Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken

This recipe isn’t just another chicken dish; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. Here are a few compelling reasons why this creamy garlic chicken will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:

• Garlic Takes Center Stage: For true garlic aficionados, this recipe is a dream come true. While you can easily adjust the amount to your preference, I wholeheartedly recommend going all out. Freshly smashed garlic cloves are slowly infused into a buttery sauce, releasing their potent aroma and flavor. The result is an utterly irresistible, deeply savory sauce that complements the chicken perfectly. It’s the kind of garlic flavor that truly shines, rather than just being a background note.
• Effortless One-Pan Wonder: As much as I adore the bold flavors of garlic, I’m equally passionate about the convenience of a one-pan chicken dinner. This recipe brilliantly combines both! Everything, from searing the chicken to crafting the luscious sauce, happens in a single skillet. This not only streamlines the cooking process, bringing dinner to the table in just 30 minutes, but it also means minimal cleanup afterward – a true win for any busy cook.
• Versatile & Hugely Comforting: For my bustling family, this creamy garlic chicken is exactly what we need after a long day. It’s the epitome of comfort food: hearty, filling, and packed with incredible taste. Beyond its inherent deliciousness, this recipe is wonderfully versatile. You can easily customize it with various additions, from sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to different seasoning blends, ensuring it never gets boring and always fits your mood or pantry staples.

Gather Your Ingredients

Preparing this fantastic creamy garlic chicken requires a handful of common ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. Each component plays a vital role in creating the rich flavors and creamy texture of the final dish. For the precise measurements and complete instructions, please refer to the detailed recipe card conveniently located at the bottom of this post.

• Chicken Breasts: I typically use two large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. To ensure even cooking and faster searing, I slice each breast in half horizontally to create four thinner pieces. This method allows the chicken to cook through quickly and stay incredibly juicy. Alternatively, you can pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, similar to how you would prepare them for chicken piccata, achieving that consistent, perfect sear.
• All-Purpose Flour: A small amount of flour is used for dredging the chicken, which helps create a beautiful golden crust when pan-seared. It also plays a crucial role in thickening our luxurious cream sauce.
• Olive Oil: This serves as our primary cooking oil for searing the chicken. I personally prefer the nuanced flavor that good quality olive oil imparts, adding depth to the dish. However, if you prefer, avocado oil or canola oil are excellent substitutes and will work just as effectively.
• Butter: The unsung hero of many rich sauces, butter is used in combination with olive oil for searing the chicken, contributing to its golden-brown exterior and delicious flavor. It’s also essential for sautéing the garlic and forming the base of our creamy sauce.
• Garlic: This is truly the star of the show! I insist on using fresh garlic cloves, smashed to release their potent aromatic oils. For the best flavor profile, I strongly advise against using garlic powder here, as the recipe truly hinges on the vibrant, robust taste of fresh garlic. In a pinch, if fresh cloves are unavailable, you can substitute each clove with 1 teaspoon of fresh garlic paste, though the flavor might be slightly less intense.
• Chicken Broth: Opt for your favorite store-bought brand of low-sodium chicken broth or stock, or better yet, use homemade if you have it. The broth forms the liquid base of our sauce, lending savory depth and helping to deglaze the pan after searing the chicken, capturing all those delicious browned bits.
• Heavy Cream: This is what gives our sauce its signature rich and luxurious creaminess. For a slightly lighter version, you can certainly use half-and-half. However, I caution against using milk or other low-fat dairy options, as they are more prone to splitting or curdling when exposed to heat, which can compromise the sauce’s smooth texture.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, Italian seasoning adds a wonderful aromatic complexity to the sauce. I always keep a jar of my homemade Italian seasoning handy in the pantry, but a good quality store-bought blend works perfectly.

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?

Absolutely! While I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their quick-cooking nature and ease of preparation in this recipe, chicken thighs are an excellent alternative. They tend to be even juicier and more flavorful than breasts, which can add another layer of richness to your dish. Keep in mind that chicken thighs, especially bone-in varieties, may require a slightly longer cooking time to reach the proper internal temperature. Always adjust your cooking duration accordingly to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked yet still tender.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creating this irresistible creamy garlic chicken is surprisingly straightforward, following a similar method to my beloved homemade chicken marsala recipe. The process begins with lightly dredging the chicken pieces in flour before pan-frying them to golden perfection. Then, we transform the delicious browned bits left in the pan into an amazing, rich sauce. This section provides a general overview of the cooking steps; for the complete, printable, and detailed instructions, scroll down to the recipe card below the post.

