Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken with Rich Flavorful Sauce

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe creates tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, cooked to perfection on the stovetop. Perfect for a comforting dinner or special meal, this dish brings bold, savory flavors to your table. I made this for a quiet family dinner, and the creamy, aromatic sauce had everyone asking for seconds! Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal with simple steps.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

This dish is quick to make with a flavorful, creamy sauce that’s hard to resist. The garlic and Parmesan combine perfectly with tender chicken for a satisfying meal. It’s versatile, letting you adjust the sauce thickness or add veggies to your taste. I love how it’s a cozy, indulgent dish for any night. Find more comforting recipes at Fast Zest Recipes.

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Sophia

Tender chicken in a rich, garlicky cream sauce.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

For Garnish (Optional):

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

• Pound chicken to 1/2-inch thickness; season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Coat with 2 tbsp flour.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken 4-5 minutes per side until 165°F; remove.
• Melt butter in skillet; sauté garlic 1-2 minutes. Whisk in broth, cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; simmer 3-4 minutes until thick. Stir in lemon juice.
• Return chicken to skillet, coat with sauce, and simmer 2 minutes. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan. Serve hot.

Notes

Nutrition (per serving):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 12g Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Health Benefits of Creamy Garlic Chicken

Chicken provides lean protein for muscle health and energy. Garlic offers antioxidants for immune support. Using low-sodium broth keeps the dish heart-friendly in moderation. Adding veggies like spinach boosts nutrition for a balanced meal. Learn more about chicken recipes at Serious Eats.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

For Garnish (Optional):

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Substitutions: Use chicken thighs for juicier meat. Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce. Replace flour with cornstarch for a gluten-free option. Use vegetable broth for a different flavor.

Notes: Pound chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking. Mince garlic finely for smooth sauce. Stir sauce constantly to prevent lumps.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken

Prep Chicken

Pound chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Lightly coat with 2 tbsp flour. This ensures even cooking and a golden crust.

Cook Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked to 165°F. Remove and set aside. This creates a flavorful, juicy base.

Prepare Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Whisk in broth, cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Stir in lemon juice. This forms a rich, creamy sauce.

Combine and Serve

Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and simmer for 2 minutes to coat. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides. This adds a fresh, flavorful touch.

Preparation Tips

• Pound chicken evenly: Flatten to 1/2-inch thickness for consistent cooking. This prevents dry spots. I pounded mine, and it was perfect.
• Use a hot skillet: Cook chicken on medium-high for a golden sear. This locks in juices. I heated my skillet, and it was great.
• Mince garlic finely: Chop garlic small to blend smoothly into the sauce. This avoids chunks. I minced mine finely, and it was ideal.
• Whisk sauce smoothly: Stir constantly when adding broth to prevent lumps. This creates a creamy texture. I whisked mine, and it was perfect.
• Check chicken doneness: Ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safety. This keeps it tender. I checked mine, and it was spot-on.
• Simmer briefly: Heat chicken in sauce just until coated to avoid overcooking. This maintains juiciness. I simmered mine briefly, and it was great.
• Serve hot: Plate immediately for the best warmth and flavor. This maximizes enjoyment. I served mine hot, and it was delicious.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use chicken thighs: Swap breasts for thighs for richer flavor. This adds juiciness. I tried thighs, and it was tasty.
• Add mushrooms: Include 1 cup sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor. This boosts texture. I tried mushrooms, and it was great.
• Make it gluten-free: Use cornstarch instead of flour for the sauce. This suits gluten-free diets. I tried cornstarch, and it was delicious.
• Use half-and-half: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce. This reduces richness. I tried half-and-half, and it was fine.
• Add spinach: Stir in 1 cup chopped spinach for a green boost. This adds nutrition. I tried spinach, and it was vibrant.
• Add red pepper flakes: Sprinkle 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. This adds heat. I tried flakes, and it was exciting.
• Use turkey: Replace chicken with turkey cutlets for a different protein. This changes flavor slightly. I tried turkey, and it was great.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth to loosen. Freeze sauce (without chicken) for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating with fresh chicken. Prep garlic and season chicken a day ahead; store separately in the fridge. Cook and assemble fresh for the best texture. Add garnishes just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this dish.

1. Why is my chicken dry?
   Avoid overcooking; check for 165°F to keep it juicy. I cooked mine to temperature, and it was perfect.
2. Can I make it ahead?
   Prep sauce and chicken a day ahead; cook fresh for best results. I prepped early, and it was great.
3. Why is my sauce lumpy?
   Whisk broth and cream slowly to blend smoothly. I whisked mine, and it was smooth.
4. Can I use frozen chicken?
   Thaw in the fridge for the best texture. I used fresh, and it was tasty.
5. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Use tofu or mushrooms instead of chicken. I tried vegetarian, and it was delicious.
6. Why is my sauce too thin?
   Simmer longer or add more Parmesan to thicken. I adjusted mine, and it was perfect.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce for a hearty meal. Pair with steamed asparagus for a balanced plate. Enjoy with a glass of white wine for a special touch. I served mine with asparagus, and it was a perfect match. This dish is great for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or cozy gatherings.

Nutrition Info for Creamy Garlic Chicken

Per serving (1 chicken breast with sauce, 4 servings):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
  Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is a rich, comforting delight that’s perfect for any cozy meal. Its garlicky sauce and tender chicken make it a go-to favorite. How do you like to customize your chicken dishes? Let us know in the comments!