Juicy Garlic Chicken Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Family Hit

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy garlic chicken recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Tender chicken breasts bathe in a luxurious sauce that whispers elegance and simplicity.

garlic lovers will swoon over the rich, velvety blend of flavors dancing across each bite.

The dish comes together faster than you might expect, with minimal ingredients and maximum satisfaction.

Fresh herbs and a kiss of cream create a meal that feels both indulgent and approachable.

Serve this restaurant-worthy chicken alongside roasted vegetables or fluffy rice for a complete, mouthwatering experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Creamy Garlic Chicken Is a Go-To

• Enjoy the rich, garlicky sauce that transforms simple chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Impress dinner guests or satisfy picky eaters with this adaptable recipe that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
• Cook everything in one skillet, reducing dish-washing time and making this recipe a hassle-free cooking experience for home chefs of all skill levels.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and versatile protein that serves as the primary component of this creamy garlic dish.

• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Classic seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor.
• Flour, Parmesan Cheese: A crispy and flavorful coating that adds texture and richness to the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Provides a base for searing the chicken and adds subtle flavor.
• Butter: Creates a rich and smooth foundation for the sauce.
• Whole Garlic Cloves: Adds deep, caramelized garlic flavor to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base for the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to the luxurious, velvety texture of the sauce.

How to Cook Creamy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare and Season Chicken

Slice chicken breasts into thinner pieces.

Place them in a plastic bag or between plastic wrap, then pound until they’re about ½ inch thick.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Dredge each piece in a flour and Parmesan mixture, shaking off excess flour.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

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

Cook chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Do not worry about fully cooking the chicken at this stage.

Step 3: Create Creamy Garlic Sauce

Melt butter in the same skillet, scraping up browned chicken bits.

Add whole garlic cloves and caramelize for 6-7 minutes until fragrant and golden.

Stir in flour and cook for one minute.

Slowly add chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

Stir in heavy cream and let the sauce simmer and thicken.

Step 4: Finish Cooking Chicken in Sauce

Return seared chicken and its juices to the skillet.

Simmer for a few minutes, allowing chicken to absorb the garlicky sauce.

Spoon sauce over chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce is creamy.

Tips for Rich Garlic Chicken

• Cut chicken breasts thin and evenly to guarantee quick, uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Shake off excess flour after dredging to create a light, crispy exterior without clumping or heaviness.
• Allow whole garlic cloves to soften and turn golden for deeper, sweeter flavor that infuses the entire sauce.
• Whisk chicken broth mixture slowly and constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, creamy consistency.
• Simmer chicken in sauce for a few minutes to help meat absorb rich flavors and prevent overcooking.

Store and Reheat Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover completely with sauce to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Carefully pack chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Seal tightly, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Gently reheat chicken in a skillet over low-medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Cook until chicken is steaming hot throughout.

Pairing Choices for Garlic Chicken

Savor Perfectly Paired Flavors: Creamy Garlic Chicken Companions

• Crisp Chardonnay Complement: Select a buttery, oak-aged Chardonnay that mirrors the rich, creamy sauce's decadence and cuts through the chicken's richness with its crisp acidity.
• Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful side of roasted asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini seasoned with herbs to provide a fresh, light contrast to the sauce's intense garlic and cream profile.
• Herbed Parmesan Risotto: Create a creamy risotto with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan that echoes the dish's cheesy undertones while offering a complementary texture and mild background flavor.
• Crusty Garlic Bread: Bake a warm, golden-brown baguette brushed with garlic butter to soak up the luxurious sauce and add a delightful crunch to the meal's overall experience.

Ideas for Creamy Garlic Chicken Variations

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Chicken: Replace flour with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version. Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional sides to keep carbohydrates minimal.
• Dairy-Free Herb Chicken: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a similar savory flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Herb Chicken: Use gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for dredging. Ensure chicken broth is certified gluten-free and replace traditional flour with a gluten-free alternative.
• Mediterranean Inspired Chicken: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil to the sauce. Replace some chicken broth with white wine for extra depth of flavor. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving for a Greek-inspired touch.

FAQs

• Why should I pound the chicken breasts?

Pounding chicken breasts helps them cook evenly and quickly. It creates a uniform thickness, which prevents some parts from being undercooked while others become dry.

• Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?

While heavy cream gives the sauce its rich texture, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. Keep in mind that the sauce might be less creamy and slightly thinner.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – it should be white throughout with no pink sections.

• What kind of pan works best for this recipe?

A large, heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron or stainless steel works best. These pans distribute heat evenly and help create a perfect golden crust on the chicken.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic chicken enchants dinner tables with its rich, velvety sauce and tender meat. Comfort meets elegance in this simple yet sophisticated dish that promises to delight your palate and warm your soul.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (shredded)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

Seasoning and Coating:

• 3 teaspoons Italian seasonings
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:

• 3–4 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 10 cloves garlic
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 teaspoon better than bouillon)
• 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce (can substitute Worcestershire sauce)
• ½ cup heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Transform chicken breasts into uniform cutlets by slicing them horizontally, then gently pounding to approximately ½ inch thickness. Protect your work surface with plastic wrap or a resealable bag. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then coat thoroughly in a Parmesan-flour mixture, ensuring excess is shaken off.
2. Preheat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully sear chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown exterior. Work in batches to maintain optimal pan temperature and prevent overcrowding.
3. Without cleaning the skillet, reduce heat and melt butter, incorporating the flavorful chicken drippings. Add whole garlic cloves and allow them to caramelize and soften for 6-7 minutes, releasing their aromatic essence. Sprinkle flour over the garlic, stirring to eliminate raw flour taste.
4. Gradually pour chicken broth into the skillet, whisking continuously to create a smooth base. Incorporate heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop rich consistency.
5. Return seared chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the creamy garlic sauce. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring chicken is fully cooked and thoroughly infused with the luxurious sauce. Periodically spoon sauce over the chicken to enhance flavor and moisture.

Notes

• Slice chicken breasts thinly and evenly to ensure quick, uniform cooking for a perfectly tender result.
• Pounding chicken between plastic wrap prevents mess and creates an ideal thickness for even searing and sauce absorption.
• Use a mix of Parmesan and flour for a crispy, flavorful coating that adds texture and depth to the chicken.
• Control skillet temperature carefully to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning the chicken or coating.
• Caramelize garlic slowly to release its sweet, mellow flavor and enhance the overall sauce complexity.
• Allow sauce to simmer and thicken naturally, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg