There’s something about the golden leaves of fall, the crisp evening air, and the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal that makes this season so magical. When the days grow shorter, I find myself craving warm, cozy dinners that feel like a hug on a plate. Creamy Garlic Chicken has quickly become one of my go-to recipes for these moments.
It’s rich and flavorful without being heavy, thanks to a velvety garlic cream sauce that pairs beautifully with tender chicken and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but also elegant enough to serve when family or friends come over. Many of my readers have shared that it’s become a new favorite in their kitchens, and I can’t wait for you to try it too.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A cozy and comforting chicken dinner featuring tender, golden-seared chicken in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce. Perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra tenderness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional for serving: pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until golden on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
- Simmer gently for another 5–7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite side dish.
Notes
For best results, use freshly minced garlic and don’t rush the sear on the chicken. Adjust sauce thickness by adding broth or simmering longer. Delicious with pasta, potatoes, or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken
The beauty of this dish is that it uses everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra tenderness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional for serving: pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking Creamy Garlic Chicken is straightforward, even for beginners. Follow these steps for success:
- Season and Sear the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until golden on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan (these add so much flavor!).
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer and Combine
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
- Simmer gently for another 5–7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite side dish.
Tips for Success
To make your Creamy Garlic Chicken absolutely perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t rush the sear. Getting that golden crust on the chicken adds incredible depth of flavor.
- Fresh garlic matters. Pre-minced garlic in a jar won’t deliver the same rich flavor as freshly chopped cloves.
- Adjust consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer.
- Cook low and slow. Once the sauce is added, keep the heat gentle to prevent curdling.
Delicious Variations
One of the reasons this recipe has become a reader favorite is its flexibility. Here are some variations you can try:
- Gluten-Free Option: Serve over gluten-free pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Cheesy Twist: Swap half the Parmesan with mozzarella for a creamier, slightly stretchy sauce.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly.
- Family-Style Bake: After cooking, transfer everything to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil for a bubbly, golden finish.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Creamy Garlic Chicken reheats beautifully.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
Final Thoughts
When the autumn evenings call for something cozy and flavorful, this Creamy Garlic Chicken is just the recipe to bring everyone together around the table. It’s simple, satisfying, and filled with comforting flavors that never go out of style. Whether you’re preparing a quick family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish will make you feel like a star in the kitchen.
So grab your skillet, chop that garlic, and get ready to make a meal that your family and friends will request again and again.