This creamy garlic chicken is a flavorful, one-skillet dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The tender chicken breasts are cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, savory gravy with caramelized garlic cloves that add a touch of gourmet flavor. The creamy sauce, infused with parmesan cheese and Italian seasonings, makes each bite indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy dinner or special occasion, this dish will impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this creamy garlic chicken recipe because it’s easy to make, but it tastes like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant. The chicken is perfectly seasoned and seared to golden-brown perfection, while the creamy sauce is rich and full of flavor from the caramelized garlic and parmesan. Plus, the whole dish comes together in just 55 minutes, making it the perfect meal for a weeknight or weekend dinner. The creamy gravy makes this dish irresistible, and it’s especially great served with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
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 teaspoon better than bouillon)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prep Work:
In a large measuring cup with a spout, combine the chicken broth, bouillon cube, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and thyme. Set aside. On a plate, combine the flour and parmesan cheese, and measure out the remaining ingredients.
Cook the Chicken:
Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 2-3 thinner slices. Cover with plastic wrap and use the textured side of a meat mallet to pound the chicken to ½-inch thickness. Pat the chicken completely dry.
Season each side with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture and tap off any excess.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Set the chicken aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium to medium-low heat. Use a silicone spatula to scrape up the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the garlic cloves and sauté for 6-7 minutes, letting them soften and caramelize.
Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the raw flour smell dissipates.
Gradually add the chicken broth mixture, splashing it into the pan while stirring continuously.
Stir in the heavy cream, then bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce.
Finish the Chicken:
Return the chicken to the skillet along with any juices from the plate. Spoon the sauce over the chicken. Cover partially and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve:
Garnish with parsley and serve with mashed potatoes or roasted green beans for the perfect meal.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Variations
Add vegetables: You can add spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the sauce to make the dish even heartier.
Dairy-free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free parmesan for a dairy-free option.
Storage/Reheating
This creamy garlic chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend gently warming it in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the creamy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving, adding a little extra liquid if needed.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe too. Just make sure they are boneless and skinless for the best results.
3. How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?
Be sure to pound the chicken to an even thickness so it cooks quickly and evenly. You can also use a meat thermometer to check for doneness – the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
4. Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic cloves?
Yes, you can use minced garlic, but I recommend using fresh garlic cloves for the caramelization effect, which adds depth to the sauce.
5. Can I freeze this creamy garlic chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure to gently simmer it to avoid the sauce separating.
Conclusion
This creamy garlic chicken is an indulgent, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal. With a rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked chicken, it’s a comfort food classic that will have everyone asking for seconds.
A flavorful, one-skillet creamy garlic chicken dish with tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich gravy and caramelized garlic cloves. The creamy sauce with parmesan and Italian seasonings adds a gourmet touch.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
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 teaspoon better than bouillon)
In a large measuring cup with a spout, combine the chicken broth, bouillon cube, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and thyme. Set aside. On a plate, combine the flour and parmesan cheese, and measure out the remaining ingredients.
Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 2-3 thinner slices. Cover with plastic wrap and use the textured side of a meat mallet to pound the chicken to ½-inch thickness. Pat the chicken completely dry. Season each side with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture and tap off any excess.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Set the chicken aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium to medium-low heat. Use a silicone spatula to scrape up the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the garlic cloves and sauté for 6-7 minutes, letting them soften and caramelize.
Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the raw flour smell dissipates.
Gradually add the chicken broth mixture, splashing it into the pan while stirring continuously.
Stir in the heavy cream, then bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce.
Return the chicken to the skillet along with any juices from the plate. Spoon the sauce over the chicken. Cover partially and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Garnish with parsley and serve with mashed potatoes or roasted green beans for the perfect meal.
Notes
For a heartier dish, add spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the sauce.
If you prefer a different protein, swap the chicken for pork chops or turkey breasts.
For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free parmesan cheese.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the creamy texture.
