Imagine coming home after a long day and whipping up a dinner that’s both comforting and luxurious— that’s exactly what my Creamy Garlic Chicken delivers every time. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s become a go-to in my kitchen because it’s so simple yet packs so much flavor. The tender chicken thighs simmer in a velvety garlic cream sauce that clings to every bite, making it feel like a restaurant meal without the hassle.
What I love most about this Creamy Garlic Chicken is how versatile it is; pair it with pasta or veggies, and you’ve got a winner. In my experience, the secret lies in fresh garlic— it transforms the dish into something truly special. I can’t wait for you to try it and see why it’s a family favorite. Let’s dive into this easy Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.
For more quick chicken ideas, check out our 15-Minute Garlic Butter Chicken Bites or the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken for similar vibes.
Key Takeaways:
- Our Creamy Garlic Chicken is ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- This one-pan wonder minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor.
- The rich, garlicky cream sauce elevates simple chicken into a gourmet delight.
- Use fresh garlic for the best taste in your Creamy Garlic Chicken.
- Leftovers store beautifully for easy meal prep.
Why You’ll Adore This Creamy Garlic Chicken
Quick and Effortless Prep: You’ll love how fast this Creamy Garlic Chicken comes together— no fancy equipment needed. In just a few steps, you have a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s ideal for those nights when time is short but you want something delicious.
Rich, Indulgent Flavors: The combination of creamy sauce and savory garlic is pure magic. Every spoonful bursts with umami, making it hard to resist. We all need a little indulgence, and this dish delivers without guilt.
Family-Pleasing Comfort Food: This Creamy Garlic Chicken has that homey feel everyone craves. It’s hearty yet light enough for any occasion. Serve it up, and watch the smiles appear around the table.
Customizable for Any Diet: Adapt it easily with gluten-free options or veggie swaps. It’s forgiving and fun to tweak. You’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again.
Essential Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide the juicy base for this dish— they’re forgiving and stay moist during cooking. I always choose thighs over breasts for extra flavor in my Creamy Garlic Chicken. They absorb the sauce beautifully, creating tender results every time. Fresh from the market, they make all the difference.
Fresh Garlic Cloves: Nothing beats the aroma of minced fresh garlic sautéing in butter— it’s the heart of the sauce. You’ll need about six cloves, finely chopped, to infuse that bold taste. In this Creamy Garlic Chicken, the garlic mellows slightly but remains prominent. Don’t substitute with powder; it just won’t be the same.
Heavy Cream: This creates the luscious, velvety texture that coats the chicken perfectly. Heavy cream adds richness without overpowering the other flavors. For your Creamy Garlic Chicken, opt for full-fat to achieve that restaurant-quality sauce. It simmers down to a glorious consistency.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken
Prep and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika— this builds the foundation for great flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken skin-side down if using skin-on. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown, creating that irresistible crust. In my experience, this step locks in juices for the most tender Creamy Garlic Chicken. Remove the chicken and set aside, but don’t clean the pan— those bits are flavor gold.
Build the Garlic Cream Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant— watch it closely to avoid burning. Add butter to melt, then pour in the chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up the browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, letting it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until thickened. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon; that’s when you know your Creamy Garlic Chicken is on track. The smells wafting through the kitchen will have everyone hovering.
Simmer and Serve
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce, and spoon some over the top for even coating. Cover and simmer on low for 10-12 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally— use a thermometer for precision. For extra flair in this Creamy Garlic Chicken, garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Let it rest a moment before serving; the sauce thickens beautifully. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
If you’re into one-pan meals, try our Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn for another quick option.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Creamy Garlic Chicken Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter for 30 seconds. Add broth, cream, and Parmesan; simmer until thickened.
- Return chicken to skillet, cover, and simmer 10-12 minutes until cooked through.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken
Use Room Temperature Chicken: Let your chicken sit out for 15 minutes before cooking— it ensures even searing and juicier results.
