This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no extra cost to you.
This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a perfect combination of juicy chicken breasts and a rich, velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce. The aroma of fresh garlic paired with melted butter makes this dish deeply satisfying and flavorful. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
Table of Contents
- Why This Creamy Garlic Chicken Will Save Your Weeknights
- Everything You Need for Creamy Garlic Chicken
- How To Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Step by Step
- Expert Tips and Pro Shortcuts
- Serving Ideas for Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Easy Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions
- Meal Prep, Storage, and Reheating
Why This Creamy Garlic Chicken Will Save Your Weeknights
- Ready in under 30 minutes: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 25 minutes, this dish won’t keep you waiting when you’re craving comfort food.
- Simplifies dinner planning: Creamy Garlic Chicken pairs seamlessly with quick sides like mashed potatoes or steamed veggies, making it easy to create a full meal without extra effort.
- Family-approved flavors: The buttery garlic sauce mixed with Parmesan cheese appeals to all ages, ensuring it’s a hit at the dinner table.
- Minimal cleanup: Made in a single skillet, this recipe saves you from scrubbing multiple pots and pans.
Everything You Need for Creamy Garlic Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
The garlic cloves and Parmesan cheese are essential for creating the bold and creamy sauce that defines this dish. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to balance the richness.
How To Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Step by Step
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Add the Italian seasoning and whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over them. Let them simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with your choice of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or pasta.
Makes mixing dough and batters effortless — a kitchen game-changer
Perfect for searing and baking — this recipe needs even heat distribution
Expert Tips and Pro Shortcuts
- Sear the chicken properly: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a golden crust and prevent sticking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can be less flavorful and won’t melt as smoothly into the sauce.
- Double the sauce: If you prefer extra sauce for sides like pasta, increase the cream and broth by half.
- Mince the garlic finely: Uniform pieces will release flavor evenly throughout the dish.
Serving Ideas for Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Mashed potatoes: The creamy sauce is perfect for drizzling over soft, buttery potatoes.
- Steamed vegetables: Fresh green beans or broccoli provide a crisp contrast to the rich chicken.
- Pasta: Pair this dish with fettuccine or spaghetti for an indulgent, saucy meal.
- Garlic bread: Use crusty bread to soak up every drop of the flavorful sauce.
Easy Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts: They add a juicier texture and richer flavor to the dish.
- <strong(Substitute cream with half-and-half: For a lighter sauce, swap heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce may be slightly thinner.
- Add mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms can be sautéed with the garlic for an earthy addition.
Meal Prep, Storage, and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For freezing, place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of broth or cream to revive the texture if needed.
Looking for something similar? Try our chicken caesar wrap.
For more ideas, check out our creamy spicy cajun sausage pasta.
You might also enjoy our the best creamy garlic butter.
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Add the Italian seasoning and whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy garlic sauce over them. Let them simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with your choice of side dishes such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or pasta.
Notes
Loved this recipe? Save it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find it later! ✨