
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a rich and comforting dish made with tender chicken breasts simmered in a velvety garlic-infused cream sauce. Simple yet elegant, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor using everyday ingredients, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
This dish balances savory garlic, juicy chicken, and a smooth, creamy sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. It comes together quickly while still tasting indulgent and satisfying.
The Backstory
Cream-based chicken dishes have long been a staple in home kitchens, especially in European-inspired cooking where sauces play a central role. Creamy garlic chicken takes classic flavors and simplifies them into an easy, one-pan meal that feels timeless and comforting without being complicated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy sauce packed with garlic flavor
- One-pan recipe with easy cleanup
- Quick enough for busy weeknights
- Pairs well with many side dishes
Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: Approximately 480 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for another 3–5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Tips to Make It Your Own
- Add mushrooms or spinach for extra texture and flavor.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Add a splash of white wine for deeper flavor.
- Adjust garlic quantity to taste.

Ingredients
Method
- Season chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Add heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 4–5 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over top. Simmer 2–3 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.
Pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread work well.
Cream-based sauces may change texture when frozen, so freezing is not recommended.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a simple yet indulgent recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With its smooth garlic cream sauce and tender chicken, it’s a dependable favorite that fits effortlessly into any meal plan.