This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions. The golden-crusted chicken is paired with a decadent garlic-infused sauce made with butter, chicken broth, and heavy cream, creating a silky texture and a mouthwatering flavor that will have you licking your plate clean. Serve it over mashed potatoes, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the creamy sauce!
I love making this dish for my family because it’s so comforting yet easy to prepare. The chicken is juicy and tender, while the sauce is a creamy, garlicky dream come true. Whenever I serve this, it feels like an indulgent restaurant-style meal, but it’s actually very straightforward to put together. The secret? It’s all about getting a good sear on the chicken and taking the time to caramelize the garlic—trust me, it’s worth every minute!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and creamy sauce is just as good as anything you’d order at a high-end restaurant.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples, yet tastes like a gourmet meal.
- Versatile: Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or your favorite veggies for a complete meal.
- Great for Entertaining: The creamy garlic sauce has a luxurious feel, making it a fantastic dish to serve guests.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy, sliced thin for even cooking.
- Parmesan Cheese: Mixed with flour to create a crispy, cheesy crust.
- Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken to a beautiful golden-brown.
- Butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic Cloves: Caramelized to release their natural sweetness and infuse the sauce with bold flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the sauce, providing savory depth.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious, creamy texture.
- Beef Bouillon Cube: Boosts the umami flavor, making the sauce even more savory.
- Soy Sauce: Enhances the sauce with a hint of umami and depth.
- Thyme and Onion Powder: Add a herby and sweet undertone to complement the garlic.
- Parmesan Cheese: Stirred in at the end for extra richness and cheesiness.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts into three thinner pieces each, so they cook evenly and quickly. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
In a shallow dish, mix together flour and Parmesan cheese. Dredge each piece of chicken in this flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken in batches (to avoid overcrowding). Sear each piece for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until a golden crust has formed. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Caramelize the Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Use a silicone spatula to gently scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this is where the flavor is!
Add whole garlic cloves to the melted butter and let them cook for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The garlic should become soft and caramelized, imparting a deep, sweet flavor to the butter.
4. Make the Sauce
Once the garlic is caramelized, sprinkle flour over the butter and garlic. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
Slowly pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add beef bouillon cube, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and dried thyme. Continue to stir and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Finish with Cream and Parmesan
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently until it becomes silky and smooth. For extra richness, you can add Parmesan cheese at this point, stirring until it melts completely into the sauce.
6. Add the Chicken Back to the Sauce
Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, nestling each piece into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top of the chicken to ensure it’s coated. Cover the skillet and let the chicken cook for another 5 minutes on low heat to soak up all the flavors.
7. Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the creamy garlic chicken over a bed of mashed potatoes, pasta, or with crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce.
Tips for Success
- Caramelize the Garlic Slowly: Letting the garlic cook low and slow in butter will bring out its natural sweetness and deepen the flavor of the sauce.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, make sure there’s enough space between each piece to get a good crust. If needed, sear in batches.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Once the cream is added, keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent it from breaking or curdling.
- Optional Parmesan: Adding Parmesan at the end is optional, but it really amps up the flavor and adds a touch of cheesiness that pairs beautifully with the garlic.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Garlic Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce is perfect over fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Pasta: Serve with fettuccine or spaghetti for a comforting pasta dinner.
- Steamed Vegetables: Green beans, asparagus, or broccoli add a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich sauce.
- Crusty Bread: Use to soak up every last drop of the sauce—trust me, you won’t want to waste any of it!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but be aware that the sauce may change texture slightly. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
Variations and Modifications
- Mushroom Cream Sauce: Add sliced mushrooms when caramelizing the garlic for an earthy, umami boost.
- Spicy Creamy Garlic Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herb Garlic Chicken: Increase the amount of dried thyme, or add fresh rosemary and sage for a more herb-forward flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a must-try for anyone who loves rich, comforting meals. The combination of tender chicken and a luscious, garlicky cream sauce is pure comfort food bliss. Make it for a special occasion, a cozy family dinner, or just because you’re in the mood for something delicious!
Enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite! 🥂
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts Slice each breast into three thinner pieces.
- to taste salt and pepper For seasoning.
- 3 tsp Italian seasoning Mix of oregano, basil, and thyme.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour For coating the chicken.
- 4 tbsp Parmesan cheese Shredded, for the chicken crust.
- 3-4 tbsp olive oil For searing the chicken.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter For caramelizing the garlic.
- 10 cloves garlic Whole, for caramelizing.
- 3 tbsp flour For thickening the sauce.
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth For the sauce base.
- 1 cube beef bouillon Or 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon for a richer flavor.
- 1 tsp low-sodium soy sauce Worcestershire sauce works as a substitute.
- 1 tsp onion powder Adds a subtle sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder For a slight tang.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme For a herby note.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream For a creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Optional, for extra cheesiness.
Instructions
- Slice the chicken breasts into three thinner pieces each, so they cook evenly and quickly. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a shallow dish, mix together ½ cup of flour and shredded Parmesan cheese. Dredge each piece of chicken in this flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken in batches (to avoid overcrowding). Sear each piece for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until a golden crust forms. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Use a silicone spatula to gently scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add whole garlic cloves to the melted butter and let them cook for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The garlic should become soft and caramelized.
- Sprinkle flour over the butter and garlic. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add beef bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and dried thyme. Continue to stir and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently until it becomes silky and smooth. For extra richness, you can add Parmesan cheese at this point, stirring until it melts completely.
- Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, nestling each piece into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top of the chicken to ensure it’s coated. Cover the skillet and let the chicken cook for another 5 minutes on low heat.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or with crusty bread to enjoy the delicious sauce.