There’s something timeless about a skillet filled with sizzling chicken, garlic melting into butter, and cream swirling to create a velvety sauce that clings to every bite. My Creamy Garlic Chicken takes me straight back to my grandmother’s kitchen in Sicily. She believed food wasn’t about perfection, it was about comfort and care. The scent of golden garlic in her cast-iron pan was how love smelled in our home. This dish carries that same spirit: warmth, simplicity, and a sauce that feels like a hug after a long day. Whether you’re cooking for family or craving a cozy night in, this recipe promises both ease and indulgence.
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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
This Garlic Chicken recipe is pure comfort food made simple. It’s rich, flavorful, and takes only about 30 minutes from start to table. Unlike other creamy dishes, this one doesn’t require fancy ingredients or endless prep. You’ll love how the sauce naturally thickens into a silky texture that coats the tender chicken perfectly. The blend of garlic, cream, and butter creates a deep, restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
If you enjoy creamy pasta dishes, you’ll also love trying the One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta, it shares the same luscious garlic base that makes every bite irresistible.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken is an easy one-pan dinner with juicy chicken in a rich garlic butter cream sauce; ready in 30 minutes.
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
6–8 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown on both sides.
3. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. Add minced garlic to the pan, sauté for 30 seconds.
5. Pour in chicken broth, scraping any brown bits from the pan.
6. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, simmer until thickened.
7. Return chicken to skillet and coat in sauce.
8. Simmer 5–7 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce creamy.
9. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or over pasta.
For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breasts (or thighs) | 4 pieces |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 6–8 cloves |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | ½ cup |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley (for garnish) | 1 tablespoon |
For an easy meal idea, pair this chicken with Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes; the flavors complement each other beautifully.
How to Make the Perfect Garlic Chicken
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Make the garlic base: In the same pan, add minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Create the sauce: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up the brown bits. Add heavy cream and Parmesan. Stir gently until it starts to thicken.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet, simmer for 5–7 minutes until cooked through and the sauce coats the meat evenly.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
For a cozy, slow-cooked twist, you might love my Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies, perfect for busy weeknights.
Tips and Variations
- Thickening: If your sauce feels too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes longer, or whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
- Add texture: A handful of sautéed mushrooms or spinach brings a new layer of depth.
- Dairy-free option: Replace cream with coconut milk for a rich yet lighter alternative.
- Protein swaps: Try this sauce with shrimp or pork cutlets for a delicious variation.
If you love creamy meals, check out Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi for another hearty dinner idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Garlic Chicken made of?
It’s made with chicken, garlic, butter, cream, and Parmesan. These ingredients create a smooth, flavorful sauce that feels indulgent but simple.
How do you thicken Creamy Garlic Chicken sauce?
Simmer the sauce a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry. Parmesan also naturally thickens as it melts into the cream.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and add even more flavor to this Garlic Chicken recipe.
What should I serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken?
Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or a crusty loaf of bread. Try pairing it with Chicken Gnocchi Soup for a perfect cozy dinner combo.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Chicken is the kind of dish that brings people together; simple ingredients, bold flavor, and heartwarming comfort in every bite. It’s proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make something memorable. Whether you’re serving it over pasta or with buttery potatoes, it’s a meal that feels like home.
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