• Prepare the Chicken for Searing: Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This initial seasoning is crucial for building flavor. Next, place the all-purpose flour on a shallow plate or in a wide bowl. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, ensuring it’s lightly and evenly coated on both sides. This thin layer of flour will help create that beautiful golden crust and contribute to the sauce’s consistency later.
• Pan-Sear to Golden Perfection: In a large, sturdy skillet (preferably oven-safe if you’re feeling adventurous, though not necessary here), heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering, carefully add your flour-coated chicken pieces to the hot skillet in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, until each piece is beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate and loosely tent it with aluminum foil to keep it warm and allow the juices to redistribute.

• Sauté the Garlic for Aromatic Depth: Using the same skillet (don’t clean it, those browned bits are flavor!), reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt. Once melted, add your smashed garlic cloves to the pan. Sauté them gently for 4-5 minutes, allowing them to soften and lightly brown, infusing the butter with their incredible aroma and flavor. It’s crucial to keep the heat low to prevent the garlic from burning, which can turn it bitter. You want it fragrant and slightly golden, not dark.
• Create the Velvety Cream Sauce: Whisk 1 tablespoon of fresh all-purpose flour into the aromatic garlic butter in the skillet. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste; this mixture is what we call a roux and it’s essential for thickening. Increase the heat to medium, then gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth sauce. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it noticeably thickens to your desired consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.
• Bring It All Together: Finally, carefully return the pan-seared chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the luscious cream sauce. Be sure to pour in any accumulated juices from the plate as well – that’s extra flavor! Allow everything to heat through together for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the chicken is warm and thoroughly coated in the sauce. Serve immediately, perhaps garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color.

How Do I Achieve the Perfect Thick Garlic Cream Sauce?

The secret to our beautifully thick and rich garlic cream sauce lies in the roux – the flour-butter combination we create at the start of the sauce-making process. Whisking flour into the melted garlic butter and cooking it briefly is usually sufficient to thicken the sauce once it comes to a simmer. This classic technique is widely used in countless culinary applications, from creamy Alfredo sauce to hearty chowder and the indulgent sauce for mac and cheese.

If, after simmering for the recommended time, you find your garlic cream sauce still appears a bit too runny for your liking, don’t fret! It likely just needs a little more time on the heat to reduce and thicken further. Continue to gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. For an even quicker and more potent thickening solution, you can create a simple slurry: combine equal parts cornstarch and cold water (start with 1 teaspoon of each) in a small bowl, whisk until smooth, and then slowly stir it into the simmering sauce. Allow it to cook for another minute or two, and watch as your sauce transforms into a perfectly rich and velvety consistency.

Exciting Variations to Customize Your Dish

While this creamy garlic chicken recipe is absolutely perfect as is, it also serves as a fantastic base for customization. Feel free to get creative and experiment with these delicious variations to suit your taste or whatever ingredients you have on hand:

• Make it Cheesy: Elevate the richness of your dish by stirring in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce during the final minutes of simmering. The cheese will melt seamlessly, creating an even more indulgent and savory creamy Parmesan garlic chicken that’s truly irresistible.
• Swap the Protein: This versatile sauce isn’t just for chicken! Experiment with other proteins. Try it with perfectly pan-seared pork chops, much like my popular smothered pork chops recipe. For a delicious seafood option, creamy garlic shrimp is a fantastic choice – check out my shrimp scampi recipe and this helpful tutorial on how to sauté shrimp for pasta for expert pan-searing tips.
• Skip the Cream (Dairy-Free Option): If you’re looking for a lighter alternative or prefer to avoid heavy cream, this recipe can easily be adapted. This version is essentially a creamy take on my one-pan garlic chicken. For a rich, flavorful sauce without the cream, that recipe is an excellent guide, relying on chicken broth and butter for its delicious base.
• Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, transform the flavor profile by swapping out the mild Italian herbs for something with more kick. A pinch of Cajun seasoning or a generous sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes will add a vibrant, spicy dimension to your creamy garlic sauce. Adjust to your preferred level of heat!
• More Delicious Add-ins: The possibilities for enhancing this dish are endless. Consider stirring in some cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky, salty crunch. Fresh spinach can be wilted directly into the hot sauce, adding a touch of vibrant green and extra nutrients. Tangy sun-dried tomatoes offer a burst of concentrated flavor, while earthy sautéed mushrooms integrate beautifully into the creamy sauce. And if you’re feeling ambitious, a variation made with sweet, savory caramelized onions would undoubtedly be an amazing addition!

