Creamy Garlic Chicken

If you’ve been dreaming of a comforting, creamy garlic chicken that wraps you in a warm hug after a long day, girl—you’ve landed in the right kitchen. This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe is everything you want in a weeknight meal: it’s fast, flavorful, and makes you look like you’ve been cooking for hours (spoiler: you haven’t). Whether you’re feeding picky kids, a hungry partner, or just yourself with a glass of wine in hand—this one’s got your back.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken

Let’s be real—some nights call for more than just a quick microwave dinner. Creamy Garlic Chicken hits the sweet spot between cozy comfort food and an “I totally have my life together” kind of dish. It’s got juicy pan-seared chicken, a luscious garlic-parmesan cream sauce, and the kind of aroma that makes your family wander into the kitchen asking, “Is it ready yet?”

  • ✅ Ready in under 40 minutes
  • ✅ Made with pantry staples
  • ✅ Tastes like it came from your favorite bistro

Oh, and let’s not forget—it’s creamy, garlicky, and totally soul-soothing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s your grocery list for this dreamy dinner. You probably already have most of it at home!

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally (you’ll end up with 4 thin pieces)
  • 4 tablespoons flour
  • 3/4 cup finely grated fresh Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 whole head of garlic, peeled and smashed (yes, the whole head—don’t worry, it’s mellow and amazing)
  • 1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for serving)

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken (Without Losing Your Mind)

Step 1: Season & Dredge
Sprinkle your halved chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour with 1/4 cup of that magical Parmesan. Coat each chicken piece in the flour mixture, shaking off the extra.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a warm plate and set aside—you did good.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Lower the heat to medium. Add your chopped onion to the pan and sauté until it’s nice and soft. Then toss in all those glorious smashed garlic cloves. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant. (Your kitchen will smell like heaven at this point.)

Step 4: Build the Sauce
Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up all those brown bits of flavor. Let that simmer down by half—about 5 minutes. Then stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer for another 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Make It Cheesy & Creamy
Add the remaining Parmesan and stir until it melts into silky, cheesy goodness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. (Don’t be shy—add a pinch more salt if your heart says yes.)

Step 6: Finish Strong
Nestle the chicken back into the sauce. Let it all simmer together for a final 2–3 minutes so the flavors can marry. Garnish with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper.

Step 7: Serve It Up
This creamy garlic chicken begs to be spooned over mashed potatoes, pasta, or even zucchini noodles if you’re feeling a little extra green. It’s flexible, forgiving, and fabulous.

Cooking Tips from My Kitchen to Yours

  • Don’t skimp on the garlic. Yes, a whole head sounds wild, but it mellows into something beautifully sweet and rich. Trust me—it’s not “too garlicky.”
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese just doesn’t melt the same way. You want that ooey-gooey magic.
  • Double the sauce if your family is a saucy bunch. (Mine dips everything, even bread, into it.)

A Little Story From My Stove

This creamy garlic chicken became a fast favorite in our house after one rainy Thursday when I realized I had nothing thawed, a pile of laundry, and exactly 45 minutes before soccer practice. I threw this together on a whim, and my kids licked their plates. It’s been in heavy rotation ever since—and now it’s your turn to give it a go.

Creamy Garlic Chicken served with rice and smothered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce with herbs and diced vegetables.

FAQs: Everything You’re Wondering (I Got You)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Just make sure they’re boneless and adjust cooking time slightly—they might need a couple more minutes.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Pop leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as rich. For a lighter version, try evaporated milk with a touch of cornstarch to thicken it.

Conclusion

When it comes to comfort food that doesn’t stress you out, Creamy Garlic Chicken is your new best friend. It’s creamy, dreamy, and dare I say… kind of addictive? Whether it’s for a quiet Tuesday night or your next dinner party, this recipe checks every box.

Go ahead—pour yourself a glass of wine, toss on your comfiest slippers, and bring the magic of creamy garlic chicken to your table tonight.

More Creamy & Flavor-Packed Chicken Recipes to Try

If this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe left you swooning (I mean, how could it not?), you’ll want to check out these other rich, satisfying chicken dinners that bring the same comfort and crowd-pleasing vibes. From pasta favorites to skillet sensations, these dishes are perfect next stops on your chicken-loving journey:

  1. If you loved the creamy texture and garlic-forward flavor, you’ll definitely enjoy the ultra-luxurious Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce. It’s like a pasta hug in a bowl.
  2. Want something a bit more creative for pasta night? Try the indulgent Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese—think comfort food, turned gourmet.
  3. Need a one-pan weeknight miracle? The Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken and Potatoes is simple, satisfying, and bursting with herbaceous flavor.
  4. And for a casserole that will warm your soul (and fill your fridge with glorious leftovers), don’t miss the dreamy Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole.

Bookmark these for your next cozy dinner plan—your future self will thank you! 💛

Print
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Creamy Garlic Chicken breasts simmering in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with lemon slices and fresh parsley in a skillet.

Creamy Garlic Chicken


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 35 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a quick and satisfying dinner made with golden-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in under 40 minutes and perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or zucchini noodles—it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll turn to again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally (to make 4 thin cutlets)

  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 3/4 cup finely grated fresh Parmesan cheese, divided

  • 2 teaspoons salt

  • 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 1 whole head of garlic, peeled and smashed (about 1012 cloves)

  • 1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

  • Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)


Instructions

  1. Season chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper.

  2. In a shallow dish, combine flour and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Dredge the chicken and shake off excess.

  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.

  4. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a warm plate.

  5. Reduce heat to medium. Sauté onion in the same pan until softened.

  6. Add smashed garlic cloves and cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

  7. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.

  8. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

  9. Add remaining Parmesan and stir until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning.

  10. Return chicken to the pan and simmer 2–3 more minutes to thicken sauce.

  11. Garnish with parsley and serve hot over your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Fresh garlic is key here—don’t swap for jarred unless absolutely necessary.

  • You can use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer; adjust cooking time slightly.

  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half and reduce cheese slightly.

  • This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or cauliflower rice.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 510 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 42 g
  • Cholesterol: 155 mg

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