Creamy Garlic Chicken
This irresistible creamy garlic chicken recipe transforms everyday chicken breasts into a gourmet meal without the fuss. The tender chicken bathed in a rich, aromatic garlic sauce creates a comforting dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
✔ Ingredients (Serves 12-16) :
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
✔ Directions :
1. Prepare the chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they’re very thick, pound them to an even thickness of about ¾ inch. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Cook the chicken:
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
3. Start the sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Create the roux:
Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to cook the flour.
5. Build the sauce:
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Finish the sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and add the Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Combine:
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to rewarm the chicken and allow it to absorb some of the sauce flavors.
8. Serve:
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot, making sure to spoon plenty of sauce over each chicken breast.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Calories: 485 kcal per serving
✔ Frequently Asked Questions :
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often result in even juicier meat. Just adjust the cooking time as needed—thighs typically take slightly longer to cook through.How can I make this dish lighter?
To reduce calories, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. You can also use reduced-fat Parmesan cheese and less of it, though this will affect the consistency of the sauce.What can I serve with creamy garlic chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lower-carb option, serve with roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a fresh green salad.Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare this dish up to 2 days ahead. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.My sauce is too thin, how can I thicken it?
If your sauce is too thin, simmer it a bit longer to reduce and thicken naturally. Alternatively, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir this slurry into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
✔ Tools You’ll Need :
- Large skillet or frying pan (preferably non-stick or cast iron)
- Meat thermometer
- Meat mallet (if chicken needs to be pounded)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Garlic press (optional)
- Cheese grater
✔ Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken :
- For the most tender chicken, let it rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken; work in batches if necessary.
- Use freshly minced garlic rather than pre-minced for the best flavor.
- Freshly grated Parmesan will melt much better than pre-shredded varieties.
- If you enjoy a stronger garlic flavor, add a few more cloves.
- For a herbal flavor boost, add a small sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to the sauce while it simmers (remove before serving).
- The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t reduce it too much.
✔ Allergy Information :
- Contains: Dairy (butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese)
- May contain traces of gluten from the flour
- Naturally free from: nuts, soy, shellfish, eggs (unless these ingredients are in your chicken broth)
- For gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend
✔ Ready to Impress!
This creamy garlic chicken is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to satisfy both everyday cravings and special occasion expectations. As you watch your family or guests take that first bite and their eyes light up with delight, you’ll know that sometimes the most memorable meals are the ones that come together with ease but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own by adjusting the garlic to suit your taste or experimenting with different herbs. And please, I’d love to hear how this recipe turned out for you—snap a photo of your creation, share it with friends, and savor every bite of this comforting, restaurant-worthy dish created right in your own kitchen!
