If you’re craving a rich, savory dish with a perfect balance of creaminess and bold flavors, this Creamy Garlic Chicken is the answer. Tender, seared chicken breasts are coated in a luscious garlic cream sauce that’s made from scratch, creating a comforting, satisfying meal. This recipe is a great weeknight dinner option that looks and tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant, but it’s easy to make at home with simple ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Flavorful Sauce: The creamy garlic sauce with Parmesan cheese is a savory dream come true and complements the chicken perfectly.
Quick and Easy: It takes just about 30 minutes to prepare this hearty meal, making it a great choice for busy nights.
Tender Chicken: The chicken breasts are pounded thin and seared to create a golden crust, ensuring they are juicy and full of flavor.
Versatile: This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or pasta.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Leftovers can be stored and even frozen, making this a great meal for meal prepping or for saving extra servings.

Ingredients

Chicken

Boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper
Italian seasoning
All-purpose flour
Parmesan cheese
Olive oil

Sauce

Unsalted butter
Garlic cloves
Flour
Chicken broth
Beef bouillon cube or Better than Bouillon
Low sodium soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)
Onion powder
Mustard powder
Dried thyme
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese (optional)

Variations

Mushroom Garlic Chicken: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and texture. Cook them separately to keep their color and taste vibrant.
Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium chicken broth and skip the bouillon to keep the dish lighter on sodium.
Spicy Garlic Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prep Work

Combine the chicken broth, bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and thyme in a bowl. Set aside. On a plate, combine flour and Parmesan cheese. Measure out all ingredients before beginning the cooking process.

Step 2: Cut, Pound, Dredge, and Sear the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts into 2-3 thinner pieces. Place them between plastic wrap or in a gallon freezer bag, and use a meat mallet to pound them to ½ inch thickness. Pat the chicken dry and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, tapping off any excess.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add garlic cloves and let them soften and caramelize for 6-7 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it begins to brown. Gradually add the chicken broth mixture, stirring constantly. Then, stir in the heavy cream and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using).

Step 4: Add the Chicken Back

Return the chicken to the pan, along with any juices from the plate. Spoon sauce over the chicken, then cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cooks.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with your choice of mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or your favorite side dish.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Searing the Chicken: Adjust the heat as needed to ensure a golden brown crust without burning the chicken. The fond (brown bits) left in the pan adds great flavor to the sauce.
Chicken Size: If you’re using smaller chicken breasts, consider using 3-4 pieces instead of 2 large ones.
Avoid Overcooking the Garlic: Don’t let the garlic burn while caramelizing—it should soften and brown slightly for the best flavor.
Adjust Thickness: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few extra minutes to thicken. If it’s too thick, add more cream or broth.

How to Serve

With Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, soaking into the potatoes for a rich flavor.
With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted green beans, asparagus, or carrots complement the dish beautifully and add a healthy touch.
Over Pasta: Serve the creamy garlic chicken over a bed of pasta for an Italian-inspired meal.
With Rice: This dish also pairs perfectly with a side of fluffy white rice, absorbing the creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover creamy garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the chicken and sauce to cool before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, either microwave the chicken for a few minutes or heat on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally and add extra cream or broth to ensure the sauce stays smooth.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would work well for this recipe and may even be more flavorful due to their slightly higher fat content.

2. Can I use heavy cream alternatives?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative if you prefer a lighter version.

3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and be sure to check the soy sauce and bouillon for gluten content.

4. How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook the garlic on medium-low heat and keep an eye on it, stirring frequently. Garlic burns easily, so if it starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat.

5. Can I make this recipe without the Parmesan cheese?

Yes, the Parmesan is optional, but it adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce. You can skip it for a slightly lighter sauce.

6. Can I use a different broth?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth or turkey broth if you don’t have chicken broth on hand.

7. Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Yes, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers can be added to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.

8. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

9. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, the creamy garlic chicken holds up well for meal prep. Just store it in individual portions and reheat throughout the week.

10. What side dishes pair well with this recipe?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, pasta, or a simple green salad all pair wonderfully with creamy garlic chicken.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a dish that’s as indulgent as it is easy to make. The tender, seared chicken paired with a rich and creamy garlic sauce makes for a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or something to impress guests, this recipe delivers on both flavor and simplicity. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!