Name: How To Make Creamy Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lbs. total) ($6.49); 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning ($0.05); 1/2 tsp salt ($0.02); 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper ($0.02); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ($0.06); 2 Tbsp olive oil ($0.32); 2 Tbsp butter, divided ($0.28); 1 whole garlic bulb (about 8-9 garlic cloves) ($0.64); 1 cup chicken broth ($0.17); 3/4 cup heavy cream ($1.08); 1/2 tsp garlic powder ($0.05); Salt and Pepper to taste ($0.04)

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When you need a simple yet indulgent meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds, Creamy Garlic Chicken is your answer. This dish features tender chicken breasts sautéed to golden perfection, smothered in a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners, date nights, or any time you’re craving something comforting and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Garlic Chicken is the epitome of comfort food. The luscious garlic sauce is velvety and flavorful, with the perfect balance of savory chicken, rich cream, and aromatic garlic. Every bite offers tender, juicy chicken, enveloped in a creamy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special dinner, this recipe promises to deliver a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken

To make this irresistible dish, gather these simple ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for light breading)
1 whole bulb of garlic (smashed to release its natural oils)
2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
2 tbsp butter (for richness and flavor)
1 cup chicken broth (for a savory base)
3/4 cup heavy cream (for the creamy sauce)
1/2 tsp garlic powder (for an extra layer of flavor)
Salt and pepper (to season to taste)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Can You Eat the Garlic Cloves in Creamy Garlic Chicken?

Yes! You can absolutely eat the garlic cloves. As the garlic cooks, it becomes tender and loses its sharpness, transforming into a mild, sweet flavor. Smashing the garlic cloves helps release their oils, adding a deep, aromatic essence to the sauce without overpowering it. Once cooked, the garlic is soft and perfect for spooning over the chicken and mixing into the creamy sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken

Cook the Chicken: Start by filleting the chicken breasts into thinner cutlets. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then lightly coat in flour. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside.

Make the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the remaining 1 tbsp butter. Smash the garlic cloves with the side of your knife and sauté them in the butter for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Be sure to stir the garlic to avoid burning it. Once fragrant, add the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Simmer the Sauce: Stir in garlic powder and let the sauce simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing it to thicken. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper as needed.
Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy garlic sauce over it. Let the chicken heat through for a couple of minutes to absorb the flavors. Top with freshly chopped parsley to add color and enhance the flavor.

What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken

This rich and creamy chicken is perfect when paired with sides that complement the sauce. Here are some great options:

Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce is perfect for smothering over mashed potatoes.
Pasta: Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti for a comforting, hearty meal.
Rice: Jasmine rice or a simple pilaf will soak up the sauce, making every bite even more delicious.
Salad: A crisp Caesar or mixed greens salad adds a fresh contrast to the richness of the dish.

Recipe Tips for Success

Smashing Garlic: Use the side of your chef’s knife to smash the garlic cloves. This releases more flavor and infuses the sauce with a rich garlic essence. Be careful not to burn the garlic during sautéing—stir frequently!
Customizing the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a roux (2 tbsp flour + 1 tbsp melted butter) or a slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1-2 tbsp cold water) to the sauce to achieve the desired consistency.
Lower Fat Option: For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Flavor Additions: Readers have loved adding sautéed mushrooms, crumbled bacon, spinach, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for extra depth of flavor. Don’t hesitate to experiment with ingredients you have available!

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt you will), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Refrigeration: Keep leftovers in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce should remain smooth, but you may want to add a bit more cream or broth when reheating.
Freezing: While it’s not ideal to freeze dishes with heavy cream, you can freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 518
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 38g
Sodium: 741mg
Fiber: 0.4g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on substitutions.

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken breasts with another cut?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs also work great for this recipe. They’re juicier and have a richer flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version of this dish.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce thickens too much, simply add a little more chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.

Creamy Garlic Chicken: The Final Verdict

This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe is the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Whether you’re enjoying it with mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice, this dish will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.

More Recipes to Try

How To Make Creamy Garlic Chicken

Chef Josef

This Creamy Garlic Chicken will leave you speechless! It’s made with a luscious, garlic-infused sauce and it's perfect for an easy weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course main courses

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4

Calories 510 kcal

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lbs. total) ($6.49)
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning ($0.05)
1/2 tsp salt ($0.02)
1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper ($0.02)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour ($0.06)
2 Tbsp olive oil ($0.32)
2 Tbsp butter, divided ($0.28)
1 whole garlic bulb (about 8-9 garlic cloves) ($0.64)
1 cup chicken broth ($0.17)
3/4 cup heavy cream ($1.08)
1/2 tsp garlic powder ($0.05)
Salt and Pepper to taste ($0.04)

Instructions

Using a sharp knife, carefully fillet each chicken breast into two thinner cutlets (or use thin-cut chicken breasts).
Season each breast with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Then sprinkle the flour over both sides of the chicken breasts and rub it in until the chicken is evenly coated.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil and 1 Tbsp of butter. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook on each side until golden brown and cooked through (about 4 minutes per side). Remove the cooked chicken to a clean plate and cover to keep warm.
While the chicken is cooking, peel the garlic cloves and then carefully smash them with the side of a large chef's knife by pressing down on the side of the knife with the heel of your hand.
Once the chicken is removed, to the same skillet add the remaining 1 Tbsp of butter, then add the garlic cloves. Turn the heat down to medium-low and sauté the garlic for 3 minutes or until lightly browned and fragrant. Make sure to stir the garlic frequently to prevent it from burning.
Next pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, then add the garlic powder. Stir and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow the sauce to simmer in the skillet for 8-10 minutes, or until it has reduced and thickened by about 50%. Taste the sauce at this point and add salt and pepper if needed (I added about ⅛ tsp of salt and ⅛ tsp of black pepper).
Finally, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over top. Allow the chicken to heat through. Serve with fresh chopped parsley (optional), and enjoy!

Keyword creamy chicken, Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe, Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Dish for Any Night

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