Creamy Garlic Chicken: A One-Pan Comfort Classic

Rich, savory, and loaded with garlicky flavor, this Creamy Garlic Chicken is a one-skillet wonder that’s as perfect for a cozy dinner at home as it is for serving guests. With pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a smooth garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, this dish feels restaurant-worthy—but it’s incredibly easy to make in under 40 minutes.

Serve it with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a comforting, satisfying meal that’ll become a go-to favorite in your dinner rotation.

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Ingredients Overview: Pantry Staples, Big Flavor

Chicken Breasts or Thighs

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts make for a lean, tender option. For more flavor and juiciness, boneless thighs work wonderfully too. Slice breasts in half horizontally if they’re thick, to ensure even cooking.

Garlic

This is the star of the dish! Fresh minced garlic (at least 5–6 cloves) gives the sauce its signature flavor. You can even add roasted garlic for a mellower, deeper layer.

Heavy Cream

Creates a rich, luscious base for the sauce. Avoid using milk, which may curdle or result in a thinner texture. Half-and-half can be substituted for a lighter version.

Chicken Broth

Combines with cream to balance out the richness and helps build a flavorful, savory sauce base.

Parmesan Cheese

Grated Parmesan thickens the sauce and adds umami depth. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.

Olive Oil and Butter

Used to sear the chicken and sauté the garlic. Butter also enriches the cream sauce without overwhelming it.

Italian Seasoning

A dried blend of basil, oregano, and thyme gives the chicken a herby crust and flavors the cream sauce subtly.

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Step-by-Step Instructions: Creamy Chicken Made Easy

1. Prepare and Season the Chicken

Slice 2 large chicken breasts in half horizontally (or use 4 small breasts). Pat dry and season both sides with:

• Salt and pepper

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Optional: 1/2 tsp paprika for color

2. Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove and set aside.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary for a proper sear.

3. Sauté Garlic

Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon butter and add 5–6 cloves minced garlic. Sauté for 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.

4. Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in:

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Whisk and bring to a gentle simmer. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let simmer for 4–5 minutes until thickened slightly.

Optional: Stir in a handful of chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

5. Return Chicken to the Pan

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over each piece and simmer on low for another 3–5 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce is silky and bubbling.

6. Garnish and Serve

Finish with chopped parsley or fresh thyme. Serve hot over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

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Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

Recipe Tips:

• Pound thick chicken breasts slightly so they cook evenly.

• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep juices in.

• Use low-sodium broth if using store-bought Parmesan—it’s naturally salty.

Add-Ins:

• Spinach: Stir in fresh baby spinach for a garlicky creamy Florentine-style chicken.

• Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms after removing the chicken, before adding garlic.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet, tangy flavor contrast.

Swaps:

• Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of cream.

• Herb twist: Use fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary for a different aromatic profile.

• Cheese swap: Try Asiago or Romano cheese for a different cheesy edge.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

Creamy Garlic Chicken is flexible and fits every meal situation from casual weeknights to romantic dinners.

Serve With:

• Buttered pasta or fettuccine

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Rice pilaf or risotto

• Steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus

Perfect For:

• Easy weeknight dinners

• Date night at home

• Sunday comfort meals

• Family gatherings or potluck main course

It’s also great for meal prep—leftovers taste even better the next day.

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Nutritional & Health Notes

Protein

Each serving offers around 30–35 grams of lean protein, depending on the cut of chicken used.

Fats

Heavy cream and Parmesan add richness—use half-and-half or reduce butter if you want a lighter option.

Carbs

Naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, especially when served with low-carb sides like cauliflower mash or sautéed greens.

Gluten-Free

This dish is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your chicken broth and seasonings don’t contain hidden wheat ingredients.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicier and cook evenly. Sear 5–6 minutes per side and follow the same steps.

2. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

3. Can I freeze Creamy Garlic Chicken?

Yes, though cream sauces may slightly separate. For best results, cool completely, freeze in airtight containers, and reheat gently.

4. What’s the best skillet to use?

A large, heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan (stainless steel or cast iron) works best for even browning and easy sauce-making.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or full-fat coconut milk. Use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute instead of Parmesan.

6. Is this recipe spicy?

Not at all. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne if you’d like to add heat.

7. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, the dish reheats well. Make the full recipe and reheat before serving. Add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.

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