The Best Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe Everyone Will Love

My kitchen always buzzes with excitement when I discover a delectable garlic chicken recipe that promises rich, comforting flavors.

Aromatic garlic transforms ordinary chicken into something spectacular.

Tender pieces of meat become irresistibly juicy when cooked with this creamy sauce.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of savory notes and smooth textures.

Home cooks can easily master this simple yet impressive dish with just a few ingredients.

Weeknight dinners will never feel mundane once you try this mouthwatering creation.

Creamy Garlic Chicken With Simple Bold Flavor

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Tackle this delicious chicken dish in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed Simplicity: Combine basic pantry ingredients like garlic, cream, and chicken to create a restaurant-quality sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dinner experience.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily customize this recipe by adding mushrooms, serving over pasta, or pairing with roasted vegetables for a complete meal that satisfies both picky eaters and food enthusiasts.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Even novice cooks can master this recipe with simple techniques like dredging chicken and creating a quick pan sauce, ensuring delicious results every single time.

The Basics Behind Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein base for the dish, boneless and skinless for easy preparation.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor.
• Flour: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior when dredging the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Provides a healthy base for initial chicken searing, with a light fruity undertone.
• Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps create a smooth sauce texture.

• Garlic Cloves: Fresh, aromatic ingredient that provides deep, intense flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that adds depth and savory notes to the sauce.

• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy element that balances the richness of the cream.
• Garlic Powder: Concentrated garlic flavor that supplements fresh garlic.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, smooth sauce with rich, velvety texture.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds color and light, herbaceous finish to the dish.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Cooking Method

Step 1: Prep the Protein

Pat chicken breasts dry and generously season with salt and pepper.

Dust each piece with flour, ensuring an even, light coating that’ll create a beautiful golden crust.

Step 2: Start Sizzling

Heat a skillet with olive oil and a dollop of butter over medium heat.

The pan should be hot but not smoking, creating the perfect environment for browning.

Step 3: Cook Chicken to Perfection

Place seasoned chicken into the skillet.

Cook each side until a gorgeous golden-brown develops and the chicken is fully cooked through.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate and let rest.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and add minced garlic.

Sauté until the garlic becomes fragrant and releases its amazing aroma, filling your kitchen with deliciousness.

Step 5: Create the Liquid Magic

Pour in chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle garlic powder.

Let the mixture simmer, allowing the flavors to dance and blend together beautifully.

Step 6: Introduce the Cream

Gently stir in heavy cream, watching the sauce transform into a luxurious, silky texture.

Bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

Reduce heat and let the sauce slowly thicken.

The consistency should coat the back of a spoon, creating a rich, velvety finish.

Step 8: Reunite Chicken and Sauce

Return chicken to the skillet, nestling each piece into the creamy sauce.

Let it warm through, absorbing all those incredible flavors.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Plate immediately while hot and prepare for a mouthwatering meal.

Smart Tips for Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Shake excess flour off chicken to prevent clumpy, heavy breading and ensure a light, crispy exterior.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfectly juicy results without drying out.
• Add heavy cream slowly and stir continuously to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, silky sauce consistency.
• Let minced garlic cook briefly to remove raw taste and develop deeper, richer aromatics before adding liquid ingredients.
• Replace flour with almond flour or skip dredging entirely for a gluten-free version that maintains great taste and texture.

Store Creamy Garlic Chicken To Retain Moist Texture

• Transfer leftover chicken and sauce to an airtight container, keeping them together to maintain moisture. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Carefully place chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, ensuring all parts are covered. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing flavor quality.
• Warm chicken over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Gently stir and cover the skillet to help redistribute sauce evenly.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming and prevent rubbery chicken texture.

Dishes That Suit Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Elevate Garlic Chicken Flavor Companions
• Pair Crisp White Wine: Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complement the creamy sauce's richness with their bright, acidic notes that cut through the dish's heaviness.
• Serve Roasted Vegetable Medley: Herb-seasoned zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus add vibrant colors and earthy textures that balance the chicken's creamy profile.
• Match Herbed Quinoa Side: Lemon-infused quinoa with fresh parsley provides a light, protein-packed accompaniment that absorbs the delicious garlic sauce while adding nutritional value.
• Select Rustic Bread Pairing: Crusty sourdough or garlic bread works perfectly for soaking up the extra creamy sauce, ensuring no delicious flavor goes to waste.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Updates

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a creamy, lactose-free version. Use dairy-free butter alternative for sautéing.
• Low-Carb Champion: Skip the flour dredging and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for coating. This reduces carbohydrates while maintaining a crispy chicken exterior.
• Herb-Infused Option: Swap parsley for fresh thyme or rosemary. Add dried herbs like oregano or basil to the sauce for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired chicken dish.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Incorporate chili powder and cumin into the seasoning. Add diced jalapeños to the garlic sauce for a zesty, heat-packed chicken recipe that brings bold flavors to the table.

FAQs

• Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs. They’ll provide a richer flavor and stay more tender during cooking. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

• How can I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Always season the chicken, dredge it lightly in flour, and cook on medium heat. Don’t overcook – remove the chicken as soon as it turns golden brown and reaches the safe internal temperature.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a little cream cheese. The sauce might be slightly less thick, but it will still taste delicious.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store separately in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave when ready to serve.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Savory garlic chicken elevates weeknight dinners with its rich, velvety sauce and tender protein. Delicate herbs and aromatic garlic create a Mediterranean-inspired dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 whole head of garlic (cloves peeled)
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock

Seasoning and Spices:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Cooking Components:

• Flour for dredging
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Parsley (chopped, optional)

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken breasts with seasoned flour, ensuring an even, light dusting for a crisp exterior.
2. Warm a skillet with olive oil and butter, creating a golden-brown cooking surface with medium heat.
3. Carefully sear chicken until achieving a rich, caramelized crust and ensuring complete internal cooking. Transfer to a waiting plate.
4. In the same skillet, mellow minced garlic in remaining butter, releasing its aromatic essence and creating a fragrant base.
5. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, introducing bright lemon juice and subtle garlic powder to develop a complex flavor profile.
6. Stream heavy cream into the simmering liquid, allowing the sauce to gradually transform and develop a luxurious, velvety consistency.
7. Gently reduce heat, letting the sauce thicken and concentrate its rich, savory characteristics.
8. Reintroduce the seared chicken into the skillet, lovingly bathing each piece in the creamy garlic sauce, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
9. For a final touch of freshness and visual appeal, sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and inviting.

Notes

• Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to create a crispier, more golden-brown exterior when searing.
• For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or cornstarch when dredging chicken.
• Reduce cream sauce calories by substituting half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, though sauce will be less rich.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 800
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 62g
• Saturated Fat: 30g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 50g
• Cholesterol: 250mg