Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts; Salt & pepper, to taste; Flour, for dredging; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter, divided; 1 whole head of garlic, cloves peeled; 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock; 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 cup heavy/whipping cream; Chopped parsley, optional for garnish

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Creamy Garlic Chicken is a rich, savory, and comforting skillet dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a silky garlic-infused cream sauce. With whole garlic cloves, a splash of lemon, and a hint of butter, this easy recipe is packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy dinner at home. It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan meal: Everything cooks in a single skillet for easy prep and cleanup.
Restaurant-quality flavor: With a full head of garlic and a velvety cream sauce, this dish tastes gourmet.
Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
Versatile pairing: Goes well with a variety of sides like pasta, veggies, or grains.
Comfort food favorite: Creamy, garlicky, and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

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

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt & pepper to taste
Flour, for dredging
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter, divided
1 whole head of garlic, cloves peeled
1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Chopped parsley, optional for garnish

Directions

Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to make four thinner cutlets. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, then dredge lightly in flour.
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium (or medium-low if using a cast iron pan). Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the peeled garlic cloves. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly browned.
Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Let the mixture simmer for about 4 minutes, or until slightly reduced.
Stir in the heavy cream and return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add Cheese: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a gentle kick.
Use Chicken Thighs: Boneless skinless thighs work well and add more flavor.
Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for a heartier dish.
Herbed Version: Add thyme or rosemary while the sauce simmers for herbal depth.
Lemon Lovers: Increase the lemon juice to 1 teaspoon for a brighter flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based cream alternative and dairy-free butter.
Wine Infusion: Replace some of the chicken broth with white wine for added complexity.
Serve Over Pasta: Turn this into a creamy garlic chicken pasta by tossing it with fettuccine or linguine.
Add Greens: Wilt in a handful of spinach during the final minutes of cooking for a nutritional boost.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving on high heat, as it may cause the sauce to separate. Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which can change texture when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of whole cloves?

You can, but the flavor will be different. Whole cloves offer a milder, sweet garlic taste when sautéed.

Is heavy cream necessary?

Yes, for a thick, rich sauce. However, you can use half-and-half with a touch of cornstarch to help thicken.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but cooking time will be longer. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

What’s the best side dish for this?

Mashed potatoes, pasta, steamed rice, or crusty bread are all excellent choices.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat low when adding the cream and avoid boiling it rapidly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but for best results, store the chicken and sauce separately and reheat gently before serving.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely. Just double the broth and cream to make more sauce for serving over pasta or rice.

Does this work with frozen chicken?

Only if it’s fully thawed first. Frozen chicken won’t sear properly and can overcook.

Can I make this in the oven?

You can sear the chicken first, then finish it in the oven at 375°F in the sauce for 10–15 minutes.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, green beans, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions to the sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a deliciously simple dish that’s perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. With its tender, golden chicken and luxuriously creamy garlic sauce, it’s a meal that feels indulgent but is easy enough to whip up on a busy night. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Maggie