If you’re craving something cozy, indulgent, and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender chicken breasts are lovingly seasoned, seared to golden perfection, and then bathed in a velvety garlic-infused cream sauce that’s rich without being overwhelming. Every forkful delivers a fantastic balance of savory garlic, subtle herbs, and that irresistible parmesan tang. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress, this recipe is all about simplicity meeting elegance on your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three raw light pink chicken pieces laid out in a row on a black cutting board placed on a white marbled surface. The chicken pieces have a dusting of white salt on them, with the rightmost piece being seasoned with a reddish-orange spice being sprinkled from a clear container held by a woman’s hand. In the background, a woman wearing blue jeans and a light top is standing near a white kitchen counter, with a stack of small, round, wooden lids visible behind the chicken. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting all your ingredients ready is a breeze because this recipe relies on simple but essential pantry staples and fresh flavors. Each ingredient plays a key role—seasonings elevate the chicken, garlic gives the sauce its soul, and creamy elements create the luscious texture that makes this dish unforgettable.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Halved horizontally for even cooking and quick searing.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and aromatics.
Sweet paprika: Brings a mild smoky sweetness and lovely color.
Onion powder: Deepens the savory flavor profile.
Dried thyme: Provides an earthy, herbal note that complements garlic beautifully.
Plain (all-purpose) flour: Helps create a delicate crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce.
Olive oil: For a flavorful and healthy cooking fat.
Unsalted butter: Added twice—once for cooking and once for the sauce—to enrich the dish with creamy richness.
Freshly minced garlic: The heart of this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe, offering intense fragrance and flavor.
Chicken stock: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce.
Thickened (heavy) cream: Creates the silkiness that makes this dish so comforting.
Dijon mustard: Lends a subtle tang and complexity.
Grated parmesan: Delivers umami and a slightly nutty character to the sauce.
Sea salt flakes and freshly cracked black pepper: To season the finished dish to perfection.
Mashed potatoes, steamed rice or pasta: Ideal bases for soaking up that creamy sauce.
Steamed greens: Adds freshness and balances the richness.
Finely chopped flat-leaf parsley: For a burst of herbaceous color and flavor.
Lemon wedges: Optional, but a squeeze brightens every bite delightfully.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Chicken with Seasonings

Start by sprinkling your chicken breasts evenly with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, sweet paprika, onion powder, and dried thyme. This flavorful rub instantly elevates the chicken, building layers of savory goodness. Next, dredge the seasoned chicken in plain flour, ensuring every side is lightly coated. This step creates that beautiful crust and sets the foundation for a luxuriously thick sauce later on.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a combination of olive oil and butter in a large, deep frying pan over medium-high heat. The butter adds richness while the olive oil raises the smoke point, so you get a perfectly browned chicken without burning. Cook the chicken steaks for 5–6 minutes total, turning once halfway through. The outside will form a gorgeous golden crust while the inside stays juicy and tender.

Step 3: Set the Chicken Aside

Once the chicken reaches just cooked, remove it from the pan and set it on a plate. This resting stage lets the meat retain its juices and makes room for the magic to happen—the creamy garlic sauce.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Add another tablespoon of butter to the same pan. As it melts, stir in fresh minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken stock and simmer until it has reduced by at least half, intensifying the flavors. Then stir in thickened cream and Dijon mustard. Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce thicken gently for 2 minutes, creating the luscious texture that defines this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Stir grated parmesan through the sauce, seasoning with sea salt flakes and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Return the chicken breasts to the pan and let them heat through for 2–3 minutes, allowing all those flavors to marry beautifully. The sauce will cling to the chicken, creating bites that are utterly mouthwatering.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is ready to shine! Plate it over fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or tossed pasta, and don’t forget a side of vibrant steamed greens for balance. Garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a quick squeeze of lemon juice for that fresh hit of acidity that brings the whole dish alive.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

A close-up view shows a black frying pan filled with five pieces of browned, seasoned chicken partially submerged in a thick light cream sauce. Each piece of chicken has a crispy, spiced outer layer with a mix of dark orange and brown spots from cooking, sitting directly in the sauce that fills the space between them. A woman's hand holds a silver and black tong, lifting one piece gently out of the creamy sauce. The background features a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple touch of finely chopped flat-leaf parsley adds color and freshness, breaking up the richness of the creamy sauce. For those who love a zing, a few drops of lemon juice will brighten the dish beautifully, adding a welcome contrast without overpowering the flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with comforting mashed potatoes for a classic combo that soaks up all the luscious sauce. For a lighter option, steamed rice works perfectly, or toss some pasta to catch every creamy drop. Don’t forget a side of steamed greens like broccoli, green beans, or spinach to provide a crisp, healthy balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, try plating the chicken atop a bed of garlic sautéed spinach or wilted kale. Drizzle extra sauce around the plate and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan and cracked pepper. Add colorful vegetable ribbons or roasted cherry tomatoes for an elegant, restaurant-worthy finish that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store your creamy garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the dairy and delicate sauce, it’s best to consume it fresh but cooling it quickly will keep flavors intact.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain the creamy texture without separation.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe slowly in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of chicken stock or cream can help restore the sauce’s silky consistency if it thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe, offering a juicier and more flavorful option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to coat the chicken. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, replace the butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine, and use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can substitute the parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

What can I substitute for chicken stock?

If you don’t have chicken stock on hand, vegetable stock or even water with a pinch of salt make reasonable substitutes, but using stock adds much more depth and savory notes to the sauce.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe reheats beautifully and pairs well with make-ahead sides like rice or steamed vegetables, making it perfect for preparing meals in advance.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe combines comfort and elegance in a way that’s approachable for cooks of any level. It’s perfect for turning an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast that feels like a hug in a bowl. I can’t wait for you to try it and share this creamy, garlicky joy with everyone at your table!