Fresh Garlic Only: Always mince fresh cloves; pre-minced lacks the punch needed for vibrant flavor.
Don’t Rush the Simmer: Low and slow thickens the sauce perfectly without breaking the cream.
You Must Know
- This recipe serves 4 and totals around 400 calories per serving.
- It’s naturally low-carb but pairs well with pasta for more carbs.
- Fresh herbs elevate the dish— skip dried if possible.
- Chicken must reach 165°F for safety.
How to Store Creamy Garlic Chicken
Once cooled, transfer your Creamy Garlic Chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer bags for up to 2 months— the sauce might separate slightly but reheats well. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream, stirring until creamy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the texture.
Customizing Your Creamy Garlic Chicken
Swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer leaner meat, or go vegetarian with mushrooms in place of chicken for a similar vibe. Add spinach or broccoli during the simmer for extra veggies— it soaks up the sauce beautifully. For spice, incorporate red pepper flakes. In this Creamy Garlic Chicken, experiment freely; it’s forgiving. Check out our Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta for pasta variation ideas.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken
This dish shines over creamy mashed potatoes that mop up the sauce, or try it with steamed green beans for a lighter touch. A simple Caesar salad adds crunch and freshness to balance the richness. Don’t forget crusty bread to soak up every drop, and a crisp white wine like Chardonnay pairs perfectly. For a full meal, serve alongside rice pilaf.
Creamy Garlic Chicken
This Creamy Garlic Chicken is smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy that's easy to make in a single skillet. Caramelized garlic cloves add the perfect balance of gourmet flavor.
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 02 Salt/Pepper
- 03 3 teaspoons Italian seasonings
- 04 ⅓ cup flour
- 05 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- 06 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 07 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 08 1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 tsp better than bouillon)
- 09 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce (can sub Worcestershire sauce)
- 10 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 11 ½ teaspoon EACH Dried thyme, mustard powder
- 12 3 tablespoons butter
- 13 10 whole cloves garlic
- 14 3 tablespoons flour
- 15 ½ cup heavy cream
- 16 ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
FILED UNDER:
NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Chicken
Can I make Creamy Garlic Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this Creamy Garlic Chicken up to the simmering step, then refrigerate and finish cooking later— it reheats beautifully. Just add a few extra minutes on the stove. It’s great for meal prep without losing flavor.
How long does Creamy Garlic Chicken last in the fridge?
Your Creamy Garlic Chicken will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container. Beyond that, freeze it to extend life. Always check for spoilage before reheating.
Is Creamy Garlic Chicken gluten-free?
Absolutely, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth is too— check labels. It fits many diets seamlessly. Add your favorite GF sides for a complete meal.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Chicken breasts work great in this Creamy Garlic Chicken, though they cook faster— reduce simmer time to avoid dryness. Pound them evenly for uniform cooking. It’s a leaner option that still tastes amazing.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered longer or add a cornstarch slurry. In my tests, it naturally thickens with time. Patience is key for the perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken consistency.
What’s the best way to reheat Creamy Garlic Chicken?
Reheat your Creamy Garlic Chicken on the stovetop over low heat with a bit of milk or cream to revive the sauce— microwave works in a pinch but stir often. This keeps it creamy and flavorful. Avoid high heat to prevent separation.
Can I add vegetables to Creamy Garlic Chicken?
Definitely; toss in broccoli or spinach during the last simmer for nutrient-packed Creamy Garlic Chicken. They absorb the flavors wonderfully. It’s an easy way to make it a one-pan veggie meal.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this Creamy Garlic Chicken is low-carb and keto-approved with under 5g net carbs per serving. Skip starchy sides for strict adherence. It’s a staple in my keto rotation.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Creamy Garlic Chicken that brings comfort and excitement to any meal— it’s the kind of recipe that makes cooking feel joyful. From the first bite to the last, it delivers on flavor and ease, just as promised. Give it a try tonight; I promise you’ll love it as much as I do. Share your tweaks in the comments!