Creamy Garlic Chicken

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I’ve made this Creamy Garlic Chicken countless times, and it never disappoints. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich, comforting, and absolutely packed with flavor. The moment the garlic hits the pan, you’ll know you’re in for something special. This recipe is my go-to when I want to make something impressive without a ton of effort.

The beauty of Creamy Garlic Chicken is in its balance: tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, bathed in a silky garlic cream sauce that clings to every bite. It pairs beautifully with vegetables or pasta, making it ideal for both cozy weeknights and elegant dinner parties. It’s simple food, elevated by a few thoughtful touches.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken

This dish hits all the right notes—it’s rich but not heavy, garlicky without being overpowering, and quick to make yet fancy enough to impress. The creamy sauce is velvety and indulgent, with a subtle tang that balances the richness beautifully. If you love easy recipes that feel gourmet, this one is a keeper.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For Creamy Garlic Chicken, I always recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken breasts give you that lean, tender bite, while thighs bring in extra juiciness and flavor. The key is to use evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. If you’re using thicker breasts, just slice them in half lengthwise or pound them slightly to even them out—this helps them cook faster and more evenly.

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Options for Substitutions

If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can swap in half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. For garlic, fresh cloves are ideal, but garlic paste or roasted garlic can add a different kind of depth if you’re in a pinch. Prefer a vegetarian version? Swap the chicken for thick slices of portobello mushroom or seared tofu. And if you want to add greens, baby spinach or peas stirred into the sauce at the end work wonderfully.

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Ingredients for This Creamy Garlic Chicken

Chicken breasts – These are the star of the dish, offering a lean, protein-packed base that turns beautifully golden when seared.

Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing the natural flavors in every bite.

Olive oil and butter – A combination that helps sear the chicken to a crisp, flavorful crust while adding richness to the sauce.

Garlic cloves – The soul of this recipe. Fresh garlic infuses the dish with that irresistible aroma and signature savory depth.

Chicken broth – Adds body to the sauce while intensifying the savory flavor profile.

Heavy cream – Creates the luxurious, creamy texture that makes this dish so comforting.

Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for added saltiness and a subtle umami boost.

Fresh thyme or parsley – Offers a burst of color and a pop of herby freshness to balance the creamy richness.

Optional: green beans or spinach – Stirred in at the end for a touch of color and added nutrition.

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Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

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Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add a bit more butter if needed. Add the sliced or minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it.

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Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. Then stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

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Step 4: Add Parmesan and Season

Add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If you like, add a pinch of fresh thyme for extra depth.

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Step 5: Return Chicken to the Pan

Nestle the seared chicken back into the creamy sauce. Cover partially and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

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Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot. Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the top for maximum flavor.

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How Long to Cook the Creamy Garlic Chicken

The total cooking time for Creamy Garlic Chicken is about 25–30 minutes. Searing the chicken takes around 8–10 minutes total, and the sauce needs another 10–12 minutes to come together and fully cook the chicken. Always check for doneness—your chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

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Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Pound thick chicken pieces to ensure even cooking and better texture.
• Don’t rush the sear. Let the chicken develop a golden crust before flipping—it adds flavor and seals in moisture.
• Use freshly minced garlic for the most aromatic and bold taste.
• Simmer gently. A rolling boil can break the cream sauce, so keep the heat medium to low once the dairy goes in.
• Grate your own Parmesan rather than using pre-shredded—it melts better and tastes fresher.
• Let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes before serving. It absorbs more flavor that way.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using cold chicken straight from the fridge – Let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before cooking for more even results.
• Overcooking the garlic – Burnt garlic can make the sauce bitter. Sauté it just until fragrant.
• Not deglazing the pan – Those browned bits from searing are flavor gold. Use the broth to scrape them up.
• Boiling the sauce too hard – This can cause the cream to split. Keep it at a gentle simmer.
• Skipping the seasoning check – Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

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What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Chicken?

Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, smooth potatoes are the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that garlicky sauce.

Steamed Green Beans

A crisp, fresh contrast that lightens the richness of the dish.

Garlic Bread

Double down on the garlic with slices of warm, buttery bread to swipe through the sauce.

Pasta (Fettuccine or Penne)

This chicken loves to sit atop a bed of pasta, catching every bit of the creamy goodness.

Simple Garden Salad

Something fresh and acidic like a vinaigrette-tossed salad balances out the richness nicely.

Roasted Asparagus

Lightly caramelized and tender, it brings both elegance and earthiness.

Rice Pilaf

A neutral and fluffy base that absorbs the sauce without competing for attention.

Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)

A low-carb alternative that still carries the flavor beautifully.

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Storage Instructions

Leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken stores well in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce and avoid it separating.

If you’d like to freeze it, keep in mind that creamy sauces can sometimes change texture once thawed. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating slowly.

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Estimated Nutrition

The following is an approximate nutrition estimate per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 460
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 480mg

Keep in mind these values may vary depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and work beautifully in this dish. Just adjust cooking time slightly if they’re bone-in.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based version.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

Let it simmer uncovered a bit longer, or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, or peas are great additions that cook quickly in the sauce.

What’s the best pan to use?

A large stainless steel or cast iron skillet is ideal. Avoid non-stick if you want those delicious browned bits for the sauce base.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can sear the chicken and prep the sauce components in advance. Reheat gently when ready to serve.

Is this dish spicy?

Not at all. But if you like a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the garlic step works well.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Milk can be used in a pinch, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. A bit of flour can help thicken it if needed.

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Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken is one of those recipes that becomes a staple after just one try. It’s rich without being overwhelming, and full of flavor with very little fuss. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just treating yourself on a weeknight, this dish delivers every single time. Give it a shot—I promise it’ll earn a regular spot in your rotation.

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