Introduction
Creamy Garlic Chicken is the ultimate comfort food: juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. Whether you’re making a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is flavorful, elegant, and surprisingly simple to prepare. Pair it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of that irresistible sauce.
The History
This dish is a modern staple that combines classic French-style cream sauces with hearty protein. It’s not tied to a single origin but reflects a fusion of rustic European cuisine — with garlic, cream, and herbs playing center stage. Its popularity stems from being both luxurious and easy to make at home.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 cutlets)
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the sauce
- 6–8 garlic cloves, minced or finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra depth)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried thyme
- Optional: A handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Prep the chicken: Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally (if thick) to make even cutlets. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear the chicken: Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the garlic base: In the same pan, reduce heat and add a touch more oil if needed. Sauté garlic until fragrant (1 minute, don’t burn it!).
- Add liquids: Pour in chicken broth (or wine), scraping up any browned bits. Simmer 1–2 minutes.
- Cream it up: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Add herbs. Let it simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the pan. Simmer another 2–3 minutes to heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips for Success
- Don’t burn the garlic — cook it gently on low heat.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor.
- Slice chicken evenly for uniform cooking.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.
Variations and Customizations
- Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
- Lighter version: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
- Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper or paprika.
- Add veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed mushrooms.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
One serving contains (approx.):
- 400–500 calories
- 25–30g protein
- 30g fat (from cream and cheese)
- Low in carbs (great for keto diets)
To make it lighter: reduce cream, skip the cheese, or serve over vegetables.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs are flavorful and stay juicy — just adjust cook time slightly.
Can I prep it ahead?
Yes, you can make the sauce and cook the chicken separately, then combine and reheat before serving.
What to serve it with?
Try pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or fresh bread.
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Using a sharp knife, carefully fillet each chicken breast into two thinner cutlets (or use thin-cut chicken breasts).
- Season each breast with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Then sprinkle the flour over both sides of the chicken breasts and rub it in until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil and 1 Tbsp of butter. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook on each side until golden brown and cooked through (about 4 minutes per side). Remove the cooked chicken to a clean plate and cover to keep warm.
- While the chicken is cooking, peel the garlic cloves and then carefully smash them with the side of a large chef’s knife by pressing down on the side of the knife with the heel of your hand.
- Once the chicken is removed, to the same skillet add the remaining 1 Tbsp of butter, then add the garlic cloves. Turn the heat down to medium-low and sauté the garlic for 3 minutes or until lightly browned and fragrant. Make sure to stir the garlic frequently to prevent it from burning.
- Next pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, then add the garlic powder. Stir and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow the sauce to simmer in the skillet for 8-10 minutes, or until it has reduced and thickened by about 50%. Taste the sauce at this point and add salt and pepper if needed (I added about ⅛ tsp of salt and ⅛ tsp of black pepper).
- Finally, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over top. Allow the chicken to heat through. Serve with fresh chopped parsley (optional), and enjoy!