Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lbs. total); 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 2 Tbsp butter, divided; 1 whole garlic bulb (about 8-9 garlic cloves); 1 cup chicken broth; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 14 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, rich in texture, and downright comforting, then this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. Tender chicken cutlets bathed in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce make for an irresistible meal that feels both homey and a little bit special. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence, highlighting every garlic clove’s aromatic charm with a silky smooth sauce that clings lovingly to each bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A silver frying pan shows four pieces of cooked chicken with a light golden brown color and some seasoning visible on their surface, evenly spaced inside the pan. The chicken pieces have a slightly crisp texture on the outside with a juicy look inside. The pan has small bits of browned seasoning or food residue around the chicken pieces. It is placed on a white marbled surface with soft natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe lies in using straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Each item plays a crucial role — from the seasoning that layers the chicken with flavor, to the cream that brings the sauce to rich perfection.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lbs total): Using thin cutlets or filleted breasts ensures quick, even cooking and tender meat.
Italian seasoning (1/2 tsp): Adds a fragrant herb blend to perfectly complement the garlic and cream.
Salt (1/2 tsp) and freshly cracked black pepper (1/4 tsp): Essential basics that elevate all flavors harmoniously.
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Creates a light coating so the chicken crisps up beautifully and thickens the sauce slightly.
Olive oil (2 Tbsp): For cooking the chicken with a subtle fruitiness and a wonderful golden crust.
Butter (2 Tbsp, divided): Adds richness to both the chicken sear and the luscious sauce.
Whole garlic bulb (8-9 cloves): The star of the show — smashing and gently browning the cloves brings out their sweetness and depth.
Chicken broth (1 cup): Adds savory notes and forms the base of the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream (3/4 cup): Gives the sauce its silky smooth texture and indulgent mouthfeel.
Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Boosts the garlic flavor subtly and rounds out the sauce’s complexity.
Salt and pepper to taste: For final seasoning adjustments ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by carefully slicing your chicken breasts into thinner cutlets. This step is crucial because thinner pieces cook more evenly and absorb more of the delicious seasoning and sauce later on. Once sliced, season them liberally with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. To get that beautiful crust and slightly thickened sauce, sprinkle the chicken evenly with flour, rubbing it in so each piece is coated just right.

Step 2: Sear for Golden Perfection

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter. When shimmering, add your chicken cutlets and cook for about 4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Watching the chicken develop that golden crust is always satisfying — plus, those browned bits left in the pan will add fantastic flavor to your sauce. Once cooked, remove the chicken and keep it warm on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

While the chicken rests, peel your garlic cloves and gently smash them using the flat side of your knife. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the same skillet, then toss in the smashed garlic. Turn the heat to medium-low and sauté for about 3 minutes until the garlic is aromatic, lightly browned, and bursting with flavor. Stir frequently to prevent any burning — soft, golden garlic is where the magic truly begins.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, then sprinkle in the garlic powder. Stir well, scraping up all those treasured browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until it thickens by around half — this slow reduction intensifies every flavor and gives you a luxuriously thick, velvety sauce. Don’t forget to taste and adjust with a touch more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return your cooked chicken back into the skillet, nestling it gently in the creamy garlic sauce. Spoon the sauce over the cutlets and let everything warm through for a couple more minutes. At this point, you’ll want to grab some fresh parsley to sprinkle on top — though optional, it adds a lovely pop of color and fresh brightness to complement the richness. Now, your Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is ready to wow.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

A white plate shows a golden brown cooked chicken piece covered with a light, creamy garlic sauce that has small green herb bits and whole garlic cloves on top. To the left, there is a side of fresh green romaine lettuce mixed with golden brown croutons and a light dressing giving a slight shine. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with some green leafy herbs in the top right corner and a silver fork with a black and white striped napkin at the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes elevate this dish beautifully. Fresh parsley or chives bring a vibrant green contrast and a hint of herbal freshness that balances the rich cream sauce perfectly. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can also add a delightful savory note if you’re feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with light and complementary sides. Think fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up the luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans add a lovely crisp texture, while a fresh, tangy salad helps cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a bit of visual flair, slice the chicken cutlets just before serving to reveal the juicy interior, then drizzle extra sauce over the top. Serving in individual shallow bowls invites the sauce to shine. A garnish of thin lemon slices or a light drizzle of infused olive oil can amplify the dish’s aroma and invite hungry smiles all around the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container to preserve moisture and flavor. Before reheating, let it come to room temperature for even warming.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover creamy garlic chicken, but be aware the sauce’s texture may change slightly. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of cream or broth can revive the sauce’s silky consistency if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will bring a bit more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use olive oil instead of butter. The flavor will change a bit, but it will still be deliciously creamy.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Make sure to sauté the garlic over medium-low heat and stir frequently. Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on its color and fragrance to catch the perfect golden stage.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce separately in advance and combine them just before serving. This makes it a great option for entertaining without last-minute hassle.

What other herbs complement the Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe?

Fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil all pair wonderfully. Add a sprig while simmering the sauce for a subtle aromatic boost.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its rich, garlicky sauce and tender chicken make it an instant favorite that you’ll come back to time and again. Go ahead and try it out — I promise it will become a beloved classic in your recipe collection and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at the dinner table.