Perfect Pairings & Serving Ideas

This creamy garlic chicken is a versatile main course that complements a wide array of side dishes, making it easy to create a balanced and satisfying meal. For a complete and wholesome dinner, I love to serve it alongside a vibrant vegetable side. Some of my go-to choices include tender roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic, crispy oven-roasted potatoes, or fresh green beans with sesame and garlic. These options add color, texture, and essential nutrients to your plate.

Beyond vegetables, this dish truly shines when spooned over a bed of something absorbent that can soak up every drop of that incredible sauce. Quick, fluffy Instant Pot mashed potatoes are a fantastic choice, as are simple white rice or classic egg noodles. For those who can’t get enough of the rich, savory sauce, serving it with homemade honey butter dinner rolls is an absolute must – they’re perfect for dipping and ensuring no drop of the deliciousness goes to waste!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

While it’s highly unlikely you’ll have any leftovers of this incredibly delicious creamy garlic chicken (it tends to disappear quickly!), it’s always good to know how to properly store and reheat it just in case. Planning ahead ensures you can enjoy this comforting meal for another day.

• Refrigerate: To keep any remaining chicken and sauce fresh, transfer them to an airtight container. Store it promptly in the refrigerator, where it will stay delicious for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is sealed well to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from permeating other foods in your fridge.
• Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop. Place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through. If the sauce seems a little too thick after refrigeration, you can add a splash of chicken broth or a tiny bit of cream to loosen it up. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, heating in short bursts and stirring in between. The key is to reheat gently and slowly; take extra care not to let the cream sauce come to a rolling boil, as high heat can cause the dairy to split or curdle, affecting its smooth and velvety texture.

Explore More Creamy Chicken Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the rich and comforting flavors of this creamy garlic chicken, you’ll be delighted to explore some of our other popular creamy chicken dishes. These recipes offer similar levels of deliciousness and ease, perfect for satisfying your cravings for hearty, flavorful meals:

• Marry Me Chicken
• Creamy Chicken Stroganoff
• Stovetop Creamy Chicken and Rice
• Mushroom Chicken
• Crockpot Ranch Chicken
• Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

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Creamy Garlic Chicken

By Erin Sellin

This one-pan creamy garlic chicken with golden, seared chicken breasts in a rich garlic sauce is an easy weeknight dinner, ready in 30 minutes!

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 25 minutes mins

Total: 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

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Ingredients 

• ▢ 4 thin-cut chicken breasts
• ▢ ¼ cup all-purpose flour, divided
• ▢ Salt & Pepper
• ▢ 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• ▢ 2 Tablespoons butter, divided
• ▢ 8 garlic cloves, smashed
• ▢ ¾ cup chicken broth
• ▢ ¾ cup heavy cream
• ▢ ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions 

• Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place 3 Tablespoons of flour on a plate or shallow bowl. Dredge chicken in flour until it is lightly coated.
  4 thin-cut chicken breasts, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, Salt & Pepper
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the pan, cover with foil to keep warm.
  2 Tablespoons olive oil, 2 Tablespoons butter
• Return the pan to a medium-low heat. Add the remaining 1 Tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Add the cloves of garlic and lightly brown for 4-5 minutes. Keep at a medium-low heat so as not to burn the garlic. Just lightly brown and infuse the butter with the flavor.
  8 garlic cloves
• Add in the remaining 1 tablespoon of flour and stir until no white remains. Increase the heat to medium. Slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, and whisk to combine.
  ¾ cup chicken broth, ¾ cup heavy cream
• Season with Italian seasoning, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce starts to thicken. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
  ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Return the chicken pieces to the pan, along with any juices, and let that cook for 1-2 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
• Serve topped with parsley if desired.

Notes

You can also make this recipe with chicken thighs.

Nutrition

Calories: 562kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 51g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 211mg | Sodium: 484mg | Potassium: 924mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 904IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Erin Sellin

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Course: Dinner Recipes

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 562

Keyword: creamy garlic chicken

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