillon cube, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and dried thyme in a large measuring cup with a spout. Setting this aside means all your seasoning is perfectly blended and ready to create that rich sauce foundation without extra fuss later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken for a Perfect Sear

Next, slice your chicken breasts lengthwise into thinner cutlets to ensure quick, even cooking. Pound them with a meat mallet to about half an inch thick — this little step guarantees tender, evenly cooked chicken. Pat them completely dry, then season both sides generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken in a mix of flour and Parmesan cheese for a golden crust that locks in moisture while adding savory flavor and texture.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts in batches. You want that beautiful crust to form and develop a deep golden color, which usually takes about four to five minutes per side. Once each piece has reached that crispy exterior, set them aside — don’t worry, the magic isn’t over yet.

Step 4: Craft the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium to medium-low heat. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a silicone spatula to capture all those flavorful browned bits left from searing the chicken—this is where the depth of the sauce begins! Add whole garlic cloves and cook slowly until they soften and caramelize, about 6 to 7 minutes, transforming sharp raw garlic into sweet, mellow gems.

Step 5: Build the Sauce Base

Sprinkle flour over the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw flour smell disappears. Then, gradually pour in your prepared broth mixture in splashes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once combined, stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a boiling point before reducing the heat to low. Slowly fold in the Parmesan cheese, watching as the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy and smooth.

Step 6: Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce

Return your seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece, then cover the pan partially. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes so the chicken finishes cooking and soaks up all those luscious garlic-infused flavors. The result is tender chicken swimming in a velvety sauce that’s practically irresistible.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken

Garnishes

Finishing your Creamy Garlic Chicken with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish beautifully. You can also add a little extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for an added touch of decadence if you like.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs brilliantly with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up every bit of that garlicky sauce, making each forkful dreamy. Roasted green beans or other steamed vegetables bring a nice crunch and vivid green color, balancing the richness of the chicken with freshness and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Creamy Garlic Chicken over buttery egg noodles or even creamy polenta for a comforting, hearty meal. If you want to impress guests, plate the chicken sliced with the sauce drizzled artistically, accompanied by sides arranged with a bit of height and color contrast. Presentation makes the dish feel just as special as its flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken keeps very well in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The sauce thickens as it cools, so before serving leftovers, gently reheat while stirring in a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back that perfect saucy texture.

Freezing

If you want to save this dish for a longer period, it freezes nicely. Store the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure even warming without drying out the chicken.

Reheating

Reheat Creamy Garlic Chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a little extra broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms. Avoid the microwave if you can, to preserve the sauce’s creamy consistency and prevent the chicken from becoming tough.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to be a bit juicier. Just adjust your cooking time slightly, as they may take a bit longer to cook through, and watch for the best golden crust.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free spread, and use coconut cream or a nut-based cream alternative. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for that cheesy flavor. The garlic and herbs will still shine wonderfully.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?

Pounded thin, the chicken cooks fairly quickly. It’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear. The meat should be opaque and tender, not dry or rubbery.

Can I make the sauce without whole garlic cloves?

While whole cloves cooked slowly offer a sweet, mellow flavor, you can use minced garlic added later in the process for a sharper garlic punch. Just be careful not to burn it, as it can develop bitterness.

What can I do to make the sauce thicker or thinner?

If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered a bit longer, or add a small slurry of flour and water. To thin it out, stir in a bit more broth or cream, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe is truly a celebration of simple ingredients transforming into something spectacular. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and satisfying every single time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own, sharing this joy with family and friends around your table.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 5 reviews

Author: Rafael
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts simmered in a rich and flavorful garlic Parmesan cream sauce. Perfectly paired with mashed potatoes and roasted green beans, this recipe offers a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home.

Instructions

Prep Work: In a large measuring cup with a spout, combine the chicken broth, bouillon cube, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and dried thyme. Set aside for later use. On a plate, mix the flour and Parmesan cheese for dredging. Measure out all other ingredients to have them ready when cooking.
Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to make 2-3 thinner pieces. Cover with plastic wrap and gently pound with the textured side of a meat mallet until about ½ inch thick. Pat the chicken dry completely with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
Season and Dredge: Season both sides of the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge each piece in the flour and Parmesan mixture, shaking off any excess flour to avoid clumps.
Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken slices in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until a golden crust forms. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
Make the Sauce – Step 1: Reduce heat to medium or medium-low and melt the butter in the same skillet. Use a silicone spatula to scrape and loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the pan; this will add extra flavor to the sauce. Add the whole garlic cloves and cook gently for 6-7 minutes, allowing them to soften and caramelize.
Make the Sauce – Step 2: Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, forming a roux base for the sauce.
Make the Sauce – Step 3: Slowly add the reserved chicken broth mixture in small splashes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce begins to thicken.
Make the Sauce – Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese to melt smoothly into the sauce.
Finish Cooking Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet along with any juices collected on the plate. Spoon sauce over the chicken, cover the skillet partially, and simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors and finish cooking the chicken through.
Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the creamy garlic chicken alongside mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

Ensure chicken breasts are pounded evenly for consistent cooking.
Caramelizing the garlic slowly brings out a sweet, mellow flavor—do not rush this step.
Using fresh grated Parmesan cheese yields a richer sauce.
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the thickness may be affected.
Be cautious not to overcook the chicken during searing; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
This recipe pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes and green vegetables but can also be served over pasta or rice.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing and Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American