Craving a dinner that feels fancy but comes together in a flash? Look no further than this incredible Creamy Garlic Chicken. This dish transforms simple ingredients into a rich, savory meal perfect for any night of the week. You’ll love its deep flavors and how easily it fits into your busy schedule. Get ready to enjoy a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken

This recipe is designed with busy parents and beginners in mind. It truly embodies simplicity and deliciousness. Here’s why this creamy garlic chicken will become a staple in your kitchen:

Quick & Easy: You can have this dish ready and on the table in about 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The rich, savory sauce tastes incredibly indulgent, yet it’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these common ingredients in your pantry already, saving you a trip to the store.
One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup with a recipe that cooks almost entirely in a single skillet.
Family-Friendly: Its crowd-pleasing flavors appeal to everyone, even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious creamy garlic chicken. Each component plays a vital role in building the incredible flavor profile.

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lbs. total)*
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp butter, divided
1 whole garlic bulb (about 8-9 garlic cloves)**
1 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and Pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your preferences or what you have on hand.

Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for an even more tender and juicy result.
Garlic: If fresh garlic is unavailable, substitute with 1 1/2 tablespoons of pre-minced garlic or 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic powder in the sauce.
Cream: For a lighter sauce, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, though it will be slightly less rich.
Broth: Vegetable broth works perfectly in place of chicken broth if preferred.
Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the Italian seasoning to your taste or use a pinch of dried oregano and thyme.

Equipment Needed

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this wonderful meal.

Large skillet (oven-safe optional)
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk or spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these clear steps to create your perfect creamy garlic chicken. Remember to read through the entire recipe before you begin cooking!

Prepare the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully fillet each chicken breast into two thinner cutlets. Alternatively, use pre-sliced thin-cut chicken breasts if available. Season each chicken breast generously with Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Next, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over both sides of the chicken breasts and rub it in until each piece is evenly coated. This flour coating helps create a lovely golden crust and thickens the sauce later.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, carefully add the floured chicken pieces. Cook on each side until golden brown and cooked through, which takes about 4 minutes per side. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). The USDA provides clear guidelines for safe cooking temperatures. safe minimum internal temperature for all poultry Remove the cooked chicken to a clean plate and cover it loosely with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Prepare the Garlic: While the chicken cooks, peel the garlic cloves from the whole bulb. Then, carefully smash each peeled clove with the side of a large chef’s knife by pressing down firmly with the heel of your hand. This method releases the garlic’s flavor beautifully. Understanding the culinary science behind garlic preparation reveals how smashing garlic releases complex, mellow flavors.
Sauté the Garlic: Once the chicken is removed from the skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Add the smashed garlic cloves. Turn the heat down to medium-low and sauté the garlic for 3 minutes or until it becomes lightly browned and wonderfully fragrant. It’s crucial to stir the garlic frequently during this step to prevent it from burning, as burnt garlic tastes bitter.
Simmer the Sauce: Next, pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Add the garlic powder. Stir well and use your spoon to scrape up any delicious brown bits (fond) from the bottom of the skillet. These bits add incredible depth of flavor to your sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer gently in the skillet for 8-10 minutes, or until it has reduced and thickened by about 50%. The sauce should be coating the back of a spoon. Taste the sauce at this point and add salt and pepper if needed. Sarah recommends about ⅛ tsp of salt and ⅛ tsp of black pepper.
Combine and Serve: Finally, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and nestle them into the creamy sauce. Spoon the rich sauce over the top of the chicken to ensure every piece is coated. Allow the chicken to heat through for a couple of minutes. Serve your fantastic creamy garlic chicken immediately with fresh chopped parsley as an optional garnish, and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Success

Achieving a perfect creamy garlic chicken is simple with a few smart techniques.

Even Cutlets: Slice your chicken breasts to a uniform thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and prevents some pieces from drying out while others are still cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. An overcrowded skillet lowers the temperature, steaming the chicken instead of searing it to a golden brown.
Scrape the Fond: Those browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan after searing the chicken are packed with flavor. Scrape them up when you add the broth to integrate them into your sauce.
Sauce Thickness: If your sauce is too thin, simmer it longer. If it’s too thick, add a splash more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Prevent Burnt Garlic: Keep a close eye on your garlic while it sautés. Stir it constantly on medium-low heat to ensure it browns gently without burning, which can turn it bitter.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before serving. Adjust the salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed to suit your palate.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile creamy garlic chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

Potatoes: Serve it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of that delicious sauce.
Pasta: Toss the chicken and sauce with your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine or penne, for a complete meal.
Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice is an excellent choice for a comforting accompaniment.
Vegetables: Add a healthy touch with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or green beans.
Salad: A simple, fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Handle your leftover chicken properly to maintain its deliciousness.

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, or use the microwave in short bursts.
Moisture: If the sauce seems dry during reheating, add a small splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to restore its creamy texture.

Flavor Variations

Get creative and customize your creamy garlic chicken with these exciting additions!

Greens: Stir in fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms during the last few minutes of simmering the sauce.
Citrus Boost: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the entire dish and cuts through the richness.
Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving for an extra layer of savory flavor.
Smoky Touch: Top with crispy bacon bits for a delightful smoky and textural contrast.
Mediterranean Twist: Mix in some sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped) for a burst of concentrated flavor.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious creamy garlic chicken.
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Nutrient	Amount
Serving Size	1 serving
Calories	518 kcal
Carbohydrate Content	9 g
Protein Content	34 g
Fat Content	38 g
Sodium Content	741 mg
Fiber Content	0.4 g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this creamy garlic chicken recipe? Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before filleting and seasoning. This helps achieve a proper sear.
How can I make the sauce thicker if it’s too thin? Let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken further. You can also mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce.
Is this recipe dairy-free adaptable? Unfortunately, this recipe relies heavily on heavy cream and butter for its signature creamy texture. Dairy-free alternatives might alter the flavor and consistency significantly.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time? You can prepare the chicken up to the flouring step a few hours in advance. For the best flavor and texture, cook the entire creamy garlic chicken dish fresh just before serving.
What other spices complement garlic chicken well? Besides Italian seasoning, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika, onion powder, or a dash of dried thyme for additional aromatic notes.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Chicken truly is a weeknight game-changer. It delivers on incredible flavor while remaining wonderfully simple to prepare, making it perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike. We hope you enjoy bringing this quick and satisfying dish to your table. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!