That rich aroma of garlic simmering in buttery cream just can’t be beat. This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is my go-to when I want something that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to whip up any night of the week. Let me walk you through why this one’s so special.

A black cast iron pan holds four large golden-brown chicken pieces with crispy edges, each topped with a few whole garlic cloves. The chicken sits in a creamy, thick beige sauce that partially covers the pieces and pools around them, sprinkled lightly with chopped green herbs. The pan is on a white marbled surface with a black and white striped cloth near the pan’s handle. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I’m hooked on this creamy garlic chicken because it hits all the right notes — rich, comforting, and downright flavorful. Plus, it comes together quickly, so you don’t have to wait forever to enjoy that silky, garlicky sauce smothered all over tender chicken breasts.

Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything already in your pantry or fridge, making this a super accessible dinner.
Velvety Sauce: The garlic-infused cream sauce is irresistibly smooth and luxurious without being too heavy.
Quick Prep: From start to finish, it’s about 30 minutes — perfect for weeknights when time’s tight but you still want a tasty meal.
Customizable Flair: You can easily tweak it with herbs or sides to fit whatever mood or occasion.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This dish is all about layering simple, flavorful ingredients that play beautifully together. Each one has a role in building the perfect creamy garlic sauce that hugs the chicken just right. When you shop, look for fresh garlic and good quality cream, and you’re set!

Flat lay of two large boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small mound of white all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with golden olive oil, two pale sticks of butter, a whole head of fresh garlic with several peeled cloves separated, a small white bowl of clear chicken broth, a small white bowl with fresh lemon juice, a small white bowl containing fine garlic powder, a small white bowl of thick heavy cream, and a few bright green sprigs of chopped parsley arranged neatly on a simple white ceramic dish, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Cutting them into thinner cutlets helps them cook quickly and soak up that luscious sauce.
Olive oil & butter: Combining these fats gives you a higher smoke point for searing and a rich buttery flavor.
Garlic cloves: Whole cloves roasted in butter mellow out and add a sweet, soft garlic punch to the sauce.
Flour: Just a dusting to get a slight crust and help thicken the sauce naturally.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the richness from the cream and butter.
Lemon juice: A splash brightens the sauce and cuts through the creaminess perfectly.
Garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor without overpowering, doubling down on that garlicky goodness.
Heavy cream: This makes the sauce velvety and indulgent — the star of the dish for sure.
Parsley: Fresh and optional, it adds a pop of color and a subtle herbal freshness at the end.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with this creamy garlic chicken recipe depending on what I’m in the mood for — sometimes I throw in mushrooms for earthiness or a pinch of chili flakes for a little kick. You can really make it your own!

Go Green: Adding spinach or kale towards the end is a great way to sneak in some greens without changing the flavor too much.
Dairy-Free Swap: I’ve tried coconut cream here and, while a bit different, it still gives a lovely creamy texture with a hint of sweetness.
Herb Boost: Fresh thyme or rosemary folded in with the cream elevates the dish for special dinners.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

A white plate holds three main layers: a piece of browned chicken on the upper left covered in creamy beige sauce with bits of green herbs; bright green beans arranged in a neat pile on the lower left also drizzled with the same sauce; and mashed potatoes on the right side, topped with roasted garlic cloves and sprinkled with black pepper and chopped green herbs. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Chicken for Perfect Cooking

The key to tender chicken here is cutting the breasts lengthwise so you get four thinner cutlets. It really helps them cook evenly and faster. I like to season the cutlets generously with salt and pepper and then dredge them in flour—this creates a subtle crust that locks in juices and gives the sauce a nice base to cling to. Don’t skip this step, or the sauce won’t be as velvety.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat your olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat - when it’s hot, lay in the chicken cutlets. Don’t overcrowd the pan! Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until you get a gorgeous golden crust. This locks in moisture and builds flavor. Once done, transfer chicken to a plate but keep any fond (those tasty browned bits) in the pan — they’re gold for the sauce.

Step 3: Slow Roast the Garlic for Sweetness

Turn the heat down to medium or medium-low, depending on your pan, and add the remaining butter. Toss in the whole peeled garlic cloves and cook gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until they're lightly browned. This mild roasting mellows the garlic, giving your sauce a sweet, rich depth.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth, add lemon juice and garlic powder, then let it simmer. That bubbling reduces the liquid just enough to concentrate flavors — about 4 minutes. Don’t rush here; this step really makes your sauce pop.

Step 5: Cream It Up and Finish Cooking

Stir in the heavy cream and nestle the chicken cutlets back into the pan. Let everything simmer gently for 5 minutes or so until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through. Watch it closely to avoid boiling — you want a smooth, luscious sauce that clings to the chicken just right.

Top Tip

Over time, I’ve learned the small things that really make this creamy garlic chicken recipe shine — little tweaks that avoid frustration and ensure that silky sauce. These tips have saved me many a dinner disaster!

Don’t Skip the Flour: It’s tempting to go straight to the sauce, but that dusting helps thicken the sauce and create a beautiful crust on the chicken.
Low and Slow Garlic: Cooking whole garlic cloves gently prevents bitterness and milder sweetness is key to this sauce’s magic.
Use Room Temp Cream: Taking your cream straight from the fridge can curdle it when it hits the hot pan; let it warm slightly before adding.
Watch the Heat: Simmer, don’t boil, the sauce to keep it smooth — patience pays off.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Creamy Garlic Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It adds just a touch of brightness and a pop of color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. Sometimes, I add a little extra cracked pepper for some texture and visual punch too.

Side Dishes

This creamy garlic chicken pairs wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up that sauce. Roasted veggies like asparagus or green beans bring a nice crunch and balance out the richness. I’ve also enjoyed it tossed with pasta when I want a heartier meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I sometimes plate the chicken on a bed of creamy polenta, drizzling extra sauce around like a restaurant. Adding roasted garlic bulbs on the side is a fun, rustic touch. It’s a great way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftover creamy garlic chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so when you reheat it, adding a splash of broth or cream helps bring back that smooth texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully — just cool completely, then portion it out into freezer-safe containers. It’s best eaten within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, stirring to keep the sauce creamy.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers low and slow on the stovetop or in the microwave on medium power. Adding a little extra cream or broth while warming restores the saucy goodness without drying out the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked, offering a richer flavor for the creamy sauce. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?

The key is to simmer gently over low heat without boiling, and to add cream that’s close to room temperature. Stir frequently and avoid high heat to keep the sauce smooth.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or oil, and swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. The flavors will shift slightly but it still tastes delicious.

What sides go best with creamy garlic chicken?

Mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta are classic bases to soak up the sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli provide great balance and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen repertoire — it’s that perfect blend of comfort and elegance I love to share with family and friends. Once you try it, you’ll see how easy it is to turn simple ingredients into a dish that feels like a treat. I hope you enjoy making it your own as much as I do!