Looking for a rich, creamy, and satisfying chicken dinner that comes together in one pan? This creamy garlic chicken recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make weeknight favorite that’s loaded with flavor. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to perfection, then simmered in a buttery garlic cream sauce with Parmesan cheese and thyme. It’s comforting, elegant, and ready in under 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken
- 🧄 Packed with garlic and Parmesan flavor
- 🍗 Uses simple pantry staples
- 🥘 Made in one pan – easy cleanup
- ⏱️ Ready in under 30 minutes
- 🍽️ Perfect with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this garlic chicken feels like a restaurant-quality dish without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this creamy garlic chicken recipe:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – about 6 oz each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for searing the chicken
- 1 tablespoon butter – adds richness to the sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic gives the best flavor
- 1 cup heavy cream – creates a rich and creamy sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – adds savory depth and balances the cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – melts into the sauce for a cheesy kick
- Salt and pepper, to taste – essential for seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – or use fresh thyme for a bright herb flavor
- Fresh parsley, chopped – optional, for garnish and color
Substitutions:
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce (though it may be thinner).
- Add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Stir often to prevent burning.
Step 4: Add Cream and Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and lift any browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Add Parmesan Cheese
- Add grated Parmesan cheese.
- Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Return Chicken to Skillet
- Place seared chicken back into the skillet.
- Spoon sauce over each piece.
- Simmer for 5 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides.
What to Serve with Garlic Chicken
This creamy chicken is perfect with sides that soak up the sauce. Try it with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Pasta (fettuccine or penne work well)
- Rice or cauliflower rice
- Crusty bread to mop up the sauce
- Steamed veggies or a green salad for a fresh contrast
Variations You Can Try
1. Spicy Garlic Chicken
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a bit of heat.
2. Lemon Garlic Chicken
Add the juice and zest of half a lemon to the sauce for a fresh twist.
3. Mushroom Garlic Chicken
Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms after the garlic step for a hearty variation.
4. Garlic Herb Chicken
Swap out thyme for Italian seasoning or fresh rosemary and basil.
Tips for Best Results
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.
- Don’t overcook the garlic – it should be fragrant, not browned.
- Let the sauce simmer gently, not boil, to prevent curdling.
- Grate your own Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. For a creamy texture, consider using half-and-half.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it in advance and gently reheat on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat.
Final Thoughts
This creamy garlic chicken is comfort food done right—rich, garlicky, and perfect for any night of the week. With minimal ingredients and big flavor, it’s a must-try dish that’s bound to become a go-to in your recipe rotation.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe (Easy & Flavorful One-Pan Dinner)
This is a yummy garlic chicken recipe full of flavour
Ingredients Needed
Ingredients Needed
Instructions
Step 1: Season the chicken
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Pat the chicken breasts dry.
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Season both sides with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Step 2: Sear the chicken
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
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Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the garlic butter
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In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt.
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Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant (don’t burn it!).
Step 4: Add the liquids
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Pour in the chicken broth and stir to loosen any browned bits from the pan.
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Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Add cheese and season
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Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
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Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or thyme if needed.
Step 6: Return chicken to pan
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Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet.
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Spoon the sauce over the chicken.
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Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
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Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
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Serve with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
