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Creamy Garlic Chicken

When it comes to comforting, rich, and indulgent meals, nothing quite compares to Creamy Garlic Chicken. This dish combines the succulent flavors of perfectly seared chicken breasts with a velvety, creamy sauce that’s packed with savory notes of caramelized garlic and aromatic herbs. Easy to prepare in a single skillet, this meal is a breeze for busy weeknights yet decadent enough to impress guests at any dinner gathering. With its balance of tender chicken and rich, flavorful gravy, it’s a recipe that promises to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

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Creamy Garlic Chicken

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Rich, creamy, and bursting with garlic flavor—this Creamy Garlic Chicken will leave you craving more! 🧄🍗 #GarlicLovers #CreamyDelight #ChickenGoals #ComfortFood #EasyDinner #GarlicGoodness #OnePanWonder #WeeknightDinner #FamilyFavorite #SavorySatisfaction

  • Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The star of the dish. You’ll slice and pound these breasts thin, ensuring that they cook quickly and evenly.
  • Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
  • 3 teaspoons Italian seasonings – A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that adds an aromatic depth.
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour – This will help coat the chicken and give it a golden crust when seared.
  • 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese – Adds a touch of salty richness to the flour mixture, giving the chicken an extra layer of flavor.

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – For melting and creating a base for the sauce.
  • 10 cloves garlic – This is the heart of the sauce, bringing that rich, caramelized garlic flavor that complements the creamy gravy.
  • 3 tablespoons flour – To help thicken the sauce, creating that luscious texture.
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth – A savory base that enhances the flavor of the sauce. You can also substitute vegetable broth for a lighter alternative.
  • 1 beef bouillon cube or 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon – This adds an extra savory boost to the broth, enriching the flavor of the sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce – Adds umami and depth. You can substitute Worcestershire sauce if you prefer.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder – For a subtle, rounded sweetness in the sauce.
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder – A hint of tanginess that brightens the sauce without overpowering it.
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme – Complements the Italian seasoning used on the chicken, tying the dish together.
  • ½ cup heavy cream – The ingredient that makes the sauce rich and creamy.
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional) – If you want a thicker, cheesier sauce, feel free to add more Parmesan at the end.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients and prepare your mise en place. Combine the chicken broth, bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and thyme in a bowl and set it aside. In another bowl, mix the flour and Parmesan cheese—this will be used to coat the chicken. Measure out the other ingredients so you have them ready to go when the cooking begins.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces (about 2-3 per breast) to ensure even cooking. To tenderize the chicken, place it in a gallon freezer bag or between layers of plastic wrap, then use a meat mallet to pound it to about ½ inch thick. This step will ensure your chicken is both juicy and tender when seared. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season it generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge each side of the chicken pieces in the flour and Parmesan mixture, tapping off any excess flour.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken pieces in the pan and sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp. Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear the chicken in batches if necessary. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the flavorful brown bits in the pan.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt the unsalted butter in the same skillet. Using a silicone spatula, scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pan, incorporating all that delicious flavor into the sauce. Add the garlic cloves and let them cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic softens and caramelizes to a golden brown.

Once the garlic is fragrant and golden, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to remove any raw flour taste. Slowly add the prepared chicken broth mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using). The sauce should begin to thicken at this point, becoming smooth and velvety.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Return the chicken to the skillet, along with any juices from the plate. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat it thoroughly. Cover the skillet and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken further and the chicken to absorb the rich, garlicky flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve this creamy chicken dish with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a comforting meal. The silky sauce, with its robust garlic flavor, is perfect for spooning over the chicken and any sides you choose.

Notes

  • Chicken Alternatives: If you don’t have boneless skinless chicken breasts, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re slightly more flavorful and remain juicy when cooked in the sauce.
  • Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, use portobello mushrooms or tofu in place of chicken. You can still sear them to get a golden crust and then prepare the sauce as directed.
  • Lower-Calorie Version: Use light cream or half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version. You can also reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese or omit it entirely.
  • Add Veggies: Feel free to add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
  • Author: Rosa
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes

The Appeal of Creamy Garlic Chicken

What makes Creamy Garlic Chicken so irresistible? It’s the combination of simple ingredients and the sheer depth of flavor you get from a few key steps. The dish starts with the chicken, which is seared to perfection, creating a golden crust that seals in all the juiciness. The real magic, however, lies in the sauce—a luxurious, creamy gravy made from caramelized garlic, chicken broth, and a hint of Parmesan. The sauce coats the chicken, making every bite a luscious experience. Pair it with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a comforting, satisfying meal that feels both gourmet and homemade.

