If you’re looking for an easy dinner that feels comforting without requiring hours in the kitchen, this creamy garlic chicken is a recipe worth keeping. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared until golden and finished in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce that comes together in one skillet.
The whole meal takes about 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights, family dinners, or those evenings when you want something homemade without a complicated recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy garlic chicken checks all the boxes for an easy family dinner:
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Uses simple ingredients
- Made in one skillet
- Rich, creamy, and flavorful
- Easy enough for a weeknight
- Pairs well with pasta, rice, potatoes, or vegetables
- Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
If the chicken breasts are especially thick, gently pound them to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and prevents the thinner parts from drying out.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, depending on thickness. The chicken should develop a golden-brown crust and reach 165°F in the thickest part.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
3. Cook the Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet.
Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Be careful not to brown or burn the garlic because it can quickly become bitter.
4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom.
Add the heavy cream and stir gently to combine.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Allow the sauce to gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Finish the Chicken
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy garlic sauce over each piece.
Let the chicken simmer gently in the sauce for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Finish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Chicken
There are plenty of ways to turn this chicken into a complete family dinner.
Try serving it with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- White or brown rice
- Buttered pasta
- Garlic bread
- Roasted broccoli
- Green beans
- Roasted asparagus
- A simple green salad
For a cozy dinner, spoon some of the extra garlic Parmesan sauce over mashed potatoes or pasta.
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken
Use evenly sized chicken breasts. This helps everything cook at the same rate.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Give the chicken enough space to brown properly. If necessary, use a larger skillet or cook in batches.
Use freshly grated Parmesan. It generally melts more smoothly into the sauce than pre-shredded cheese.
Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer. Very high heat can cause a cream-based sauce to separate.
Check the chicken temperature. The thickest part should reach 165°F for food safety.
Easy Variations
Creamy Spinach Garlic Chicken
Stir a couple of handfuls of fresh baby spinach into the sauce during the final few minutes of cooking.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken
Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet after removing the chicken. Once they’re tender and lightly browned, continue with the garlic and cream sauce.
Spicy Garlic Chicken
Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a gentle kick. Add more if you prefer extra heat.
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Add a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the finished sauce. The acidity balances the richness of the cream and Parmesan.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute for chicken breasts.
They are naturally juicy and work especially well with the creamy garlic sauce. Cooking time may vary depending on their size, so use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool and transfer them to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has become too thick.
Heat gently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make creamy garlic chicken ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate them separately or together. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, although the sauce will be lighter and less rich. Heavy cream produces the creamiest result.
What Parmesan cheese works best?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly and gives the sauce a rich, savory flavor.
Can I make this recipe low carb?
Yes. Serve the chicken with roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a simple green salad instead of pasta, rice, or potatoes.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. It should reach 165°F.
Recipe Card
Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American
Course: Dinner
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Melt the butter in the same skillet and cook the garlic for about 30 seconds.
- Add chicken broth and scrape the browned bits from the skillet.
- Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Final Thoughts
This creamy garlic chicken is exactly the kind of dinner I love having in my weeknight rotation. It’s simple enough for a busy evening, but the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce makes it feel like something a little more special.
Serve it with your favorite side, gather everyone around the table, and enjoy.
From my kitchen to yours, enjoy! ❤️
— Mary