This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weekday dinner or a special gathering. The rich, savory gravy combined with tender chicken and caramelized garlic creates an enticing flavor profile that will impress your family and friends. Plus, it’s made in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious meal ready in less than an hour.
One-Skillet Wonder: The convenience of cooking everything in one skillet means less mess and easy cleanup.
Rich Flavor: Caramelized garlic and Parmesan cheese create a luxurious sauce that elevates the dish to gourmet status.
Versatile Pairing: This creamy chicken pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Family-Friendly: Its comforting flavors make it appealing to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Skillet
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk
Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

Skillet: A versatile tool that allows for even cooking and helps develop rich flavors through browning.
Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining dry ingredients like flour and seasonings before adding to the skillet.
Whisk: Perfect for mixing sauces to ensure a smooth consistency without lumps.

Ingredients

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy that’s easy to make in a single skillet. Caramelized garlic cloves add the perfect balance of gourmet flavor.

For the Chicken

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt/Pepper
3 teaspoons Italian seasonings
⅓ cup flour
4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (shredded)
3 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce

2 ½ cups chicken broth
1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 tsp better than bouillon)
1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce (can sub Worcestershire sauce)
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon EACH: Dried thyme, mustard powder
3 tablespoons butter

For the Garlic

10 whole cloves garlic

For Creaminess

3 tablespoons flour
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasonings. Dredge them in flour until they are well coated.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, place the floured chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook until golden brown on both sides—about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Garlic Cloves

In the same skillet, add butter and whole garlic cloves. Sauté until garlic turns golden brown and fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Add chicken broth, beef bouillon cube, soy sauce, onion powder, thyme, mustard powder, and remaining flour to the skillet. Whisk until combined and bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Simmer for about 10 minutes until cooked through. Stir in heavy cream and additional Parmesan cheese if using.

Step 6: Serve

Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve your creamy garlic chicken hot over your favorite side dish! Enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes complement the rich sauce perfectly, soaking up all the flavors of the garlic chicken.

On Rice

Serve over fluffy white or brown rice to create a hearty and filling meal. The rice absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.

With Steamed Vegetables

A side of lightly steamed broccoli or green beans adds freshness and color to your plate, balancing the richness of the chicken.

With Crusty Bread

Offer slices of warm crusty bread to help scoop up every bit of creamy garlic sauce. It’s perfect for dipping!

Over Pasta

Toss with fettuccine or spaghetti for an Italian twist. The pasta will absorb the flavors, making every bite delightful.

How to Perfect Creamy Garlic Chicken

To achieve the best results when making Creamy Garlic Chicken, consider these helpful tips.

Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced options. They caramelize beautifully for extra depth.
Don’t rush the browning: Allow the chicken breasts to brown properly in the skillet. This enhances flavor through caramelization.
Adjust seasoning: Taste your sauce before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Each ingredient can vary in strength.
Add herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten up the dish. Sprinkle them on just before serving for a burst of freshness.
Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain its juices, keeping it moist and tender.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Garlic Chicken

Pairing your Creamy Garlic Chicken with the right sides can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options.

Garlic Bread: The perfect match for this dish, garlic bread adds crunch and flavor while complementing the creamy sauce.
Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast with its tangy dressing and crunchy romaine lettuce.
Roasted Asparagus: Simply roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil offers a light yet flavorful side that balances richness.
Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese brings freshness and protein to your plate.
Sautéed Spinach: Quick sautéed spinach seasoned with lemon juice adds both nutrition and bright flavor, making it a great accompaniment.
Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until tender offer natural sweetness that complements savory dishes like creamy garlic chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can help ensure your Creamy Garlic Chicken turns out perfectly every time.

Skipping the seasoning: Underseasoning the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance their taste.
Not using enough garlic: Garlic is key in this recipe. Using too few cloves can diminish the rich, garlicky flavor that makes this dish special. Stick to the recommended amount of garlic for a robust taste.
Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook until just done and use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Neglecting the gravy: The creamy sauce is what makes this dish shine. Don’t rush the gravy-making process; let it simmer for full flavor development and richness.
Not adjusting for ingredients: If you substitute ingredients, be mindful of their impact on flavor and texture. For example, using a different type of cheese may alter the creaminess or taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Enjoy within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Creamy Garlic Chicken

Place in freezer-safe containers.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Creamy Garlic Chicken

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered until heated through.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Stovetop: Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Creamy Garlic Chicken.

How do I make Creamy Garlic Chicken healthier?

You can use olive oil instead of butter and lower-fat versions of heavy cream or cheese for a lighter dish without sacrificing flavor.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more moisture and flavor, making them an excellent alternative in this recipe.

What should I serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.

How can I customize my Creamy Garlic Chicken?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms during cooking for added nutrition and flavor variations.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Garlic Chicken is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. This dish allows room for customization based on your preferences, whether by adding veggies or adjusting seasonings. Try it today and enjoy a hearty meal that brings joy to your table!

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Creamy Garlic Chicken

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, velvety sauce infused with caramelized garlic and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this one-skillet wonder is not only easy to prepare but also delivers gourmet flavors that will impress your family and friends. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cleanup, you can enjoy a comforting meal that pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Treat yourself to this delightful creamy garlic chicken tonight!

Ingredients

Scale

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
10 whole cloves garlic
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 ½ cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (shredded)
Salt
Pepper
3 teaspoons Italian seasonings
⅓ cup flour
1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 tsp better than bouillon)
1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce (can sub Worcestershire sauce)
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon EACH: Dried thyme, mustard powder
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour (for creaminess)

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Instructions

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasonings. Dredge in flour until well coated.
In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides (about 5-7 minutes per side). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté whole garlic cloves until golden brown and aromatic.
Add chicken broth, bouillon cube, soy sauce, onion powder, thyme, mustard powder, and remaining flour to the skillet; whisk together and bring to a simmer.
Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for about 10 minutes until fully cooked. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
Serve hot over your favorite side dishes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American