Creamy Garlic Chicken: A Rich, Comforting Skillet Classic

There are few dishes that offer the same kind of cozy indulgence as Creamy Garlic Chicken. Tender, golden-seared chicken simmered in a luxuriously rich garlic cream sauce—this recipe is pure comfort food that feels both elegant and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that turns a simple dinner into something special, all in under 40 minutes and with just one skillet.

The inspiration for this dish came during a trip to the French countryside, where garlic is treated as more than just an aromatic—it’s a star ingredient. After tasting a similar garlic cream sauce served over roast chicken at a small family-owned bistro, I was determined to recreate the flavors at home. The result? This easy, ultra-flavorful creamy garlic chicken that’s now a go-to for both weeknight meals and weekend gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken

• One-pan meal: Easy cleanup and simple preparation.

• Deep, savory flavor: Thanks to a generous amount of garlic and a well-balanced cream sauce.

• Versatile: Pairs well with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

• Fast and satisfying: Ready in about 30–40 minutes.

• Restaurant-quality: Fancy enough for guests, easy enough for a weeknight.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 6–8 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you love garlic!)

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)

• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)

• 1 cup heavy cream (or use half-and-half for a lighter option)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried thyme/oregano)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

• Optional: Red pepper flakes, for a subtle heat

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Choosing the Right Chicken Cut

You can use boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option or boneless thighs for extra juiciness. If using thick chicken breasts, slice them horizontally or pound them to even thickness for faster and more even cooking.

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How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Add chicken to the pan and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F/74°C).

4. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm.

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Step 2: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

1. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add a bit more butter if the pan is dry.

2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently so it doesn’t burn.

3. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking to deglaze the pan and avoid lumps.

5. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

6. Simmer the sauce for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

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Step 3: Return Chicken to the Pan

Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Spoon some sauce over the top of each piece. Cover and simmer on low heat for 3–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to stay juicy.

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Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Serve the creamy garlic chicken hot with your favorite sides and enjoy the richness of this comforting dish.

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What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken

This dish shines with a range of side options:

Pasta & Grains:

• Buttered noodles or linguine

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Creamy polenta

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice

• Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)

Vegetables:

• Roasted broccoli or green beans

• Steamed asparagus

• Sautéed spinach or kale

• Grilled zucchini or squash

Bread:

• Warm crusty bread or garlic bread (to soak up the sauce!)

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Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Use fresh garlic: It makes a huge difference. Don’t substitute with garlic powder in the sauce.

• Sear the chicken well: This adds depth and flavor to both the meat and the pan sauce.

• Deglaze the pan: Use the broth to lift any browned bits from the bottom—those are flavor gold.

• Adjust thickness: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. If too thin, let it simmer longer.

• Double the sauce: This dish is all about the sauce—feel free to increase the sauce ingredients if serving with pasta or rice.

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Flavor Variations to Try

Want to change it up? Try one of these delicious twists:

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken

Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the pan after removing the chicken and sauté until golden. Continue with the sauce as directed.

Spinach & Garlic Chicken

Stir in a handful of fresh spinach just before returning the chicken to the pan. Let it wilt in the sauce.

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce for a bright, tangy twist.

Bacon Garlic Chicken

Cook 2–3 strips of chopped bacon in the pan first. Remove, then cook the chicken in the bacon fat. Add the crispy bacon back into the sauce at the end.

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Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make-Ahead

• The sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.

• Chicken can be seared ahead of time and stored separately, then reheated in the sauce.

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.

Reheating

• Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

• Microwave in short bursts at 50% power, stirring in between to avoid overcooking.

Freezing

• Not recommended due to the cream-based sauce which may separate when thawed. However, it can be frozen if you’re okay with texture changes. Reheat slowly and stir well.

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Is This Creamy Garlic Chicken Healthy?

This recipe is rich and indulgent, but there are ways to lighten it:

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

• Use olive oil only instead of butter.

• Swap chicken breasts with chicken tenders for quicker cooking.

• Serve with steamed vegetables or whole grains for a balanced plate.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can use whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Add an extra tablespoon of flour to help it thicken if needed.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Try using unsweetened coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor will change, but it can still be delicious.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but it will take longer to cook. Make sure to adjust the cooking time and check the internal temperature.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A dry white wine like Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc complements the richness beautifully.

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Conclusion: The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Chicken

This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor in a cozy, easy-to-make dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite. It’s rich, garlicky, and just the right amount of indulgent. With just one pan and a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a dinner that pleases both family and guests alike.

Whether served over pasta, rice, or with a chunk of bread to soak up the sauce, this meal is sure to become a weeknight favorite and a dinner-party staple.

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