The Best Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe For Cozy Family Dinners

Creamy garlic chicken elevates ordinary poultry into a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes taste buds and satisfies deep comfort food cravings.

Home cooks seek simple yet impressive dishes that elevate weeknight dinners from mundane to magnificent.

Rich, velvety sauces can elevate protein preparations with remarkable depth and complexity.

Smooth, luscious textures blend harmoniously with tender meat, creating a sensory experience that feels simultaneously luxurious and approachable.

Aromatic ingredients whisper promises of indulgence, hinting at sophisticated flavor profiles waiting to unfold.

Robust seasonings dance seamlessly with delicate protein, promising a balanced and memorable meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Prepare to embark on a delightful cooking adventure that will make you the star of your kitchen.

Creamy Chicken with a Kick of Garlic

• Savor Rich, Layered Flavors: This creamy garlic chicken delivers an explosion of taste with perfectly balanced seasonings like Italian herbs, Parmesan, and caramelized garlic that dance together in every bite.
• Master Simple Gourmet Technique: The recipe transforms basic ingredients into an elegant dish through strategic steps like dredging chicken, creating a restaurant-quality sauce, and using one-pan cooking that makes professional-level cuisine accessible for home chefs.
• Enjoy Quick Weeknight Comfort: From prep to plate, this meal comes together in under 30 minutes, offering a luxurious dinner solution that feels indulgent yet requires minimal effort and cleanup, making it ideal for busy families craving something special.
• Customize with Endless Possibilities: The flexible recipe allows easy variations like swapping proteins, adjusting spice levels, or adding vegetables, ensuring it adapts to personal preferences and pantry ingredients without compromising deliciousness.

What Brings This Garlic Sauce to Life

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that forms the main dish, best when fresh and boneless.

• Flour, Parmesan Cheese: Creates a golden, crispy exterior with rich, savory flavor for the chicken.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Provides classic herb and spice profile to enhance chicken's natural taste.
• Onion Powder, Mustard Powder, Thyme: Adds depth and complexity to the overall dish's flavor.

• Chicken Broth, Soy Sauce, Bouillon: Builds a rich, umami base for the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers smooth, luxurious texture to the sauce.

• Garlic: Brings intense, caramelized flavor and aromatic quality to the sauce.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides necessary fat for searing chicken and creating a smooth sauce base.

How to Cook Chicken with Maximum Flavor

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Mixture

Mix chicken broth, bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and thyme in a bowl.

Create a separate flour and Parmesan cheese mixture on a plate.

Step 2: Slice and Pound Chicken

Slice chicken breasts into 2-3 thinner slices per breast.

Place chicken between plastic wrap and pound to 1/2 inch thickness.

Step 3: Season Chicken

Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over chicken slices.

Coat each chicken slice in flour and Parmesan mixture, shaking off excess.

Step 4: Sear Chicken

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

Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.

Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat.

Scrape pan bottom with spatula to capture flavor bits.

Add garlic and cook until caramelized, about 6-7 minutes.

Whisk in flour for 1-2 minutes until slightly browned.

Slowly add chicken broth mixture, stirring continuously.

Incorporate cream and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and add Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Return chicken to skillet.

Spoon sauce over chicken.

Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.

Serve hot and enjoy your creamy garlic chicken!

Tips for a Rich Sauce and Tender Meat

• Slice Smartly: Cut chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Pound with Precision: Tenderize meat to consistent ½-inch thickness for quick, even heating and maximum flavor absorption.
• Season Generously: Don't shy away from seasoning; a good coating of Italian herbs, salt, and pepper elevates the chicken's taste.
• Caramelize Garlic Carefully: Cook garlic slowly to develop rich, sweet notes without burning, which can create bitter flavors.
• Whisk Continuously: When adding broth and cream, stir constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, smooth sauce texture.

