There’s something deeply comforting about that first bite of perfectly seared chicken, its golden crust giving way to tender, juicy meat. When those breasts are then bathed in a dreamy, garlic-infused cream sauce studded with nutty Parmesan and kissed by fragrant herbs, you’ve got a weeknight hero that feels downright celebratory. This creamy garlic chicken recipe delivers exactly that: a skillet chicken dinner that elevates simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal at home. Whether you’re chasing an easy chicken dinner to feed a hungry crowd or craving a luscious parmesan chicken dish that makes every forkful sing, this recipe fits the bill. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few aromatic herbs, you’ll create a sauce so rich and comforting that it’s impossible not to linger at the table a little longer.
Now, if you’re anything like me, you thrive on dinners that feel impressive without requiring a laundry list of steps. Come weekend or busy weeknight, this garlic chicken recipe emerges as a go-to solution. It strikes the perfect balance between bold flavor and cozy familiarity: a harmonious duet of creamy textures and sharp, cheesy notes. After seasoning the chicken, your kitchen fills with subtle hints of thyme and basil as they meld into the sauce, conjuring memories of family gatherings and lazy Sunday lunches. And while it feels indulgent, this dish is surprisingly approachable—ideal for cooks at an intermediate level seeking a dish that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to devour.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CREAMY GARLIC CHICKEN
Before you dive into the cooking, let’s meet the cast of characters that makes this creamy chicken sauce so irresistibly savory. Each ingredient brings its own personality to the skillet, transforming ordinary chicken breasts into a rich, herb-kissed masterpiece.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
These lean cuts provide a blank canvas for the sauce to cling to. When seared properly, they develop a golden-brown exterior that locks in juices, delivering succulent bites every time.
- Olive oil
A drizzle of good-quality olive oil ensures a nonstick surface and adds a fruity, slightly peppery undertone. It’s the perfect medium for crisping the chicken before the saucy finale.
- Garlic
Four cloves of minced garlic release an intoxicating warmth and depth. This pungent powerhouse is the backbone of the sauce, infusing every spoonful with its signature zing.
- Heavy cream
This is where the dreaminess happens. Heavy cream thickens into a velvety consistency, wrapping the chicken in a silky cloak that feels luxurious without being overbearing.
- Chicken broth
A splash of broth lightens the richness, balancing the cream and Parmesan. It also helps deglaze the pan, lifting up those flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
- Parmesan cheese
Finely grated Parmesan melts seamlessly into the sauce, lending a nutty, tangy edge. It’s the secret weapon that elevates this from “good” to “gourmet.”
- Dried thyme
Earthy and slightly minty, thyme weaves its way through the cream, offering subtle herbal notes that cut through the richness.
- Dried basil
With its sweet, slightly peppery profile, basil rounds out the herbal blend, adding a fresh finish that brightens every bite.
- Salt and pepper
Simple seasonings that amplify all the flavors. A generous seasoning on the chicken and a final taste-and-adjust ensures perfect balance.
- Butter
A knob of butter in the garlic sauté adds extra silkiness and a hint of caramelized sweetness as it browns alongside the garlic.
- Fresh parsley (optional)
A sprinkle of chopped parsley at the end brings a pop of green freshness, lending color and a mild, herbaceous lift.
HOW TO MAKE CREAMY GARLIC CHICKEN
Now that your ingredients are lined up and ready to party, it’s time to transform them into a luscious skillet dinner. Follow these steps closely for golden-brown chicken smothered in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce.
1. Season the chicken
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Pat them dry with paper towels so the seasoning sticks and the exterior crisps up beautifully.
2. Sear the chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the breasts in the pan. Cook for about 6–7 minutes on each side, or until they develop a deep golden crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
3. Sauté garlic
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once it melts and foams, stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until the garlic turns a light golden brown and releases its aromatic punch.
4. Deglaze with broth
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan. Those caramelized bits are flavor gold!
5. Build the sauce
Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens just enough to coat the back of your spoon.
6. Return the chicken
Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over each piece, then simmer for an additional 5–7 minutes. This allows the chicken to finish cooking in the sauce and absorb all those garlicky, cheesy flavors.
7. Adjust seasoning
Taste the sauce and tweak with more salt and pepper if needed. This step ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
8. Garnish and serve
If you’d like, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and a fresh, herby twist. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CREAMY GARLIC CHICKEN
Let’s talk about presenting this dreamy parmesan chicken so that every plate looks as inviting as it tastes. Whether you’re plating for a cozy family dinner or hosting friends, these serving ideas take your creamy garlic chicken to the next level.
- Mashed potatoes
A classic pairing—fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes provide the ideal vehicle for scooping up that garlicky cream sauce. For extra creaminess, stir in a touch of crème fraîche or sour cream.
- Steamed rice
Light, neutral rice lets the sauce shine. Choose long-grain or jasmine rice, then fluff with a fork and create a small well to cradle the chicken and sauce in the center of the plate.
- Roasted vegetables
Brighten the plate with oven-roasted asparagus, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts. The slight char and natural sweetness complement the savory sauce and add a welcome crunch.
- Crusty bread
A warm artisan loaf or crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up every last drop of sauce. Tear off generous pieces and let your guests dunk away—it’s comforting and downright fun.
HOW TO STORE CREAMY GARLIC CHICKEN
Leftovers of this creamy garlic chicken are almost as delightful as the first bite—if you store them properly. Follow these tips to preserve the sauce’s silky texture and the chicken’s juicy tenderness, so you can enjoy this skillet dinner all over again.
- Refrigeration
Allow the dish to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth to revive the sauce.
- Freezing
For longer storage, portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little headspace. Label with the date and keep frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Gentle reheating
To maintain that luxurious cream sauce, reheat slowly on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of milk or broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Microwave method
When short on time, reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely and microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst to ensure even heating without curdling the cream.
CONCLUSION
This creamy garlic chicken has all the elements that make home cooking so rewarding: simple ingredients, straightforward techniques, and an indulgent sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. From those first sizzling moments in the skillet to the final swirl of Parmesan-laced cream, you’ve crafted a dish that’s both approachable and impressive. By searing chicken breasts to a golden finish and building layers of flavor with garlic, herbs, and cheese, you’ve created a meal that satisfies on every level—rich but balanced, comforting yet elegant. Best of all, with just 10 minutes of prep and a 25-minute cooking time, it’s an achievable intermediate-level recipe that will soon become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later so you can revisit the step-by-step guide whenever you’re ready to whip up this skillet chicken dinner again. Whether you’re hosting friends for lunch, planning a cozy dinner at home, or simply treating yourself to a deliciously decadent meal, this creamy garlic chicken delivers flavor, texture, and satisfaction in every bite. Below, you’ll find a handy FAQ to answer common questions, but in the meantime, I’d love to hear how your version turns out. Did you swap in chicken thighs for extra juiciness? Or perhaps you added a splash of lemon for a tangy twist? Leave your comments, questions, or feedback—let’s keep the conversation cooking!
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken features tender, golden-browned chicken nestled in a luscious, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce infused with thyme and basil for a herb-kissed finish that’s perfect over mashed potatoes or rice.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and golden brown.
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Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
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Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, thyme, and basil. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
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Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve the creamy garlic chicken with your favorite side dishes.
Note
- You can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option.
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be thinner.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a subtle, tangy finish to the creamy sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
