If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is calling your name. Imagine tender chicken breasts, golden seared to perfection, bathed in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce that bursts with flavor in every bite. It’s comfort food elevated with the perfect balance of richness and zest, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner or a special meal to share with those you love. Garlic lovers will be over the moon, and if you’ve never tried this combination before, prepare to be amazed by how simple ingredients come together for such an unforgettable dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four cooked chicken pieces are in a black cast iron pan, each piece showing a golden brown color with some darker seared spots. The chicken pieces have a slightly rough texture from cooking and are arranged closely but not overlapping inside the pan. The pan handle extends out to the bottom left, while the pan sits on a white marbled surface. Small drops of oil are visible around the chicken, giving a slight shine. The overall look is warm and rustic, with the contrast between the black pan and the white marbled background making the chicken stand out clearly photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is as simple as gathering a handful of everyday ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From tender chicken breasts to fragrant garlic and rich cream, every element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and creating that irresistible sauce.

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, offering tenderness and a perfect canvas for the creamy sauce.
Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken.
Flour for dredging: Creates a light coating to give the chicken a subtle crispiness when sautéed.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a rich base for cooking the chicken with a clean, smooth flavor.
2 tablespoons butter divided: Adds depth and richness, melting into the sauce and enhancing every bite.
1 whole head garlic cloves peeled: Garlic is the heart of this recipe, roasted until sweet and fragrant.
1/2 cup chicken broth or stock: Builds the base of the sauce and keeps it flavorful without heaviness.
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and a subtle tang that balances the creaminess perfectly.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor for an extra punch without overpowering the dish.
1 cup heavy/whipping cream: The silky touch that transforms the sauce into a richness you’ll want to savor.
Parsley chopped (optional): A pop of fresh green color and mild herbaceousness to finish the dish nicely.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise so you have four manageable cutlets. Season them generously with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour to give the chicken a delicate crust when cooked. This coating not only locks in moisture but also helps thicken the sauce later on.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is nice and hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they develop a beautiful golden brown color. This step not only creates flavor but also seals in juiciness. Set the cooked chicken aside to rest while you work on the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Garlic

Lower the heat to medium (or medium-low if you use a cast iron skillet), and melt the remaining butter in the pan. Toss in the whole peeled garlic cloves and let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn lightly golden and fragrant. Roasted garlic turns sweet and mellow, adding an incredible depth to your sauce.

Step 4: Make the Sauce Base

Pour the chicken broth into the pan along with the lemon juice and garlic powder. Let the mixture simmer and bubble gently for about 4 minutes until it reduces noticeably. This concentrates all the flavors and creates a perfect base for your creamy sauce.

Step 5: Add Cream and Finish Cooking

Stir the heavy cream into the pan and nestle the chicken cutlets back in. Allow everything to cook together for roughly 5 more minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully, and the chicken is cooked through. If you like, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

A white plate holds three main layers of food on a white marbled surface. On the left is a bundle of bright green beans with a light cream sauce drizzled over them. To the right of the beans is a piece of golden-brown cooked chicken breast covered with a creamy white sauce sprinkled with small green herbs. Next to the chicken is a generous scoop of mashed potatoes mixed with roasted garlic cloves and covered partly with the same creamy sauce, also sprinkled with green herbs and some black pepper. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley is a classic garnish, offering a refreshing color contrast and subtle herbaceous note. You might also sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness. These small touches transform the dish from simple to stunning with minimal effort.

Side Dishes

This creamy garlic chicken is wonderfully versatile. Serve it alongside buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up every bit of that luxurious sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli add a crisp, bright element. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad or cauliflower rice works beautifully to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to jazz things up, plate the chicken over a bed of garlic-infused rice or even nestle it on top of a fluffy pasta like fettuccine. Drizzling a little extra sauce around the edges adds an elegant restaurant-style touch. Serving it family-style with plenty of bread to mop up sauce makes it cozy and welcoming—perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place any leftover creamy garlic chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay good for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken in the fridge, but that makes reheating an easy process with just a little splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.

Freezing

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Transfer cooled portions to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve the creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream from breaking. Add a small amount of chicken broth or cream if the sauce becomes too thick. You can also reheat portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. This way, the chicken stays tender and the sauce stays silky.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add a little more richness and stay juicy, but cooking times may vary slightly. Just brown them well and ensure they’re cooked through before finishing with the sauce.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Definitely. Swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a cashew cream alternative, and replace butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine. The flavor will be slightly different but still deliciously creamy and satisfying.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

While fresh garlic delivers the best flavor and texture, garlic powder can be used in a pinch. Just add it during the sauce-making step and consider adding a bit more to suit your taste. Roasted garlic cloves are especially sweet and mellow, so fresh is usually preferred.

How do I know when the sauce is done?

The sauce is ready when it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon and has a rich, creamy consistency. This usually takes about 5 minutes after adding the cream and returning the chicken to the pan.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales up nicely. Just make sure your pan is large enough to cook the chicken properly without overcrowding, or cook the chicken in batches. The sauce can be made in one larger pan following the same steps.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is a shining example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. It’s a dish that feels both fancy and homey, perfect for impressive weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. I can’t wait for you to try it out and enjoy every comforting, garlicky bite. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!