If there’s one dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, it’s this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe. With tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, bathed in a luscious sauce bursting with caramelized garlic, Parmesan, and just the right hint of Italian herbs, this recipe is an absolute showstopper. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or impressing friends, the rich, velvety sauce with tender bites of chicken will have everyone coming back for seconds—and maybe thirds too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe. Each item is simple but plays an essential role in developing the rich flavors, creamy texture, and inviting aroma that make this dish so memorable.
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that stays juicy and tender when cooked properly.
- 10 whole cloves of garlic: Caramelized cloves add deep, mellow sweetness to the sauce with every bite.
- ⅓ cup flour: Creates the perfect base for thickening the creamy sauce without any lumps.
- 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (shredded): Adds a rich, salty depth and melts beautifully into the sauce.
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth: Brings savory flavor and moisture to the sauce, balancing the creaminess.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Gives that signature silky, indulgent texture and richness.
- Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken to a golden crust while keeping it moist inside.
- Butter: Adds lusciousness and helps caramelize the garlic cloves perfectly.
- Italian seasonings: A blend that infuses the chicken with aromatic herbs and elevates the entire dish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasonings. This simple step infuses flavor right into the meat. Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. This not only locks in the juices but builds a beautiful flavor foundation. Once seared, set the chicken aside—don’t worry, it’ll finish cooking later in that luscious sauce.
Step 2: Caramelize the Garlic Cloves
In the same skillet, add a generous knob of butter and the whole garlic cloves. Sauté them slowly until they turn golden and fragrant, releasing a sweet, mellow garlic aroma that is absolutely irresistible. This caramelization is what gives the sauce its unique depth and complexity, so take your time and savor that wonderful smell wafting through your kitchen.
Step 3: Make the Roux and Add Broth
Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly to create a roux, which will thicken your sauce perfectly. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth a little at a time, ensuring you have a smooth, creamy base without lumps. This step transforms the simple skillet juices into the beginning of that decadent sauce that makes this recipe so special.
Step 4: Season and Simmer the Sauce
Enhance the sauce even further by adding a few complementary ingredients such as beef bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, thyme, and mustard powder. These might sound subtle, but they work together to build an irresistible umami-rich flavor base. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes, allowing all those herbs and spices to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Finish with Cream, Cheese, and Chicken
Now for the most indulgent part—stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese. The sauce will thicken and turn incredibly silky as the cheese melts and cream combines. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them right into the sauce, and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through and all those flavors have mingled to perfection.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a vibrant burst of color and freshness that complements the richness of the sauce. For an extra touch, a light dusting of grated Parmesan on top creates an inviting, savory finish that looks just as wonderful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This creamy garlic chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of comforting sides. Think buttery mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of sauce, garlic-roasted broccoli for a crunchy contrast, or fluffy rice to balance the richness. Even a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess delightfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish over a bed of creamy polenta or creamy risotto. You can also slice the chicken and place it atop warm toasted ciabatta for an upscale sandwich experience. Presentation with colorful steamed veggies or roasted cherry tomatoes adds freshness and eye appeal, making it perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy garlic chicken tastes just as fantastic the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the sauce covers the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful.
Freezing
This recipe also freezes well, making it a great option to prepare in advance. Freeze the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When using frozen leftovers, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can revive the sauce if it thickens too much. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but watch carefully to avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs have more fat and tend to stay juicy, which works wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.
Is it necessary to use whole garlic cloves?
Using whole garlic cloves to caramelize adds a sweet, mellow garlic flavor that’s less sharp than minced garlic. You can use minced garlic for a more intense flavor, but be careful not to burn it during sautéing.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese. Keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different but still creamy and delicious.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water with a bouillon cube will work. Just make sure to season the sauce well since broth adds a lot of savory flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The chicken should feel firm and the juices run clear. Cooking it gently in the sauce helps keep it moist and tender.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. The way those tender chicken breasts soak up every bit of that garlicky, creamy sauce is pure comfort food magic. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special and unforgettable. You won’t regret it!
Print
Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, seared chicken breasts cooked in a rich and flavorful garlic-infused cream sauce with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasonings. Perfect for an elegant yet easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Italian seasonings, to taste
Sauce
- 10 whole cloves of garlic
- ⅓ cup flour
- 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Olive oil, for searing
- Butter, for sautéing
- Beef bouillon (amount not specified, estimated 1 teaspoon)
- Soy sauce (estimated 1 tablespoon)
- Onion powder (estimated ½ teaspoon)
- Thyme (estimated ½ teaspoon, dried)
- Mustard powder (estimated ¼ teaspoon)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasonings to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add butter and the whole garlic cloves. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes caramelized and fragrant but not burnt, releasing deep flavor into the butter.
- Make the roux and sauce base: Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and stir to combine with the butter and garlic, creating a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth ensuring the sauce becomes smooth without lumps.
- Add seasonings and simmer: Stir in the beef bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, thyme, and mustard powder. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend and thicken slightly.
- Finish the sauce and cook chicken through: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet and cook in the sauce until the chicken is fully cooked through, about 5-7 more minutes, spooning sauce over the chicken to keep it moist.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer longer or add a bit more flour when making the roux.
- Garlic cloves can be minced for a stronger garlic flavor instead of caramelized whole cloves if preferred.
- Serve this dish with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to enjoy the creamy sauce fully.