But this recipe is not just about flavor—it’s also about ease. This one-skillet wonder minimizes cleanup while delivering a rich and savory dish that’s sure to please every palate. And with only a few ingredients, this creamy garlic sauce is both attainable and elevated, making this meal perfect for both everyday dining and special occasions.

Ingredients Breakdown

To bring this delicious recipe to life, you’ll need a handful of essential ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this Creamy Garlic Chicken:

Chicken

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The star of the dish. You’ll slice and pound these breasts thin, ensuring that they cook quickly and evenly.
  • Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
  • 3 teaspoons Italian seasonings – A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that adds an aromatic depth.
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour – This will help coat the chicken and give it a golden crust when seared.
  • 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese – Adds a touch of salty richness to the flour mixture, giving the chicken an extra layer of flavor.

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – For melting and creating a base for the sauce.
  • 10 cloves garlic – This is the heart of the sauce, bringing that rich, caramelized garlic flavor that complements the creamy gravy.
  • 3 tablespoons flour – To help thicken the sauce, creating that luscious texture.
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth – A savory base that enhances the flavor of the sauce. You can also substitute vegetable broth for a lighter alternative.
  • 1 beef bouillon cube or 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon – This adds an extra savory boost to the broth, enriching the flavor of the sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce – Adds umami and depth. You can substitute Worcestershire sauce if you prefer.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder – For a subtle, rounded sweetness in the sauce.
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder – A hint of tanginess that brightens the sauce without overpowering it.
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme – Complements the Italian seasoning used on the chicken, tying the dish together.
  • ½ cup heavy cream – The ingredient that makes the sauce rich and creamy.
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional) – If you want a thicker, cheesier sauce, feel free to add more Parmesan at the end.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create this mouthwatering Creamy Garlic Chicken:

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients and prepare your mise en place. Combine the chicken broth, bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and thyme in a bowl and set it aside. In another bowl, mix the flour and Parmesan cheese—this will be used to coat the chicken. Measure out the other ingredients so you have them ready to go when the cooking begins.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts into thinner pieces (about 2-3 per breast) to ensure even cooking. To tenderize the chicken, place it in a gallon freezer bag or between layers of plastic wrap, then use a meat mallet to pound it to about ½ inch thick. This step will ensure your chicken is both juicy and tender when seared. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season it generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge each side of the chicken pieces in the flour and Parmesan mixture, tapping off any excess flour.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken pieces in the pan and sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp. Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear the chicken in batches if necessary. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the flavorful brown bits in the pan.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt the unsalted butter in the same skillet. Using a silicone spatula, scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pan, incorporating all that delicious flavor into the sauce. Add the garlic cloves and let them cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic softens and caramelizes to a golden brown.

Once the garlic is fragrant and golden, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to remove any raw flour taste. Slowly add the prepared chicken broth mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using). The sauce should begin to thicken at this point, becoming smooth and velvety.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Return the chicken to the skillet, along with any juices from the plate. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat it thoroughly. Cover the skillet and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken further and the chicken to absorb the rich, garlicky flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve this creamy chicken dish with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a comforting meal. The silky sauce, with its robust garlic flavor, is perfect for spooning over the chicken and any sides you choose.

Flavor, Texture, and Aroma

As you prepare Creamy Garlic Chicken, the kitchen will fill with the irresistible aromas of caramelizing garlic and simmering butter. The chicken, once seared, develops a crispy golden crust, while the creamy sauce envelops it in a rich, velvety coating. The garlic lends a deep, savory flavor that becomes mellow and sweet after caramelization, contrasting beautifully with the creamy broth and Parmesan. Each bite of chicken is tender, juicy, and perfectly complemented by the smooth, luxurious sauce, making this dish a true treat for the senses.

Tips for Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

  • Chicken Alternatives: If you don’t have boneless skinless chicken breasts, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re slightly more flavorful and remain juicy when cooked in the sauce.
  • Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, use portobello mushrooms or tofu in place of chicken. You can still sear them to get a golden crust and then prepare the sauce as directed.
  • Lower-Calorie Version: Use light cream or half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version. You can also reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese or omit it entirely.
  • Add Veggies: Feel free to add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Creamy Garlic Chicken with:

  • Mashed potatoes: The creamy sauce is perfect for drizzling over smooth, buttery mashed potatoes.
  • Roasted green beans: A simple side of green beans adds crunch and balance to the richness of the dish.
  • Rice: For a more filling meal, serve it with fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious gravy.
  • Crusty bread: Don’t forget a piece of warm, crusty bread to mop up any leftover sauce!

Final Thoughts

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a comforting and indulgent meal that combines the best of savory garlic, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked chicken. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just a cozy night at home, this dish promises to impress. With its easy-to-follow instructions and a rich flavor profile, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it tonight, and enjoy the luxurious, garlicky goodness that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

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