Seared chicken breasts, heavy cream, garlic, Parmesan, thyme, and Italian seasonings come together for a creamy garlic chicken you’ll love.
So, this recipe? It was born on a random Wednesday night when I was this close to ordering takeout… again. You know those days—when the fridge feels like a barren wasteland, and your energy is clinging to its last thread? Yep, that kind of day. I had two chicken breasts, a half-used carton of cream, and a whole lot of garlic (because, let’s be honest, I hoard garlic like it’s currency). I started throwing things into a skillet and somehow ended up with this rich, velvety sauce that basically told me, “Girl, you did that.”
Fast forward to now—this Creamy Garlic Chicken has become a go-to comfort meal in my house. It’s creamy, garlicky (without being a punch in the face), and has just enough edge from the thyme and Parmesan to make it feel a little fancy without requiring an apron and a glass of wine… though, let’s be real, both of those help.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe?
What sets this dish apart? Let’s start with the texture. You get golden seared chicken that’s still juicy on the inside, all swimming in this luscious garlic cream sauce that clings to every bite. The flavor is deep and savory, but not overpowering—just layers of goodness that build on each other. And here’s the best part? It’s not complicated. No fancy techniques, no obscure ingredients. It’s the kind of meal you can whip up on a weeknight but still feel proud enough to serve to guests. Comfort food meets dinner party vibes.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s talk ingredients—because each one really pulls its weight here.
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Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless are your best bet. Slice them thin for quicker, more even cooking.
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Italian seasoning: Just a mix of herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil that adds instant flair.
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Parmesan cheese: Get the real stuff if you can—pre-shredded works, but freshly grated? Chef’s kiss.
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Garlic: This is not the time to skimp. You want the full garlic experience.
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Flour and butter: For that roux base—aka, the silky foundation of our sauce dreams.
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Chicken broth + bouillon: One brings liquid, the other brings depth. A power duo.
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Heavy cream: Don’t swap it for milk unless you’re ready to trade away that luscious texture.
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Soy sauce or Worcestershire: For a little umami surprise.
How To Make Creamy Garlic Chicken?
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Slice your chicken breasts horizontally so they’re thinner—this helps them cook evenly and quickly. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then give them a light coat in the flour + Parmesan mixture. The flour helps the chicken brown up beautifully and also thickens the sauce later.
Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection
Heat up your olive oil and sear those chicken cutlets. About 4–5 minutes per side until they’re gorgeously golden. Don’t overcrowd the pan—give them space! Set them aside when done.
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Step 3: Make That Sauce
Melt the butter in the same pan (you want all those leftover chicken bits). Toss in the garlic and let it go until fragrant and slightly golden, then sprinkle in the flour. Whisk it until it smells toasty. Slowly pour in the broth + bouillon + soy sauce, whisking constantly. You’ll see it start to thicken. Stir in your onion and mustard powders, thyme, and then the cream. Optional, but recommended: more Parmesan here.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add the chicken back in, spoon some sauce over the top, and let everything simmer together for a few minutes. The sauce thickens, the chicken finishes cooking, and the flavors cozy up together like besties.
Storage Options:
Got leftovers? Lucky you. This creamy garlic chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or microwave—just add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it back up.
Variations and Substitutions:
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No heavy cream? Try coconut cream or a mix of whole milk + a bit of cornstarch.
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Gluten-free? Sub in a 1:1 GF flour blend and serve over rice or mashed potatoes.
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No chicken broth? Veggie broth will do, but beef broth adds a deeper flavor twist.
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Want heat? Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. Boom.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken?
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Mashed potatoes (seriously, it’s like garlic on garlic—heaven)
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Buttered egg noodles or linguine
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Roasted veggies (broccoli, asparagus, or even brussels sprouts)
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Crusty bread to sop up every last drop of sauce. Don’t skip this.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Totally! Just adjust the cooking time slightly—they may need a few extra minutes.
Can I freeze creamy garlic chicken?
You can, but the sauce may separate a bit when thawed. It’s still tasty, just not as silky smooth.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
Make your own! Mix dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a bit of rosemary. Done.
Ready to dive into dinner bliss? This Creamy Garlic Chicken is one of those recipes that sticks with you—in the best way. Make it once, and I promise, it’ll be part of your weekly rotation before you know it. Can’t wait to hear what you think!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt/Pepper
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasonings
- ½ c all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp Parmesan cheese shredded
- 3-4 tbsp olive oil
Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 10 cloves garlic
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 ½ c chicken broth
- 1 beef bouillon cube or 1 tsp better than bouillon
- 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce can sub Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ c heavy cream
- ½ c Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Prepare Chicken:
- Slice chicken breasts into thinner pieces.
- Season with Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each piece in a mix of flour and Parmesan cheese.
Sear Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet.
- Sear chicken until golden on both sides (about 4-5 mins each side).
- Set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter and caramelize garlic.
- Add flour, whisk until it browns slightly.
- Gradually pour in a mixture of chicken broth, bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and thyme. Stir continuously.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese (optional).
Finish Cooking:
- Return seared chicken to the skillet.
- Spoon the sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve:
- Garnish with parsley.
- Serve the Creamy Garlic Chicken over mashed potatoes or your favorite side.
- Enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal with this simple yet flavorful Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!