Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a cozy, one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce. Each bite is cloaked in silky, garlicky goodness with golden edges and a sauce so fragrant, you’ll want to catch every last spoonful.
Dishes like this always take me back to evenings in my mom’s kitchen windows fogged up, laughter floating, and everyone reaching for that extra piece of bread to soak up the sauce. What makes this recipe special? It comes together quickly, packs in maximum comfort with blissfully simple steps, and the luscious sauce feels restaurant-fancy without the fuss. Gather your appetite and your coziest bowl; this Creamy Garlic Chicken promises pure comfort with every forkful.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Ultra-comforting creamy garlic sauce: Every bite wraps you in a velvety-rich sauce that’s garlicky, fragrant, and silky perfect for craving something soul-soothing after a long day.
- Simple, speedy one-pan magic: The whole meal comes together in just one skillet, which means less cleanup but all the cozy, homemade flavor you’d expect from a Sunday supper.
- Nostalgic, family-dinner vibes: The golden chicken and creamy sauce will instantly transport you to your mom’s kitchen table even if you’re cooking for one.
- Turns ordinary nights into something special: This dish feels just a little bit elegant, but it’s fuss-free enough for busy weeknights because comfort food should always be within reach.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken breasts or thighs
Choose boneless, skinless chicken for juicy, tender bites that soak up the sauce. Thighs bring a bit more richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture, but breasts keep things classic. - Fresh garlic cloves
An entire head of garlic is the secret! When gently sautéed, the cloves turn sweet, caramelized, and incredibly fragrant, infusing every bite with cozy depth. - Olive oil and butter
This duo creates golden, crisp edges on the chicken and builds a glossy, flavorful base for the sauce. - All-purpose flour
A quick dredge in flour gives the chicken a delicate crust and helps thicken the sauce to perfect creaminess. - Heavy cream
For that dreamy, velvet-smooth sauce. It wraps everything in creamy comfort without feeling too heavy. - Chicken broth or stock
Adds savory backbone and makes the sauce deeply layered, not just one-note creamy. - Lemon juice and garlic powder
Just a splash and a pinch brighten things up, balancing the richness of the cream with subtle zip.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Prep the Chicken: Slice your chicken breasts into thin cutlets and dust them with a light flour coating, seasoned generously with salt and pepper. This helps create that golden, crispy exterior we crave.
- Sear to Golden Perfection: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and a pat of butter. Lay in the chicken and let each side sizzle until beautifully golden. The kitchen starts to fill with the cozy aroma of browning butter pure comfort!
- Soften the Garlic: Lower the heat and melt in a bit more butter. Toss in whole garlic cloves and let them gently brown, stirring often, until they’re fragrant and golden at the edges.
- Deglaze & Build Flavor: Pour in chicken broth, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Scrape up any golden bits and let the liquid bubble away to intensify those delicious pan juices.
- Finish Creamy & Dreamy: Stir in heavy cream, then nestle the seared chicken back into the sauce. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens and coats each piece in a velvety, garlicky hug done when the chicken is tender and cooked through.
For more creamy comfort, try my Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi next!
Tips for the Best Results
- Dredge for golden magic: Lightly coating your chicken in flour helps lock in moisture and creates that irresistible golden crust that soaks up the creamy garlic sauce beautifully.
- Use plenty of fresh garlic: Whole cloves lend soft, mellow sweetness let them caramelize gently, filling your kitchen with cozy, toasty aromas.
- Low and slow with cream: Stir in the cream over medium or even low heat, letting it thicken gently. Rushing it risks a split sauce, which never feels as luxurious.
- Finish with a swirl: Give the sauce one last quick whisk off-heat for that ultra-silky finish never greasy, always dreamy.
- Try a sister recipe for inspiration: If you love this, you’ll adore my Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce for days when you crave something just as creamy and comforting.
Variations & Substitutions
Go dairy-free or gluten-free: For a luscious sauce without cream, swap in full-fat coconut milk or a plain, unsweetened oat creamer. A simple gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour keeps things safe for all.
Change up your proteins: Try turkey cutlets for a lean twist, or go plant-based with pressed tofu just sear for extra texture before finishing in the sauce.
Veggie it up: Stir in baby spinach, sliced mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes for more color and earthy notes. These veggies mingle beautifully with the creamy garlic base.
Total comfort upgrades: For an extra-cozy bake, spoon the creamy sauce over cooked pasta, then broil with a sprinkle of cheese just like a mash-up of this dish and my Cheesy Chicken Spinach Pasta.
This flexibility makes Creamy Garlic Chicken a recipe you can always make your own!
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Fridge Storage: Let your Creamy Garlic Chicken cool completely, then tuck leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The sauce may thicken, but stays lovely for a cozy lunch or dinner the next day.
- Freezer Option: Freeze portions in sealed containers for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge creamy sauces can sometimes separate, but a gentle reheat and stir brings them right back together.
- Gentle Reheating: Warm leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to refresh the sauce’s silkiness. The microwave works too; just cover and use short intervals to avoid drying.
- Next-Day Meal Inspiration: Slice leftover chicken and sauce over toast or roll it into a wrap for a comfort-packed lunch. For more leftover magic, try our Million Dollar Chicken Casserole your fridge will thank you!
How to Serve This
- Swirl it over mashed potatoes: Let that silky, garlicky sauce soak right into a fluffy bed of mashed potatoes. It’s the kind of comfort that feels like a hug from grandma.
- Ladle onto hot pasta or rice: Pour the creamy chicken and sauce over steamy noodles or buttery rice the sauce clings to every bite for ultimate coziness.
- Plate with simple salads: Brighten up your plate with a crisp green salad or peppery arugula. The freshness balances all the richness.
- Roasted veggie companions: Try alongside golden roasted carrots, broccoli, or asparagus. Oven-roasted veggies love to catch dribbles of that savory cream.
- Make it a crowd-pleaser: Serve family style at Sunday dinners or cozy potlucks. If you ever want to switch up the main, pair Creamy Garlic Chicken with a fun side like these Packed Chicken Tacos for a winning spread.
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut the chicken in half lengthwise so you have 4 smaller cutlets. Generously season them with salt & pepper and coat them in the flour.
- Add the olive oil and 1 tbsp of the butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, sauté the chicken for 4-5 minutes/side or until it’s nice and golden. Take the chicken out of the pan and set it aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium (or even med-low if using cast iron), and add the rest of the butter to the pan. Let it melt and then add the garlic cloves. Cook them for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until they’re lightly browned on the outside.
- Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and garlic powder to the pan. Let it bubble for around 4 minutes or until the liquid is noticeably reduced.
- Stir in the cream and add the chicken back into the pan. Let it cook for another 5 minutes or so, until the sauce is reduced and the chicken is cooked through. Serve with freshly chopped parsley if you wish.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Can I make Creamy Garlic Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely you can make this dish a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream. The flavors mingle and get even cozier overnight, so your kitchen will smell like a warm hug the next day.
What can I use instead of heavy cream in this recipe?
If you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free swap, try unsweetened oat creamer or full-fat coconut milk. They both keep that lovely silkiness in the sauce. Just remember: the flavor will be a little different, but still totally inviting and luscious.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating when reheating?
Warm leftovers slowly over low heat and add a splash of milk or broth as you go. Stir gently no need to rush! This brings the creamy goodness back together without losing that dreamy texture. Trust me, your sauce will be just as smooth and comforting.
Can I add vegetables to Creamy Garlic Chicken?
Yes! Go ahead and stir in baby spinach, sliced mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes during the last few minutes. They soak up the garlicky cream sauce and add bursts of color and earthy flavor great for when you want a bit of extra coziness and nutrition.
