If you crave comfort food that’s both elegant and incredibly quick to prepare, Creamy Garlic Chicken is about to become your new go-to dinner star. Imagine juicy, golden chicken nestled in a silky, garlicky sauce—each bite rich with parmesan, a whisper of dijon, and the gentle tang of fresh herbs. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and everyday cooking, making it just as ideal for a cozy weeknight as it is for impressing guests at your table.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Garlic Chicken lies in its straightforward ingredient list—each element thoughtfully chosen for the flavor and richness it brings. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips for best results:

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and sliced into steaks so they cook quickly and evenly.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken inside and out.
Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity to both chicken and sauce.
Sweet paprika: Brings beautiful color and an aromatic, subtle sweetness.
Onion powder: Boosts savory flavor in every bite without needing fresh onions.
Dried thyme: Mellow herbaceousness pairs perfectly with garlic and dairy.
All-purpose flour: Creates a thin, golden crust and helps thicken the sauce.
Olive oil: For browning the chicken and infusing a touch of richness.
Unsalted butter: Used twice: for flavor and to build a luxuriously creamy sauce.
Freshly minced garlic: The hero of this dish, infusing the sauce with irresistible savoriness.
Chicken stock: De-glazes the pan and anchors all the flavors together.
Thickened (heavy) cream: Delivers the signature creaminess that makes this dish unforgettable.
Dijon mustard: Just enough to add brightness and depth to the sauce.
Grated parmesan: Lends saltiness, body, and real Italian flair.
Sea salt flakes & extra pepper: For final seasoning—never skip this last taste test.
Mashed potatoes, steamed rice or pasta: Your favorite carb for soaking up every drop of creamy sauce.
Steamed greens: Bring a fresh pop of color and nutrition to the plate.
Finely chopped flat-leaf parsley: A sprinkle for irresistible color and herby lift.
Lemon wedges: A final squeeze cuts through the richness and wakes up all the flavors.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Season and Coat the Chicken

Start by laying out your chicken breasts and cutting them in half horizontally to make four thin steaks. This not only helps each piece cook quickly, but also creates more surface area to soak up that gorgeous sauce. Sprinkle both sides of each steak with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and dried thyme—these spices infuse every bite with flavor and create an irresistible aroma as they hit the pan. Press the chicken into the flour until thoroughly coated on all sides; this step is key for a subtle crust and helps the sauce cling later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and one tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large, deep pan over medium-high heat. Once the butter foams, carefully add your chicken. Let it sizzle and develop a golden crust, cooking for 5–6 minutes and turning once midway. The aroma of the spices will begin to fill your kitchen! When the chicken is just cooked through, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate—cover loosely with foil to keep it warm and juicy.

Step 3: Start the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Add the second tablespoon of butter directly into the same pan, letting it melt completely. Toss in your freshly minced garlic, stirring it for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s perfect when the kitchen smells glorious, but the garlic hasn’t browned (which can make it bitter). Scrape up any golden chicken bits—these will add wonderful depth to your Creamy Garlic Chicken sauce.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken stock, using your spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until the liquid reduces by half; this concentrates the flavor. Stir in the thickened cream and a teaspoon of dijon mustard. Reduce your heat to medium, and continue simmering for about 2 minutes until the sauce looks glossy and slightly thickened—it should coat the back of your spoon beautifully.

Step 5: Return Chicken and Finish

Now, stir in the grated parmesan and adjust with sea salt flakes and cracked black pepper to your taste. Gently nestle your chicken back into the sauce, spooning a little over each piece so they soak up every drop. Let the chicken warm through for another 2–3 minutes so it’s incredibly tender and enveloped in the luscious, creamy garlic sauce.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken

Garnishes

The finishing touch! Sprinkle each serving with a generous handful of finely chopped parsley for color and freshness. Right before serving, a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the whole dish—trust me, it makes every bite pop. Don’t be shy with even more cracked pepper or a dusting of parmesan if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Side Dishes

This dreamy chicken absolutely begs for something to soak up all that incredible sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes, steamed fluffy rice, or a bowl of your favorite pasta are perfect options. For balance, always add a side of steamed greens like broccoli, broccolini, or green beans—they cut through the richness and make your plate sing.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, slice the Creamy Garlic Chicken and fan it over a pile of buttery mash, spooning extra sauce cascading down the sides. Or serve family-style in the skillet straight from the stovetop for that rustic, everyone-digs-in feel. If you have leftovers, try folding sliced chicken and sauce into a hot baked potato or ladling over roasted vegetables for a hearty lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken stores beautifully! Place cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making it a fantastic next-day meal—just be sure to spoon some extra sauce over the chicken to keep everything moist.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, this dish can be frozen. Allow both chicken and sauce to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for best texture. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve that luscious, creamy consistency.

Reheating

Gently reheat Creamy Garlic Chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir occasionally and heat just until warmed through—avoid boiling, as high heat can make the sauce separate. Microwave reheating works too, but go low and slow in 30-second bursts for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully here—they’re juicy and extra flavorful, requiring just a minute or two longer in the pan to cook through.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce for your Creamy Garlic Chicken, let it simmer an extra 2–3 minutes after adding the cream and parmesan, stirring often. Alternatively, dissolve a teaspoon of cornstarch in cold water and stir in a little at a time until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use your favorite unsweetened, full-fat plant-based cream and skip the parmesan (or use a dairy-free alternative). Olive oil can replace the butter, though the taste will be a little different. The garlic and herbs will still shine through beautifully.

Can I make Creamy Garlic Chicken ahead of time?

You can easily make this dish a day in advance. Prepare the recipe as written, cool, and store in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat over low heat, adding a bit of cream or stock to reawaken the sauce, and finish with fresh parsley and lemon.

What’s the best way to double the recipe for a crowd?

Simply double all ingredients and use a large, heavy skillet to avoid overcrowding the pan. You may need to sear the chicken in batches for perfect browning, then return everything to the pan together when simmering in the sauce. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Creamy Garlic Chicken enough—it’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl but is special enough to share with everyone you love. Give it a try, let the aroma fill your home, and discover just how delicious easy, homemade comfort can be!