Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a dreamy, saucy one-pan meal that’s absolutely bursting with bold garlic flavor, tender seared chicken, and a decadently rich Parmesan cream sauce. It’s the sort of dish you make once and immediately add to your regular dinner rotation: quick enough for a weeknight, fancy enough for company, and always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Simple pantry ingredients transform into a restaurant-worthy experience, and that lush, garlicky sauce is perfect for smothering over your favorite sides.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of fresh kitchen staples, you can create a pan of Creamy Garlic Chicken that will have everyone asking for seconds. Every ingredient plays a vital part, from creating incredible flavor to building a sauce you’ll want to mop up with bread!

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Go for boneless, skinless chicken for even cooking and juicy, tender results every time.
• Garlic powder: Deepens that garlicky base and seasons the chicken inside and out.
• Paprika: Adds a gentle warmth and a subtle golden color.
• Salt and pepper: The classic seasoning pair that brings out all the best flavors.
• Olive oil or unsalted butter: Use either one for searing—oil brings crispness, butter adds richness.
• Unsalted butter (for sauce): Creates a velvety base and brings that signature luxurious texture.
• Fresh garlic cloves: Six of them! For layers of vibrant, aromatic garlic goodness.
• Chicken broth: Adds savory depth, lifts up the flavors, and creates the perfect sauce body.
• Heavy cream: The foundation for that ultra-creamy, dreamy sauce.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: For nutty, tangy, cheesy magic that thickens the sauce.
• Italian seasoning: A medley of dried herbs that rounds out the sauce with an herby punch.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch brings that gentle, irresistible heat.
• Fresh parsley (for garnish): A welcome pop of color and freshness right at the end.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken dry—this helps you get that beautiful golden sear. Sprinkle each piece evenly with garlic powder, paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Rubbing the seasoning all over will give you deliciously flavorful chicken in every bite, ready to soak up all the creamy goodness ahead.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat up olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering (or just about to foam, if using butter), lay the chicken pieces in without crowding the pan. Let each side cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The aroma at this stage is irresistible! Set the chicken aside on a plate while you build the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

No need to clean the pan—those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom are gold! Melt more butter in the same skillet and add your mountain of minced garlic. Sauté for just a minute or two, stirring often, until fragrant (but not browned). Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits, and simmer for a couple of minutes—it adds so much depth to the sauce.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

Turn the heat down low and swirl in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and the optional red pepper flakes. Stir gently as everything comes together, and watch as the sauce thickens into pure, creamy deliciousness. The parmesan helps it cling to the chicken beautifully while the herbs tie it all together.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it right into the sauce. Spoon plenty of sauce over the top and let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes more. This is when the magic happens—the flavors meld, the chicken gets extra juicy, and the sauce becomes incredibly rich and infused with garlic. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken

Garnishes

This Creamy Garlic Chicken practically begs for a sprinkle of something green! Fresh chopped parsley brightens up each plate and adds a burst of freshness over the luscious sauce. A little extra shaved Parmesan on top is always welcome too, or even a few turns of cracked black pepper just as you serve.

Side Dishes

This dish is made for sides that love to soak up sauce. Try it with mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or al dente pasta—each one lets you savor every last drop. Outside the classics, steamed green beans, broccoli, or a side salad with lemony dressing add just the right contrast and keep the meal balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve your Creamy Garlic Chicken atop a mountain of garlicky sautéed spinach or layer it with roasted veggies on a platter for a dramatic presentation. For a comfort food twist, spoon everything over warm rice or tuck slices into a crusty sandwich roll with extra sauce for the ultimate chicken sandwich experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to transfer everything—including that precious sauce—into an airtight container as soon as it cools. The flavors deepen overnight, making next-day leftovers a real treat.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze this dish, it’s best to do so before combining the chicken with the sauce for optimal texture. However, the fully made Creamy Garlic Chicken can still freeze well for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then pack it tightly in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened. Warm gently until heated through, stirring occasionally, to keep the sauce silky and prevent the chicken from drying out. A quick zap in the microwave also works for single servings—just stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs work beautifully. Thighs add even more tenderness and flavor, so feel free to use your favorite or a mix of both.

How can I make Creamy Garlic Chicken gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written! If you’re serving with pasta or bread, just be sure to choose a gluten-free option for those sides.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want to lighten things up, try using half-and-half, evaporated milk, or even full-fat coconut milk for a different twist. Keep in mind, the sauce won’t be quite as thick and creamy, but it will still be delicious.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The easiest way is to check with an instant-read thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The juices should also run clear when pierced with a fork.

Can I add vegetables to Creamy Garlic Chicken?

Definitely! Mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even chopped roasted peppers are all delicious stirred into the sauce toward the end of cooking. It’s a great way to bulk up the meal and add extra color and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Creamy Garlic Chicken enough—it’s the perfect marriage of rich, cozy flavor and effortless elegance, all ready in under an hour. Give it a try, and you’ll see why I keep coming back to this recipe again and again. I hope it becomes a new staple in your kitchen, too!

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