Storing Creamy Chicken Without Losing Texture

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep sauce and chicken together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate sauce from chicken to prevent texture breakdown during freezing.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent drying out. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Microwave as a last resort, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Great Pairings That Complement Garlic Cream

• Craft Crisp Wine Pairing: A chardonnay with buttery notes perfectly complements the creamy garlic sauce, balancing the rich flavors and cutting through the dish's heaviness.
• Select Savory Side Companions: Roasted asparagus or garlic-infused mashed potatoes enhance the chicken's herbal seasonings and provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Craft Rustic Bread Match: Crusty sourdough or garlic bread becomes an ideal accompaniment, helping soak up the luxurious sauce and adding a delightful crunch to the meal.
• Brighten with Fresh Salad: A light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy chicken, cleansing the palate between bites.

Additions to Switch Up the Flavor

• Herb-Infused Variation: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh rosemary and sage for an aromatic garden-fresh flavor profile. Chop herbs finely to release maximum essential oils and enhance the chicken's taste.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chilies and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. Incorporate smoked paprika into the seasoning for a bold, southwestern-inspired kick that elevates the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Medley: Substitute Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese and add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce. Sprinkle dried oregano and a touch of lemon zest for a bright, Mediterranean-inspired transformation.
• Mushroom Lovers' Option: Sauté sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms in the skillet before adding garlic. Introduce the mushrooms into the sauce for an earthy, rich depth that complements the creamy chicken perfectly.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic chicken brings Italian comfort to dinner tables with its rich, velvety sauce and tender meat. Hearty herbs and robust flavors combine perfectly, promising a memorable meal that satisfies deep hunger and delights taste buds.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 beef bouillon cube

Seasonings and Spices:

• 3 teaspoons Italian seasonings
• 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dry Ingredients and Dairy:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup heavy cream

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 3–4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth

Additional Ingredients:

• 10 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Prepare a flavor-packed liquid blend by whisking together chicken broth, bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and thyme in a separate container.
2. Create a seasoned coating by combining flour and Parmesan cheese on a wide plate, ensuring all ingredients are precisely measured beforehand.
3. Transform chicken breasts into uniform cutlets by slicing each breast into 2-3 thinner portions.
4. Flatten the chicken slices to approximately 1/2 inch (1.27 centimeters) thickness using a meat mallet, positioning them between plastic wrap or inside a freezer bag to prevent splattering.
5. Enhance the chicken’s flavor profile by generously seasoning with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
6. Carefully coat each chicken slice in the prepared flour-Parmesan mixture, gently shaking off any excess to ensure an even, light breading.
7. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for searing the chicken to a golden-brown perfection, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
8. Transfer the beautifully seared chicken to a temporary plate, reserving the flavorful pan remnants.
9. Melt butter in the same skillet, using a spatula to capture all the delicious browned bits from the chicken cooking process.
10. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, allowing it to caramelize and develop a rich, aromatic flavor for 6-7 minutes.
11. Incorporate flour into the garlic butter, whisking continuously for 1-2 minutes until it develops a light golden hue.
12. Gradually stream the prepared chicken broth mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly to create a smooth, lump-free sauce.
13. Pour in heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, stirring in Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
14. Carefully return the seared chicken to the skillet, generously coating each piece with the luxurious sauce.
15. Cover the skillet and allow the chicken to simmer for 5 minutes, ensuring the meat is heated through and infused with the creamy sauce.

Notes

• Prepare all ingredients beforehand to ensure a smooth cooking process and minimize kitchen stress.
• Pound chicken to even thickness for consistent cooking and tender, juicy results.
• Scraping the skillet’s bottom after searing chicken captures delicious browned bits, enhancing the sauce’s flavor depth.
• Caramelize garlic slowly to develop a rich, sweet undertone that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.
• Gradually add liquid while whisking to prevent lumps and create a silky, restaurant-quality sauce.
• Simmering chicken in the sauce allows it to absorb maximum flavor and remain incredibly moist.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 476 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg