If you’re ready to indulge your taste buds in pure decadence, look no further than Creamy Garlic Chicken. This irresistible dish pairs tender, perfectly seared chicken breasts with a velvety sauce infused with sweet, caramelized garlic, two kinds of Parmesan, and a savory blend of seasonings. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels restaurant-fancy but is wonderfully doable at home. Whether you’re impressing guests or just craving an over-the-top delicious weeknight dinner, Creamy Garlic Chicken delivers flavor by the spoonful—get ready to fall in love!

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

No fancy ingredients here, just kitchen staples that transform into something spectacular. Each plays a big part in creating the taste, texture, and soul-soothing appeal of Creamy Garlic Chicken.

Chicken Breasts: These form the juicy, tender centerpiece—slice and pound thin for even cooking and incredible results.
Salt/Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out all the best flavors in every bite.
Italian Seasonings: A blend of dried herbs that infuse the chicken with savory warmth and a touch of color.
Flour: Forms a light crust on the chicken, then helps thicken the sauce to perfect silkiness.
Parmesan Cheese (shredded): Melts into the coating and sauce for a burst of nutty, salty depth.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and ensures your chicken develops a golden, crave-worthy crust in the pan.
Chicken Broth: The backbone of the sauce, it brings savory notes and keeps everything wonderfully moist.
Beef Bouillon Cube (or Better than Bouillon): Just a bit deepens the flavor for that restaurant-style “what’s in this?” appeal.
Low Sodium Soy Sauce: A subtle umami touch, balancing saltiness and giving the sauce complexity.
Onion Powder: Rounds out aromatics and adds a gentle, sweet undertone.
Dried Thyme: A sprinkle creates earthy notes that play off the garlic beautifully.
Mustard Powder: Adds a hint of tang and rounds everything into a cohesive, savory package.
Butter: Makes the sauce rich and creamy, and helps caramelize those glorious garlic cloves.
Whole Garlic Cloves: The star ingredient—once softened and golden, they give Creamy Garlic Chicken its signature flavor.
Heavy Cream: That’s where the magic happens; it turns your sauce into a luscious, dreamy blanket for the chicken.
Extra Parmesan Cheese (optional): For even more cheesy decadence stirred in at the end.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Mix Your Sauce Base

Start by combining the chicken broth, beef bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, dried thyme, and mustard powder in a large measuring cup or bowl. Whisk everything together until the bouillon dissolves, and set this flavor-packed liquid aside—you’ll pour it into your pan later to make the sauce simply unforgettable.

Step 2: Prep & Coat the Chicken

Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally so you end up with 2 to 3 thinner cutlets from each piece. Place the chicken slices between sheets of plastic wrap and pound them gently to an even ½-inch thickness—this ensures juicy, quick-cooking results. Pat dry with paper towels, season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasonings, then dredge both sides in a mixture of flour and shredded Parmesan cheese, tapping off any excess. This coating sets you up for maximum flavor and crispy edges.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once shimmering, add the chicken (work in batches if needed) and sear each piece for 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply golden and crisp. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate—you’ll return it to the deliciousness soon!

Step 4: Caramelize the Garlic

Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium or medium-low. Use a silicone spatula to gently loosen all those flavorful browned bits from the pan—the secret to a deeply savory sauce! Add the whole garlic cloves and cook, stirring, for 6 to 7 minutes. They’ll soften, caramelize, and infuse everything with their sweet, nutty aroma—the soul of Creamy Garlic Chicken.

Step 5: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, just until the raw flour aroma disappears. Pour in your prepared broth mixture in 2 or 3 splashes, whisking after each addition to keep the sauce creamy and lump-free. Once combined, slowly add the heavy cream, then bring the mixture briefly to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to low. Gradually stir in the Parmesan (add more if you want things extra cheesy!). The sauce will become glossy and irresistibly smooth.

Step 6: Finish and Simmer

Return your golden chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the pan and spooning sauce and garlic over each piece. Partially cover with a lid and let the dish simmer for 5 minutes—this melds all the creamy garlic flavors together and ensures your chicken is incredibly tender. Shower with chopped parsley for color if you like, and get ready for the main event!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken

Garnishes

For a pop of freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the finished Creamy Garlic Chicken. A bit of cracked black pepper and a final dusting of Parmesan add even more visual appeal and a boost of flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, swirl in a drizzle of good olive oil or scatter some toasted pine nuts on top for extra crunch.

Side Dishes

This dish practically begs to be paired with pillowy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of sauce, or twirled atop buttery pasta. Roasted green beans, crispy asparagus, or steamed broccoli are perfect for a little color and crunch on your plate. Even warm crusty bread gets a starring role as a makeshift spoon!

Creative Ways to Present

Channel your inner chef by slicing the chicken at an angle and fanning it out over a bed of creamy polenta or risotto. Serve the sauce in a gravy boat for guests to pour as they wish. Or, for an elegant dinner party twist, plate individual servings in shallow bowls with a side of roasted garlic or lemon wedges for brightness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Creamy Garlic Chicken cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, but the flavors actually deepen overnight—making for a stunning next-day meal! Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to enjoy at your leisure.

Freezing

While the rich, creamy sauce may separate slightly after freezing, it’s safe to freeze portions for 1 to 2 months if needed. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge, and know that a quick whisk will help bring the sauce back together during reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat Creamy Garlic Chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce loose and luscious. If you’re in a rush, microwaving works too—just do so in short bursts, stirring often, to avoid overcooking the chicken and curdling the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and deliver even more tenderness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs often need a minute or two longer to cook through compared to breasts.

What can I do if I don’t have fresh garlic cloves?

If you’re out of whole cloves, substitute with a heaping tablespoon of jarred minced garlic or, in a pinch, 1 teaspoon garlic powder. While you won’t get the same texture, the bold garlic flavor will still shine through in your Creamy Garlic Chicken!

Is there a dairy-free substitute for the cream?

For a lighter or dairy-free version, try unsweetened oat, soy, or coconut cream. While Parmesan delivers the classic flavor, you can swap for a dairy-free cheese alternative or simply leave it out if preferred.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely—just use your favorite gluten-free flour blend for breading the chicken and thickening the sauce. Make sure to check bouillon and soy sauce labels for hidden gluten, and you’re good to go!

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

If your sauce feels too thick, whisk in extra broth or a splash of cream until it’s just right. Prefer a thicker coating? Simply simmer uncovered for an extra minute or two—the sauce will reduce and become deliciously bold and creamy.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to get excited about a dish as satisfyingly rich and simple as Creamy Garlic Chicken. Every bite delivers comfort and elegance all at once, and the aroma alone is enough to call everyone to the table. If you need a meal that sparkles with flavor and feels like a heartfelt treat, this recipe truly delivers. Give it a go—you’re about to make a dinnertime favorite!