Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe: The Easy Weeknight Dinner Everyone Will Ask For Again

If you love cozy, comforting meals that make your kitchen smell amazing, this Creamy Garlic Chicken is about to become a favorite. It is rich, full of flavor, and comes together quickly, which is exactly what busy weeknights call for. Whether you are feeding your family or hosting a casual dinner, this dish fits right in with its velvety sauce and tender pan-seared chicken.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Creamy Garlic Chicken checks every box for a satisfying dinner. The chicken stays juicy thanks to a quick sear, and the sauce is packed with garlic, cream, and just enough seasoning to make every bite pop. It is approachable for beginner cooks but still impressive enough for guests. Plus, everything cooks in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup. This recipe feels indulgent but is balanced enough to pair well with vegetables, pasta, or rice, depending on your mood.

Recipe Overview

Serving Size: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Kitchen Equipment Required

A large skillet
Tongs or a spatula
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
A whisk
Small bowl for mixing seasonings

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken

1. Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the chicken and sear for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Add heavy cream and whisk until combined. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
7. If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk flour or cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and add to the skillet.
8. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes until cooked through and the sauce thickens.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken

Sear the chicken without moving it too early. This helps develop that golden crust.
Use freshly minced garlic instead of jarred garlic for better flavor.
Allow the sauce to simmer gently; boiling can cause separation.
Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt or seasoning if needed.
Pound thicker chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the sear. Without browning, the chicken will lack depth of flavor.
Turning up the heat too high when adding cream. High heat can make the sauce curdle.
Using low fat milk instead of heavy cream. It will not thicken or taste as rich.
Overcooking the chicken. It becomes dry quickly, so remove it from heat once done.

Variations and Substitutions

Add mushrooms. Sauté sliced mushrooms right after cooking the chicken.
Swap the protein. This sauce works beautifully with pork chops or shrimp.
Make it dairy free. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a slightly sweeter but still rich sauce.
Add spinach. Stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the final simmer.
Use Parmesan. Add one fourth cup grated Parmesan to make the sauce extra cheesy.

How to Store and Meal Prep

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
For meal prep, portion the chicken with pasta, rice, or veggies in separate containers so nothing becomes soggy.
This dish does not freeze well because cream sauces can split when thawed.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Serve over mashed potatoes or buttery noodles to soak up the sauce.
Pair with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for balance.
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives before serving for color.
If you want a slightly fancier presentation, slice the chicken and fan it over rice or pasta, then pour sauce on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts
Yes, thighs stay extra juicy and work perfectly. Just adjust cook time as needed.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time
You can prep ingredients in advance, but it is best to cook fresh for the best texture.

Can I use half and half instead of heavy cream
Half and half works, but the sauce will be thinner unless you add a thickener.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling
Keep the heat at medium low and avoid rapid boiling once the cream is added.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is one of those dependable recipes that never disappoints. It is fast enough for a weeknight but special enough for company, and the rich garlic sauce turns simple ingredients into something memorable. With its flexibility, you can dress it up with vegetables, swap in different proteins, or keep it classic. However you serve it, this dish is all about comfort, flavor, and ease, making it a recipe you will come back to again and again.