Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love that rich, comforting flavor of garlic paired with tender chicken, then this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is going to be your new go-to. I absolutely love how this dish combines simple ingredients to create something that tastes like a chef whipped it up for you. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this creamy, garlicky goodness is sure to impress without any complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a part in building that luscious sauce and juicy chicken. When shopping, try to pick fresh garlic and good-quality chicken breasts — fresh garlic makes a world of difference here!

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose large breasts so you can slice them lengthwise into even cutlets, which cook evenly and stay tender.
• Salt & pepper: Basic seasonings but don’t skimp here; seasoning the chicken well is key.
• Flour: Just a light coating helps give the chicken a subtle crust and thickens the sauce.
• Olive oil: Brings flavor and helps get a nice golden sear on the chicken.
• Butter: Used twice to build richness and for cooking the garlic gently.
• Whole garlic cloves: Peeled; roasting them in butter brings out a mellow, aromatic flavor.
• Chicken broth or stock: Adds savory depth to the sauce, use low sodium if possible.
• Lemon juice: Adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness.
• Garlic powder: To boost the garlic flavor even more without overpowering.
• Heavy or whipping cream: Creates the signature creamy texture of this dish.
• Parsley (optional): Freshly chopped for a pop of color and freshness at the end.

Variations

I love tailoring this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood. Don’t hesitate to get creative; after all, there’s always a way to make it your own and still keep it delicious.

• Adding Mushrooms: I once added sliced cremini mushrooms to the sauce for a lovely earthy flavor and my family really enjoyed the extras.
• Using Chicken Thighs: For juicier meat, swap breasts for boneless skinless thighs—you might need to adjust the cooking time a bit.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the chicken over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to keep it keto-friendly.
• Dairy-Free Version: I experimented with coconut cream instead of heavy cream and it turned out creamy with a hint of coconut that worked surprisingly well.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

First, slice your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets; this helps them cook quickly and evenly. Season each piece generously with salt and pepper—don’t be shy. Then, dredge them lightly in flour, shaking off any excess. This little coating is the secret to a nicely golden crust and a sauce that thickens up beautifully.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and half the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when they release easily from the pan—force them sticking means they’re not quite done yet. Set the chicken aside on a plate; this frees you up to make that dreamy sauce!

Step 3: Cook the Garlic

Lower the heat to medium or medium-low (especially if you’re using cast iron, you want to be gentle here). Add the remaining butter and let it melt fully before adding the whole garlic cloves. Stir frequently and let them get a light golden color—about 3-4 minutes. The garlic becomes mellow and sweet, which is a huge part of what makes this recipe so comforting.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and sprinkle in the garlic powder. Let this bubble and reduce for about 4 minutes until it thickens just a bit. You’ll notice the sauce get more concentrated and flavorful as the liquid cooks down.

Step 5: Add Cream and Finish Cooking

Stir the heavy cream into the pan, then nestle the chicken cutlets back into the sauce. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes or so to let the sauce thicken and the chicken get tender and juicy. This final step is where everything comes together—you’ll want to taste and adjust salt and pepper here if needed. I like to sprinkle chopped parsley right before serving for that fresh pop of color and flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley—not just for the color but for that hint of herbaceous brightness it adds. Sometimes, a few lemon zest shreds on top also brighten each bite and add a little zing. It’s those small touches that make this recipe really feel special at the table.

Side Dishes

The creaminess of the sauce pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes or buttery rice. For something lighter, steamed green beans or roasted asparagus offer a great crunch and balance. My family tends to go crazy for buttery noodles or crusty bread to mop up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate this chicken over a bed of sautéed spinach or wild rice, garnished with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge on the side. It elevates the look without complicating things. Serving it family-style in a cast iron skillet also makes for a cozy presentation that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually keeps well for 3-4 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so I recommend stirring in a splash of milk or broth when reheating to bring back that velvety texture.

Freezing

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe freezes fairly well, but I personally prefer making smaller batches because sometimes cream-based sauces can separate after freezing. If you do freeze it, let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, and consume within 2 months for the best flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken gently over low heat on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream. This helps the sauce loosen up and keeps the chicken tender. Avoid microwaving straight from the fridge, which can sometimes dry out the chicken.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe really feels like a hug on a plate every time I make it. It’s one of those dishes that fits right into my weeknight rotation but has enough elegance to serve for company without stress. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does — it’s a simple recipe that never fails to brighten the dinner table and bring smiles all around. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in your kitchen!

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