Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Garlic Chicken is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: it’s flavorful, creamy, and easy to make in one pan. The garlic sauce is rich but not overly heavy, and the chicken stays moist and tender, absorbing all the delicious flavors. The sauce is incredibly versatile—you can serve it with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal option for busy days when you want something that feels special but doesn’t require too much effort.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh thyme)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the chicken:

Prepare the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set aside.

For the creamy garlic sauce:

Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Deglaze the pan: Add the chicken broth (or white wine) to the skillet, stirring to deglaze the pan and release any browned bits left from the chicken. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Make the creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine the chicken and sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken further.

Serve:

Garnish and serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite side dish, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or sautéed vegetables.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Chicken Thighs: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful option.
Add Spinach: Stir in some fresh spinach at the end of cooking for a pop of color and added nutrition.
Mushroom Creamy Garlic Chicken: Add sliced mushrooms to the garlic sauce for a deeper, earthier flavor. Sauté the mushrooms with the garlic before adding the chicken broth.
Lemon Garlic Chicken: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the sauce for a fresh, citrusy twist.
Spicy Garlic Chicken: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover creamy garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. Make sure the chicken is fully cooled before freezing. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra cream or broth to keep the sauce creamy.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken and sauce over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating.

. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can make this dish dairy-free by using coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken is an indulgent, flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion. The tender chicken, combined with a rich, garlicky cream sauce, is a match made in culinary heaven. With endless possibilities for customization and variations, this dish is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, rice, or vegetables, Creamy Garlic Chicken is sure to satisfy your craving for a comforting, rich meal!

Creamy Garlic Chicken