Irresistible Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe For Cozy Dinners

Whipping up a delectable garlic chicken dish feels like culinary magic in your kitchen.

Aromatic herbs and rich cream promise an unforgettable dining experience.

Succulent chicken pieces absorb incredible flavors during careful preparation.

Layers of garlic infuse every tender morsel with robust taste.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet sophisticated approach.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality recipe.

Savor each delightful bite and watch everyone request seconds.

All About That Creamy Garlic Chicken Goodness

• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows quick swaps like using different herbs or adding vegetables to match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Master Chef Technique: Beginner-friendly cooking method teaches essential skills like dredging chicken and creating a rich, creamy pan sauce without complicated steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner: Universally appealing dish that works for weeknight meals, date nights, or casual gatherings, guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.

What You’ll Need for Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that forms the base of this creamy dish.

• Flour: Helps create a golden crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Garlic Cloves: Add a robust, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and liquid base for the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, tangy note to balance the creamy sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Intensifies the garlic flavor throughout the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, silky sauce that coats the chicken.
• Parsley: Optional fresh herb for garnish and a pop of color.

Simple Steps for Rich Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper.

Coat each piece completely in flour, ensuring an even layer for a crispy exterior.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Warm a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil with a pat of butter.

Carefully place the floured chicken into the hot pan.

Cook until each side turns a beautiful golden brown, creating a delicious crust.

Transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Garlic Base

In the same skillet, drop in the remaining butter and whole garlic cloves.

Sauté until the garlic becomes fragrant and develops a light golden color, releasing its rich flavor into the pan.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Fresh lemon juice
• Garlic powder

Stir everything together, creating a flavorful liquid base for the sauce.

Step 5: Introduce Creamy Texture

Pour in heavy cream and gently bring the mixture to a soft simmer.

Watch as the sauce starts to develop a luxurious, velvety consistency.

Step 6: Finish Cooking Chicken

Carefully return the seared chicken to the skillet.

Let it continue cooking in the creamy sauce until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce thickens beautifully.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve the chicken immediately while the sauce is hot and inviting.

Tips for the Creamiest Garlic Chicken

• Pat chicken dry before dredging to help flour stick better and create a crispier exterior.
• Roast garlic cloves before adding to the sauce for a mellower, sweeter flavor that won't overpower the dish.
• Keep heat low when adding cream and stir constantly to avoid curdling and maintain a smooth, silky texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe and juicy results.
• Replace flour with almond flour or skip dredging altogether for a gluten-free version that's equally delicious.

Change-Up Ideas for Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use plant-based butter for a lactose-free version that keeps the creamy texture.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Swap garlic powder with fresh rosemary and thyme, adding a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile to the classic chicken dish.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip flour dredging and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly coating that reduces carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their creamy chicken recipe.

Serving Creamy Garlic Chicken with Style

• Elegant Dinner Plate Pairing: Serve this creamy garlic chicken alongside fluffy white rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Bright Side Companion: Add a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken, providing a fresh contrast and lightening the overall dining experience.
• Herb Garden Finishing Touch: Sprinkle extra fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving to introduce a pop of color and subtle herbal brightness that elevates the dish's visual appeal and flavor profile.
• Comfort Meal Completion: Pair with roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or glazed carrots to round out the meal with nutritious and complementary side dishes that match the chicken's creamy texture.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and food safety.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a few tablespoons of broth or cream to keep moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

• Why dredge the chicken in flour?

Flour creates a crispy, golden exterior that helps seal in moisture and adds a delightful texture to the chicken.

• Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great and often provide more flavor and tenderness compared to chicken breasts.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is safe to eat.

• Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Indulgent creamy garlic chicken delivers restaurant-quality comfort right from your kitchen. Silky sauce and tender chicken merge into a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts

Seasoning and Coating:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Flour for dredging
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 whole head garlic, cloves peeled
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth or stock
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy/whipping cream
• Parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken breasts with seasoned flour, ensuring an even, light dusting for optimal browning.
2. Sear chicken in a blend of olive oil and butter over medium heat until a rich golden crust forms on both sides, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a separate plate.
3. Reduce heat and gently toast minced garlic in remaining butter until fragrant and lightly caramelized, releasing its aromatic essence.
4. Deglaze the skillet by pouring chicken broth, introducing bright lemon juice and complementary garlic powder, scraping up flavorful browned bits from the pan’s surface.
5. Stream heavy cream into the bubbling liquid, creating a luxurious sauce foundation. Allow mixture to gently simmer and gradually thicken.
6. Carefully reintroduce seared chicken into the creamy sauce, nestling pieces to ensure complete coverage. Continue cooking at low-medium heat until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and sauce reaches desired consistency, approximately 8-10 minutes.
7. Finish the dish with a delicate sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and subtle herbaceous notes. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and silky.

Notes

• Flour coating helps create a golden, crispy exterior on the chicken while sealing in moisture for tender meat.
• Use fresh garlic cloves for a more robust and authentic flavor compared to pre-minced garlic from a jar.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
• Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked protein.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 665 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 430 mg
• Fat: 57 g
• Saturated Fat: 30 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg