Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 10 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for sauce); 2 ½ cups chicken broth; 1 beef bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon beef base; 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; ½ cup heavy cream; 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Creamy Garlic Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to a deeply satisfying culinary experience that consistently delights and comforts. Imagine perfectly seared chicken, incredibly tender and juicy, nestled in a rich, velvety sauce infused with the irresistible aroma of roasted garlic and fresh herbs. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, renowned for its luxurious texture and profoundly savory flavor profile that truly elevates an everyday meal into something extraordinary.

There’s a compelling reason why variations of garlic chicken have held a cherished place in cuisines around the globe for centuries. Garlic, revered since ancient times not only for its pungent taste but also its versatility, beautifully complements the mildness of chicken, creating a harmonious blend that is both robust and refined. While the exact historical origin of this specific creamy rendition is modern, it stands on the shoulders of countless traditions that celebrate these foundational ingredients. People adore this dish for its unmatched combination of succulent protein and a deeply aromatic, smooth sauce that coats every bite, offering a gourmet sensation with surprising ease of preparation. It’s the kind of meal that promises warmth and satisfaction, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and elegant dinner parties.

I believe you’ll discover that our carefully crafted recipe for Creamy Garlic Chicken delivers an unforgettable flavor journey, proving why this classic remains a beloved staple in homes everywhere.

Ingredients:

Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless (approximately 1.5-2 pounds total). I find that choosing chicken breasts of a similar size helps them cook more evenly.
Garlic: 6-8 cloves, freshly minced. Don’t be shy with the garlic; it’s the heart of our Creamy Garlic Chicken!
Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml), full-fat for the most luxurious and rich sauce texture.
Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup (120ml), low sodium is a good choice so we can control the saltiness ourselves.
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated. Trust me, freshly grated makes a huge difference in flavor and melt.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for searing our beautiful chicken.
Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons, for building the foundation of our creamy sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: 1 tablespoon, to help thicken our gorgeous sauce.
Salt: 1 teaspoon, plus more to taste.
Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground is always best for maximum flavor.
Dried Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon, a lovely blend to complement the chicken.
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional), for a subtle kick that really enhances the dish.
Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped, for a vibrant garnish and fresh finish.
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed. This is our secret ingredient to brighten and balance the richness of the Creamy Garlic Chicken sauce!

Preparing the Chicken:

Let’s start by getting our chicken ready for its starring role. Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pat them very, very dry with paper towels. This seemingly small step is absolutely crucial because any excess moisture on the chicken’s surface will prevent it from developing that beautiful, golden-brown crust we’re aiming for. Instead of searing, it would steam, and we want a glorious exterior on our Creamy Garlic Chicken.
Next, we’re going to prepare the chicken so it cooks evenly and absorbs all those lovely flavors. If your chicken breasts are quite thick – often over an inch at their thickest point – I highly recommend slicing them horizontally to create two thinner cutlets from each breast. Aim for a consistent thickness of about 1/2 to 3/4 inch. This ensures they cook through quickly and remain incredibly tender and juicy, preventing dry, overcooked chicken. Alternatively, you can place each breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet until they reach an even thickness.
Now for the seasoning! This is where a significant amount of the initial flavor for our Creamy Garlic Chicken comes from. Sprinkle both sides of your chicken cutlets generously with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning. Don’t be shy here; make sure every surface is coated. Gently press the seasonings into the chicken with your fingertips to ensure they adhere well and don’t just fall off in the pan. Set the seasoned chicken aside while we prepare our skillet. This brief resting period also allows the seasonings to start permeating the meat, building a deeper flavor profile.

Searing the Chicken:

Grab a large skillet, preferably a heavy-bottomed one like cast iron or a good quality stainless steel pan. These types of pans retain heat exceptionally well, which is key for a proper sear. Place the skillet over medium-high heat. We want the pan to be nice and hot before adding any fat or chicken. You’ll know it’s ready when you can feel a distinct heat radiating from it when you hold your hand a few inches above the surface.
Once your pan is sufficiently hot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Swirl it around gently to coat the bottom of the pan evenly. You’ll know the oil is at the right temperature when it shimmers slightly and appears to thin out. If you see a tiny wisp of smoke, that’s often a good sign, but don’t let it smoke excessively, as that means it’s too hot and the oil could burn, imparting an unpleasant flavor.
Carefully place your seasoned chicken cutlets into the hot pan. You should hear a satisfying sizzle immediately – that’s the sound of flavor developing! It is vital not to overcrowd the pan. If you put too many pieces of chicken in at once, the temperature of the pan will drop significantly, and the chicken will steam rather than sear, resulting in a pale, flabby exterior instead of that beautiful, caramelized crust we’re aiming for. Cook in batches if necessary, giving each piece enough space to brown properly without touching.
Let the chicken sear undisturbed for about 4-6 minutes per side. This is arguably the most important part of searing – resist the urge to move or flip it too soon! This undisturbed cooking time is how we develop that incredible golden-brown, flavorful crust, known as the Maillard reaction. You’ll observe the edges of the chicken starting to turn opaque and brown. Once one side is beautifully golden and releases easily from the pan, flip the chicken carefully with tongs and sear the other side for another 4-5 minutes, or until it’s cooked through. To be absolutely sure, use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part. A thermometer is your best friend for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time.
Once cooked, transfer the seared chicken to a clean plate. Don’t worry about keeping it piping hot just yet; we’ll reintroduce it to the sauce soon, which will warm it through. Tent the plate loosely with foil to help retain some warmth and, more importantly, to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This resting period is crucial for ensuring tender, juicy chicken. Now, take a look at the bottom of your skillet. You’ll see delicious browned bits, or “fond,” clinging to the surface. These are pure flavor bombs, and we’re going to use them to create the incredibly rich and complex base for our Creamy Garlic Chicken sauce.

Crafting the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

Reduce the heat to medium-low. In the same skillet – do not clean it! – add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let the butter melt, using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to gently scrape up any of those fantastic browned bits (the “fond”) from the bottom of the pan. This process is called deglazing, and it’s where we capture all that incredible, concentrated flavor left behind by the chicken, incorporating it directly into our sauce. The butter will mingle with these bits, adding another layer of richness.
Once the butter is melted and sizzling gently, add your 6-8 cloves of freshly minced garlic. Oh, the aroma that will fill your kitchen right now! Stir the garlic constantly for about 1 minute, until it becomes wonderfully fragrant and just barely starts to turn a light golden color. This step requires your full attention: be extremely careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic turns bitter very quickly and can ruin the delicate flavor of your Creamy Garlic Chicken. If you’re using the optional red pepper flakes for a little warmth and subtle kick, add them now with the garlic. The gentle heat will help to “bloom” their flavor, releasing their oils and intensifying their spice.
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour over the garlic and butter mixture in the pan. Stir continuously for another 1-2 minutes, working it vigorously to create what’s known as a roux. The flour will absorb the butter and garlic, forming a thick paste. This roux is essential as it will help to thicken our creamy sauce, giving it a luxurious, velvety consistency. Cooking the flour briefly like this is also important as it helps to cook out any raw flour taste, ensuring your sauce is smooth and palatable.
Now, it’s time to introduce some liquid. Gradually pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth, whisking constantly as you pour to prevent lumps from forming. The mixture will thicken almost immediately as the starch in the flour absorbs the liquid. Keep whisking diligently until the sauce is completely smooth and lump-free. The warmth of the pan combined with your constant agitation will help dissolve any starchy clumps, creating a beautifully consistent base for your Creamy Garlic Chicken sauce.
This is where the true creaminess comes in! Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, continuing to whisk gently until everything is perfectly combined and smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom. It’s important not to let it come to a rolling boil, as this can cause the cream to separate or become grainy; a gentle simmer is all we need to encourage it to thicken beautifully to that ideal coating consistency.
Next, stir in 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Oh, this is where the magic truly happens for our Creamy Garlic Chicken! Continue to stir gently until the cheese is completely melted and thoroughly incorporated into the sauce, making it even more velvety, rich, and wonderfully savory. Taste the sauce at this point and adjust seasonings if needed. You might find it needs a pinch more salt or pepper. Remember, Parmesan cheese is inherently salty, so add any additional salt cautiously to avoid over-seasoning.
Finally, stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. This might sound a little surprising in a creamy sauce, but trust me, it’s a game-changer! A touch of acidity from the lemon brightens up the rich, creamy sauce and really makes all the other flavors pop. It cuts through the richness beautifully, preventing the dish from feeling too heavy or cloying. Don’t skip this step – it’s a secret weapon for balancing the flavors in your Creamy Garlic Chicken.

Finishing and Serving the Creamy Garlic Chicken:

Carefully return the seared chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them gently into the glorious, bubbling creamy garlic sauce. Spoon some of the luscious sauce over the top of each piece of chicken to ensure they are thoroughly coated and can absorb all those incredible flavors. This also helps to warm them through evenly.
Allow the chicken to simmer gently in the sauce for about 3-5 minutes over low heat. This final, gentle simmer allows the chicken to fully absorb the rich flavors of the creamy garlic sauce and ensures that it’s piping hot and incredibly tender. The chicken will finish cooking perfectly in this aromatic bath, soaking up all that amazing goodness.
Once the chicken is heated through and the sauce has reached your desired consistency – it should be thick enough to beautifully coat the back of a spoon – remove the skillet from the heat. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
To serve your magnificent Creamy Garlic Chicken, garnish generously with 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley. The vibrant green not only adds a beautiful pop of color, making the dish visually appealing, but also contributes a fresh, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the rich, savory sauce. It’s like a little burst of freshness in every bite.
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. I personally love serving it with fluffy white rice, which acts like a perfect sponge, soaking up every last drop of that luscious creamy garlic sauce. It’s also fantastic with pasta, especially a wider noodle like fettuccine or tagliatelle, allowing the sauce to cling beautifully. For those who prefer, mashed potatoes are another excellent choice, providing a comforting and absorbent base. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to offer a lovely textural and flavor contrast. The combination of textures and flavors truly creates a satisfying and complete meal.
Enjoy your homemade Creamy Garlic Chicken! Every bite is a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary, comforting, and deeply satisfying. This dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight family dinner, yet it’s elegant enough to impress guests at a special gathering. The robust garlic flavor, combined with the velvety cream, savory Parmesan, and perfectly cooked chicken, creates a symphony on your palate that you’ll want to experience again and again. I often find myself making a little extra sauce just to spoon over my chosen side because it’s simply too good to leave behind! You’ll be amazed at how quickly this becomes a treasured household favorite. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity yet profound depth of flavor.

Conclusion:

And there you have it, my friends! We’ve reached the grand finale of our culinary adventure, and I truly hope you’re as excited as I am about what we’ve created together. This isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to form something truly extraordinary. This particular recipe, for me, stands out as an absolute essential in any home cook’s repertoire because it effortlessly delivers on every front: flavor, comfort, and sheer ease of preparation. We’re talking about a dish that promises a luxurious, restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen, without any of the fuss or complicated techniques. The rich, savory aroma that will fill your home as this simmers is just the beginning of its charm. Each bite offers that perfect symphony of tender chicken enveloped in a velvety, deeply flavorful garlic-infused sauce that is both comforting and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that wraps around you like a warm hug on a chilly evening, yet it’s equally appropriate for a special occasion, impressing even the most discerning palates with its sophisticated yet approachable taste profile. Truly, the appeal of this dish lies in its uncanny ability to feel both gourmet and incredibly homey at the same time.

Now, let’s talk about making this already magnificent dish your own. The versatility of this Creamy Garlic Chicken is one of its greatest strengths. For classic perfection, I wholeheartedly recommend serving it alongside a generous helping of creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up every last drop of that delectable sauce, turning each spoonful into pure bliss. Alternatively, a bed of al dente pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine, tossed directly with the chicken and sauce, creates a complete and utterly satisfying meal that feels incredibly indulgent. If you’re leaning towards something lighter, fluffy basmati rice or even a vibrant quinoa pilaf makes for an excellent companion. And let’s not forget the power of fresh, crusty bread – it’s practically mandatory for soaking up any lingering sauce! For a touch of green, consider roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli florets, or a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. These pairings don’t just fill out the plate; they complement the flavors beautifully, ensuring a balanced and thoroughly enjoyable dining experience.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your own creative twists and variations. Feeling a bit adventurous? Try stirring in a handful of fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking for an added layer of texture and nutrition. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle warmth and a gentle kick, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice. For a different aromatic profile, consider swapping out some of the fresh parsley for delicate sprigs of fresh thyme or fragrant rosemary. If you’re a cheese lover (and who isn’t?), a final dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving will add an extra layer of savory depth and a beautiful golden finish. You could even experiment with different proteins; this glorious creamy garlic sauce would be equally delightful coating succulent pork chops or plump, pan-seared shrimp, offering you endless possibilities from one core recipe. Don’t be afraid to play around with it – cooking should always be an expression of your personal taste and creativity!

So, my fellow food enthusiasts, I implore you: don’t just dream about this incredible meal. Take the leap, gather your ingredients, and carve out some time in your kitchen to bring this magic to life. Trust me when I say that the effort, minimal as it is, will be profoundly rewarded. The pure joy of creating something so utterly delicious, something that will undoubtedly gather smiles and satisfied sighs around your table, is one of the greatest pleasures of cooking. Once you’ve whipped up this delightful dish, I would absolutely love to hear all about your experience. Did you stick to the original recipe, or did you put your own unique spin on it? What were your favorite accompaniments? Did it become an instant family favorite? Please, share your stories, your triumphs, and even your creative modifications with me. Your culinary adventures inspire not just me, but also our entire community of food lovers. Happy cooking, and I eagerly await hearing about your delicious endeavors!