Creamy Garlic Chicken – Rich, Velvety, and Ready in 30 Minutes

Looking for a quick, cozy, and flavor-packed dinner that tastes like it came from a restaurant kitchen? This Creamy Garlic Chicken is your new go-to recipe. Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a silky garlic cream sauce—what more could you ask for? It’s rich, comforting, and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Best of all, it comes together in one skillet in just about 30 minutes.

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The Appeal of Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy garlic chicken combines everything we love about comfort food: golden seared chicken, mellow sweet garlic, and a luxurious cream sauce that’s perfect for spooning over your favorite sides. While the flavors are indulgent, the recipe is surprisingly simple and doesn’t require hard-to-find ingredients.

The dish is inspired by rustic French and Italian farmhouse cooking, where garlic, cream, and butter often form the heart of flavorful sauces. You don’t need wine or flour—just good-quality chicken, a handful of pantry staples, and patience to let the garlic caramelize and mellow into something magical.

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Ingredients Overview – Why Each One Matters

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (2 large)

Lean and protein-packed, chicken breasts are seared to a golden crust and simmered in sauce for maximum flavor. You can also use thighs if you prefer a richer texture.

Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Simple seasoning that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.

Olive Oil (2 tbsp)

Used for pan-searing. Helps create a beautiful crust on the chicken without burning.

Butter (2 tbsp)

Adds richness to the sauce and balances the pungency of garlic with a smooth, creamy base.

Garlic (6–8 cloves, minced or sliced)

Garlic is the star of the sauce. When sautéed gently in butter, it becomes sweet, nutty, and aromatic rather than sharp or spicy.

Chicken Broth (½ cup)

Adds depth and umami to the sauce while thinning it to the perfect consistency.

Heavy Cream (¾ cup)

Gives the sauce its silky, luxurious texture. Use full-fat cream for best results.

Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated)

Adds salty, savory depth and helps thicken the sauce naturally.

Italian Seasoning (1 tsp)

A blend of herbs (typically oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary) that adds a subtle herbal lift to the cream.

Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

Provides color and freshness to balance the richness of the dish.

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Step-by-Step Instructions – How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken

Here’s how to nail the perfect pan-seared chicken with a dreamy cream sauce—all in one pan.

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

• Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.

• Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Add chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).

• Remove and set aside. Tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

• Lower heat to medium.

• Add butter to the same skillet.

• Stir in garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden—don’t let it burn.

Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce

• Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits.

• Simmer for 1–2 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese

• Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.

• Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Return Chicken to Pan

• Nestle the seared chicken back into the sauce.

• Spoon sauce over the top and simmer 2–3 more minutes to reheat and meld flavors.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite side.

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Variations, Substitutions, and Pro Tips

This recipe is easy to adapt to your taste or pantry situation. Here’s how to keep it exciting:

Variations

• Mushroom Garlic Chicken: Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms to the skillet after searing chicken.

• Spinach Cream Sauce: Stir in a handful of baby spinach just before serving.

• Lemon Garlic Chicken: Add 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice for brightness.

Ingredient Swaps

• Chicken: Use boneless chicken thighs or bone-in (adjust cook time).

• Cream: Swap for half-and-half for a lighter option (but sauce will be thinner).

• Cheese: Use Pecorino Romano or a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the garlic: Brown garlic turns bitter quickly—sauté just until golden.

• Let the sauce reduce gently: High heat can cause the cream to split. Keep it low and steady.

• Pound chicken evenly: This ensures it cooks at the same rate and stays juicy.

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What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken

This dish begs for something starchy to soak up the luscious sauce. Here are our favorite pairings:

Best Side Dishes:

• Mashed potatoes: Buttery mash is the classic choice.

• Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or pappardelle work beautifully.

• Rice or risotto: A comforting, hearty base.

• Garlic bread: For a carb-on-carb dream combo.

• Roasted vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or carrots add balance.

Ideal Occasions:

• Weeknight dinners: Quick, one-pan, and cleanup-friendly.

• Date night: Elegant enough to impress, easy enough to relax.

• Meal prep: Keeps well for up to 4 days in the fridge.

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Nutrition and Health Notes

Creamy Garlic Chicken is rich and satisfying, but here’s how it stacks up nutritionally—and how to lighten it up if needed:

• Protein-packed: Chicken breast provides lean protein to keep you full and energized.

• Low-carb: A great choice for keto or low-carb eaters when served with veggies.

• Customizable richness: Use half-and-half or light cream to reduce calories.

Tips to Make It Lighter:

• Use chicken broth instead of cream for a garlic broth sauce.

• Reduce butter and cheese slightly.

• Add extra veggies like spinach or kale for fiber.

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FAQ – Creamy Garlic Chicken

1. Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can use whole milk or half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Add a bit of flour or cornstarch to help thicken if needed.

2. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! Make the dish up to 3 days in advance. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

3. How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

Simmer the sauce gently over medium-low heat. Avoid boiling, and add the cream slowly after reducing the broth.

4. Is it freezer-friendly?

It’s best fresh, as cream sauces can separate after freezing. If freezing, freeze just the chicken and make fresh sauce when reheating.

5. Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your broth and cheese are GF-certified.

6. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but add it only at the end to reheat gently in the sauce so it doesn’t overcook or dry out.

7. What herbs go well with this dish?

Parsley is classic, but you can also use thyme, rosemary, or chives for different flavor profiles.

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