Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup chicken broth; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Hey y'all! If you're craving something cozy, satisfying, and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe is about to become your new favorite. With juicy chicken breasts smothered in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce, this dish is a surefire hit for busy weeknights, romantic dinners, or casual family gatherings. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for hectic evenings.
Rich Flavor: Creamy sauce with plenty of garlic delivers maximum taste in every bite.
Family-Friendly: Mild and comforting, this dish is a hit with kids and adults alike.
Versatile: Works beautifully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Minimal Cleanup: One-pan recipe keeps your kitchen mess-free.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs/700g)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
8 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once hot, add chicken breasts. Cook 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Remove to a plate and cover loosely with foil.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté 1 minute, until fragrant (don’t let it brown!).
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring, for 3–4 minutes, until sauce simmers and thickens slightly.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

Return chicken to the skillet, nestling into the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, spooning sauce over the top to reheat and coat.
Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot!

Notes: Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-grated varieties may not melt as smoothly (learn more about Parmesan here).
Don't overcrowd the skillet when searing chicken; work in batches if necessary for a delicious golden crust.
To lighten up, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream (sauce will be less rich).

Variations of Creamy Garlic Chicken

Mushroom Garlic Chicken: Add 1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet after searing chicken.
Spinach Creamy Garlic Chicken: Stir in 2 cups fresh baby spinach right before adding the chicken back to the sauce.
Lemon Herb: Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon zest to the cream sauce for a tangy twist.

Required Equipment for Creamy Garlic Chicken

Large (12-inch) skillet or sauté pan
Tongs or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Instant-read thermometer

How to Store Creamy Garlic Chicken (Shelf Life & Reheating)

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Not recommended for freezing, as the cream sauce may separate.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Creamy Garlic Chicken

Serve with al dente pasta, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
Pair with steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for a balanced meal.
A crisp green salad and crusty bread make perfect accompaniments.

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken

Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking (see how here!).
Let the cream come to room temperature before adding to the pan to prevent curdling.
Add Parmesan cheese off the heat to ensure a smooth, silky sauce (learn more about cream sauces).

FAQ: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work well; just increase cook time by 2–3 minutes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?: Yes—there are no wheat-based ingredients, but always check your chicken broth and Parmesan labels to be sure.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?: Try substituting coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, though flavor and texture will change.

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Creamy Garlic Chicken