Tender, golden-browned chicken breasts coated in a rich, creamy garlic sauce make this Creamy Garlic Chicken an easy dinner everyone will love. The sauce is smooth, savory, and packed with garlic flavor, with just the right amount of Parmesan to make it extra delicious.
Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up every drop of that creamy sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 6–8 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
If the chicken breasts are very thick, carefully slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This helps them cook evenly and remain tender.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken and cook for approximately 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through.
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil while preparing the sauce.
3. Sauté the Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add another tablespoon of butter to the same skillet.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly.
Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These little bits add wonderful flavor to the sauce.
Let the broth simmer for about 2 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well.
Add the Italian seasoning and black pepper. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken.
5. Add the Parmesan
Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Taste and add additional salt if needed.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of chicken broth or cream to reach your preferred consistency.
6. Return the Chicken to the Pan
Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet.
Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken and allow everything to simmer together for another 2–3 minutes.
This gives the chicken time to absorb some of the delicious garlic cream sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle the chicken with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Best Side Dishes
Creamy Garlic Chicken pairs especially well with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Buttered pasta
- Fettuccine
- Steamed rice
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
- Green beans
- A simple garden salad
Recipe Tips
Don’t burn the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly. Keep the heat moderate and stir frequently.
Use thin chicken breasts: They cook more evenly and stay tender.
Grate the Parmesan yourself: Freshly grated Parmesan generally melts more smoothly into the sauce.
Don’t boil the cream aggressively: A gentle simmer creates a smoother sauce and helps prevent separation.
Let the chicken rest: Resting the chicken briefly after cooking helps keep it juicy.
Easy Variations
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken
Add 1–2 cups of sliced mushrooms after cooking the chicken. Sauté until golden before preparing the sauce.
Spinach Garlic Chicken
Stir a few handfuls of fresh spinach into the sauce during the final few minutes of cooking. Allow it to wilt before returning the chicken to the skillet.
Spicy Garlic Chicken
Add ¼–½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the garlic sauce for a gentle kick.
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Add 1–2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice to the finished sauce for a bright, fresh flavor.
Extra Cheesy
Add a little shredded mozzarella along with the Parmesan for an even richer and cheesier sauce.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Chicken is the perfect combination of simple ingredients and comforting flavors. Golden, juicy chicken is covered in a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce that is rich enough for a special dinner but easy enough for a weeknight meal.
Once you try this recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your regular dinner rotation.