Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe That Everyone Will Love
Dinner can sometimes feel like just another thing on the list, especially when time is tight. We all know the feeling—you’re juggling a dozen things, and now you’ve got to think about what to cook, too. But here’s the good news: Creamy Garlic Chicken is here to save the day.
This dish isn’t just about food; it’s a dinner that brings everyone together, sharing something delicious that’s made with love and care.
Imagine juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich garlic cream sauce, seasoned to perfection, with a hint of Parmesan and lemon zest that takes it over the top. And with just one pan, there’s less cleanup, too.
Ready to learn how to make your new favorite dinner?
Ingredients That Bring Out the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken
Each ingredient here isn’t just for flavor—it’s carefully chosen to bring a unique texture or taste that makes this dish sing. Let’s take a look at each one:
- Chicken Breasts – These are lean and soak up the flavors beautifully. When sliced in half, they cook evenly, ensuring a juicy, tender bite every time.
- Italian Seasoning – A comforting blend of basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. This seasoning brings warmth and depth, enhancing the overall dish without overwhelming the garlic.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Essential basics that bring out the best in every ingredient. Salt enhances the chicken’s natural flavor, while black pepper adds a slight kick.
- All-Purpose Flour – Lightly coating the chicken in flour gives it a golden, slightly crispy crust, adding texture and helping the sauce cling to each piece.
- Olive Oil & Butter – Olive oil for searing, butter for flavor. This combination provides a rich base for browning the chicken, setting the stage for the creamy garlic sauce.
- Garlic Cloves – This dish wouldn’t be the same without garlic. The cloves, smashed and sautéed, infuse the sauce with bold, savory flavor.
- Chicken Broth – A savory, flavorful base that enhances the creaminess of the sauce while adding a subtle depth.
- Heavy Cream – The heart of the sauce. It thickens as it simmers, creating a velvety, luxurious texture.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a sharp, salty note that balances the creaminess and creates a more complex, layered flavor.
- Lemon Zest – Our unique twist! Just a bit brightens the sauce, adding freshness and balancing the rich, creamy elements.
- Fresh Parsley – For garnish. Adds a burst of color and a touch of fresh flavor.
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Begin by slicing each chicken breast in half horizontally, creating four thinner pieces. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly, staying juicy throughout.
- Season each piece generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge in flour, coating both sides lightly and shaking off any excess.
Tip: Flour gives the chicken a slight crisp that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Don’t crowd the skillet—cook in batches if needed.
- Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside. The pan now holds all those flavorful bits from searing, which will enhance our sauce.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the smashed garlic cloves. Let them sauté for 2-3 minutes, until they’re soft and fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, using a spatula to scrape up any browned bits. This adds a rich depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes to thicken.
- Add the grated Parmesan and lemon zest, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce looks smooth and creamy.
Pro Tip: Avoid boiling the sauce; a gentle simmer is best for keeping it creamy and rich without separating.
For more on mastering sauces, explore our Essential Sauce Terms guide, which covers the basics of creating rich, balanced flavors that elevate your dishes.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon the sauce over each piece, letting it all simmer together for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, adding a vibrant color contrast. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce.
New to cooking? Check out our Saute Cooking Method guide to learn how to achieve perfectly browned, flavorful results every time you cook with a skillet.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe Recap
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Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken is an easy, flavorful dinner that brings together juicy pan-seared chicken breasts and a luxurious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. With a hint of fresh lemon zest, this dish offers a unique brightness to balance the rich, creamy flavors. Perfect over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
For The Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Garlic Cream Sauce:
- 8–10 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon (about 1/2 teaspoon) for a unique twist
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create two thinner cutlets.
- Season both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Make the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add butter, and allow it to melt.
- Add the smashed garlic cloves, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporate any browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly reduce.
- Add heavy cream, stirring until combined, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, letting it melt until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the lemon zest for a hint of brightness, stirring to distribute evenly.
Combine and Serve:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over each piece.
- Let the chicken and sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice to soak up the creamy sauce. Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Notes
Adding lemon zest to the sauce is a slight twist on the classic creamy garlic chicken, bringing a subtle citrusy brightness that balances the richness of the cream and Parmesan. This unique addition makes the dish taste lighter and more layered without overpowering the garlic flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéed & Pan Sauce
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pairing Suggestions
Creamy Garlic Chicken is versatile and goes beautifully with many side dishes. Try pairing it with:
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes make a classic pairing, creating a cozy, comforting meal.
- Pasta – Fettuccine or linguine are perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
- Rice – For a lighter option, serve over steamed rice or even cauliflower rice.
- Steamed Vegetables – Green beans, broccoli, or asparagus add freshness and a pop of color to the plate.
Nutritional Insights
A single serving of this Creamy Garlic Chicken provides approximately:
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
This dish is rich and filling, perfect for satisfying a hearty appetite. For those looking to lighten it up, consider using milk and cornstarch instead of heavy cream or opting for a smaller portion with a fresh green salad on the side.
Ingredient Alternatives
Sometimes you’ve got to make do with what’s on hand. Here are a few ingredient swaps:
- Chicken Thighs – Juicier and a bit more flavorful than breasts, thighs work wonderfully here and stay tender.
- Milk & Cornstarch – For a lighter sauce, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch instead of heavy cream.
- White Wine – Replace a portion of the chicken broth with white wine to add depth and sophistication to the sauce.
- Asiago or Romano Cheese – These cheeses offer a slightly sharper flavor than Parmesan and bring an interesting twist to the dish.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even simple recipes can throw a curveball. Here’s how to handle common challenges:
- Sauce too thin? Let it simmer a bit longer, or add a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with water.
- Sauce too thick? Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin it out gently.
- Chicken too dry? Make sure not to overcook during searing. Resting the chicken before adding it back to the sauce also helps retain moisture.
Creamy Garlic Chicken FAQ’s
Yes, but for the best flavor, make the sauce fresh. Store the chicken separately, then reheat in the sauce for a few minutes before serving.
Freezing is possible, though cream-based sauces can sometimes separate. If you freeze it, stir well while reheating over low heat.
Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a milk-cornstarch mixture for a lighter sauce. Serve with a side salad instead of pasta or potatoes.
Gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.
While fresh garlic gives the best flavor, pre-minced can work in a pinch. Use 2 teaspoons per clove.
It’s optional, but lemon zest adds a fresh note that balances the richness of the sauce. Try it once—you may not go back!
Shredded cheese can be harder to melt smoothly, so grated Parmesan is preferred for a creamier sauce.
And there you have it—Creamy Garlic Chicken that’s rich, savory, and ready to impress! We hope this dish becomes a favorite at your table. For more recipes that make cooking easy and delicious, subscribe to the Simply Cooking Newsletter from Edible Exposure Media. Each week, you’ll get fresh ideas, chef tips, and inspiration sent straight to your inbox. Until next time, happy cooking!
If you loved this creamy garlic chicken, try our Marry Me Chicken recipe for another easy, flavor-packed chicken dinner that’s perfect for weeknights.
Disclosure: This article uses automation for structure, but all insights and advice are provided by Ryan Yates, an experienced executive chef with over 20 years of expertise. Additionally, this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our work and allows us to keep providing high-quality content.