Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Creamy Garlic Chicken is the kind of comfort food you crave after a long day, with juicy chicken bathed in a luxurious, garlicky sauce that’s rich, velvety, and oh-so-satisfying. Imagine tender chicken breasts seared until golden, then enveloped in a silky cream sauce loaded with fragrant garlic and just the right hit of savory herbs. This is weeknight magic in a skillet, with bold flavors that feel like a warm hug in every bite. It’s easy to whip up but feels fancy enough for guests, making it a recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Garlic Chicken lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays a starring role in bringing depth, creaminess, and perfect balance to the finished dish. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need—and why it matters!

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts are best for absorbing all the lovely sauce and staying juicy.
• Salt and pepper: These simple seasonings are essential for enhancing the chicken’s natural flavor.
• Olive oil: A little oil gives the chicken that irresistible golden sear.
• Butter: Adds richness and depth to both the chicken and the sauce.
• Fresh garlic: The absolute heart of this recipe—minced garlic infuses every bite with its heady aroma.
• Chicken broth: Builds savory body for the sauce and helps deglaze those delicious browned bits.
• Heavy cream: Delivers that signature creamy texture and balances the pungency of the garlic.
• Parmesan cheese: A touch of freshly grated Parmesan gives the sauce a salty, nutty kick and helps it thicken beautifully.
• Italian seasoning: Lends a gentle herbal note that rounds out the flavors.
• Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of parsley adds color and brightness to the final dish.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts all over with salt and pepper—you want every bite to be flavorful! Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, lay in the chicken and let it sizzle undisturbed for a few minutes on each side, until beautifully golden but not cooked through. This step locks in the juices and sets the foundation for that irresistible Creamy Garlic Chicken.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Base

Reduce the heat to medium and add a good knob of butter to the same pan. When it’s melted, toss in all that glorious minced garlic. Stir constantly to keep the garlic from burning, letting its aroma bloom and gently flavor the butter for about a minute.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up all the golden bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet—they’re packed with savory flavor! Allow the broth to bubble for a minute, then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. The sauce will come together quickly, thickening into that iconic silky-smooth Creamy Garlic Chicken sauce.

Step 4: Simmer and Finish

Nestle the partially cooked chicken breasts back into the sauce, cover, and let them simmer on low for about 6 to 8 minutes. This finishes cooking the chicken gently so it stays tender and lets the flavors meld into every bite.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is luscious and glossy, sprinkle over fresh parsley. Serve your Creamy Garlic Chicken straight from the skillet, spooning extra sauce over each piece for maximum deliciousness.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken

Garnishes

Finish your Creamy Garlic Chicken with a generous shower of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. If you want a little cheesy decadence, add another dusting of Parmesan just before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish begs to be partnered with something that can soak up the glorious sauce. Think whipped mashed potatoes, crisp steamed green beans, buttered noodles, or even a simple side of crusty bread—the options are endless and all delicious!

Creative Ways to Present

Dress things up by serving your Creamy Garlic Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice pilaf or creamy polenta. For a lighter touch, spoon it onto sautéed spinach or zucchini noodles. Plating individual portions in shallow bowls makes the dish feel extra special, perfect for a cozy dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days—with the sauce getting even better as the flavors meld.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Creamy Garlic Chicken! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers, making sure the chicken is fully submerged in sauce to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

Warm up your Creamy Garlic Chicken gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. If the sauce has thickened too much, a splash of milk or extra broth will bring it back to its silky best.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute and bring even more juiciness and flavor to Creamy Garlic Chicken. You may need a few extra minutes of simmering time to cook them through.

Is there a dairy-free version of the sauce?

You can swap the cream for full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative for a lactose-free twist—just keep in mind the sauce will have a mild coconut undertone.

How do I avoid the garlic burning?

Be sure to cook the garlic gently over medium heat and stir constantly. If your pan is too hot, the garlic can quickly go from golden to bitter, so keep an eye (and nose!) on it.

Can I make this dish ahead for a dinner party?

Yes! Cook the chicken and sauce as directed, then store separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce, add the chicken, and simmer until warmed through. Finish with fresh parsley just before serving.

What vegetables pair best with Creamy Garlic Chicken?

Try serving alongside steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or sautéed spinach—these veggies all complement the rich, velvety sauce and make a brightly colored, nutrient-packed plate.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s big on comfort, flavor, and ease, this Creamy Garlic Chicken never disappoints. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how foolproof and delicious homemade cream sauce can be. Gather your ingredients, fire up that skillet, and get ready for a new favorite that everyone will ask for again and again!

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