Looking for an easy weeknight dinner that feels like a gourmet indulgence?
This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe is your answer. With just a few ingredients, a single skillet, and 40 minutes from start to finish, you can serve up a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Juicy chicken cutlets are pan-seared and simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce—making it a comforting, crowd-pleasing favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken
This creamy garlic chicken recipe is more than just another chicken dinner. It’s all about big flavor with minimal effort. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Rich, creamy garlic sauce with real sautéed garlic cloves
- Perfect balance of herbs and seasoning
- Made in one skillet—easy cleanup!
- Ready in under an hour
- Family-friendly and ideal for any night of the week
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Creamy Garlic Chicken, you only need simple pantry staples:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lbs.)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp butter, divided
- 1 whole bulb of garlic (about 8–9 cloves, peeled and smashed)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Slice each chicken breast in half to create thin cutlets.
- Season both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle flour over the chicken and rub it in for a light, even coating.
2. Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for about 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
3. Sauté the Garlic
- Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Add remaining 1 Tbsp butter to the skillet, followed by the peeled and smashed garlic cloves.
- Sauté garlic for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and golden.
4. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.
- Add garlic powder and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Let the sauce simmer for 8–10 minutes until it thickens and reduces by half.
- Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
5. Combine and Serve
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet.
- Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken and simmer for a few minutes to warm through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy garlic chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed rice or risotto
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread or crusty artisan rolls
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken in sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Use fresh garlic cloves for maximum flavor—smashed and lightly browned.
- Slice chicken breasts evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t skip searing! It adds flavor and keeps the chicken moist.
- Let the sauce simmer and reduce for a thick, luscious texture.
Variations
- Substitute chicken thighs for extra richness.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce.
- Make it spicier with red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
- Use pre-minced garlic for convenience (about 2½ Tbsp).
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 518 kcal
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 38g
- Sodium: 741mg
Try This Creamy Garlic Chicken Tonight
With bold garlic flavor and a smooth, velvety sauce, this creamy garlic chicken is a weeknight winner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Try it tonight for a delicious, fuss-free dinner everyone will ask for again!