Amazing Creamy Garlic Chicken in Garlic Sauce

This Amazing Creamy Garlic Chicken in Garlic Sauce is the kind of recipe that instantly becomes a household favorite. The first bite delivers tender pan seared chicken wrapped in a velvety garlic infused cream sauce that feels both comforting and elegant. It is simple enough for busy weeknights but flavorful enough for entertaining. With only a handful of pantry ingredients and one skillet, you can create a restaurant style meal that pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Why You Will Love This Amazing Creamy Garlic Chicken in Garlic Sauce

This recipe is loved for its richness, versatility, and ease. The chicken is lightly floured and seared until golden, giving it a flavorful crust that holds up well in the sauce. Garlic is used two ways. Whole smashed cloves gently soften in butter, creating a mellow sweetness, while garlic powder adds a deeper savory note. Heavy cream and broth combine to form a thick, silky sauce that clings to each bite of chicken. The entire dish cooks in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a fast dinner that still feels special. It is also budget friendly and easy to customize with herbs, vegetables, or alternative proteins.

Ingredients for Amazing Creamy Garlic Chicken in Garlic Sauce

Chicken

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour

For Searing

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garlic Cream Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 8 to 9 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan
• Lemon zest

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Chicken Breasts: Cutting the chicken into fillets helps them cook quickly and evenly. If you prefer darker meat, use boneless chicken thighs. They stay very juicy and can be cooked slightly longer without drying out.
• Flour: A light dusting of flour helps create a golden crust and thickens the sauce naturally. For gluten free cooking, use a gluten free all purpose blend.
• Garlic: This recipe uses whole cloves for a soft, mellow flavor. Minced garlic can be substituted, but use less if you want to avoid overwhelming sharpness.
• Broth: Chicken broth adds savory depth. Vegetable broth also works well.
• Cream: Heavy cream gives the sauce richness and thickness. For a lighter option, use half and half. If using milk, add a cornstarch slurry so the sauce still becomes creamy.
• Seasoning: Italian seasoning gives a balanced herbal note. You can replace it with thyme or oregano.
• Low sodium version: Use low sodium broth so you can control the final salt level.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and slice them horizontally to create four thinner fillets. Pat them dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the pieces and lightly coat each side. The flour helps lock in moisture and creates a delicate crust.

Step 2: Sear Until Golden

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown. The goal is to create color without overcooking. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside while you make the sauce.

Step 3: Soften the Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet and allow it to melt. Add the smashed garlic cloves and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The garlic should become fragrant and lightly golden. This is where the sauce gets most of its depth, so do not rush this step.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. These browned bits help create a full flavored sauce. Add the heavy cream and garlic powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth and beginning to thicken.

Step 5: Simmer with Chicken

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce becomes thicker and the chicken is fully cooked. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve with Extra Sauce

Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan. Serve hot over pasta, potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Fillet the chicken evenly so all pieces cook at the same rate.
2. Do not overcook the garlic. Light golden is perfect for sweetness without bitterness.
3. Warm the cream slightly before adding if you want an extra smooth sauce.
4. Let the sauce simmer gently. High heat can cause cream to separate.
5. For extra thickness, let the sauce bubble for a few minutes before adding the chicken back in.
6. Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end if you prefer a brighter flavor.

Flavor Variations

1. Herb Cream Garlic Chicken: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for a more herb focused profile.
2. Lemon Garlic Chicken: Add lemon zest and a teaspoon of lemon juice for a light citrus finish.
3. Parmesan Garlic Chicken: Stir in a quarter cup of Parmesan cheese for a sharp, cheesy richness.
4. Mushroom Garlic Chicken: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet before adding broth and cream.
5. Spinach Garlic Chicken: Add fresh spinach at the end and let it wilt into the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce pairs beautifully with starches that soak up every drop. Serve it over pasta like fettuccine, or try mashed potatoes for a comforting option. Rice or quinoa also work if you prefer a lighter base. Add a green vegetable such as roasted broccoli, steamed green beans, or sautéed spinach to round out the meal. Crusty bread is excellent for dipping into the extra sauce.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of broth or cream.
• Freezer: Cream sauces can separate, so freezing is not ideal. If you want to freeze, freeze only the cooked chicken and make the sauce fresh later.
• Meal Prep Tip: Store chicken and sauce separately if preparing for several days. This keeps the texture better when reheating.

Amazing Creamy Garlic Chicken in Garlic Sauce

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• Author: Dolly
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Tender pan-seared chicken simmered in a velvety garlic-infused cream sauce, rich, comforting, and perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

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Ingredients

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 8 to 9 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional)
• Grated Parmesan (optional)
• Lemon zest (optional)

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Instructions

1. Slice chicken breasts horizontally to form four fillets. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Lightly coat with flour.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter and add smashed garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Add heavy cream and garlic powder, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
5. Return chicken to skillet and simmer 5–7 minutes on low until sauce thickens and chicken cooks through. Adjust seasoning.
6. Spoon creamy garlic sauce over chicken. Garnish with parsley, Parmesan, or lemon zest. Serve hot.

Notes

Cut chicken evenly for consistent cooking. Do not brown garlic too long. Simmer sauce gently to avoid separation. Add lemon zest for brightness or Parmesan for extra richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Chicken
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Values are estimated and may vary based on exact ingredients.

FAQ About Amazing Creamy Garlic Chicken in Garlic Sauce

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work extremely well in this recipe. They stay juicy and tender even if cooked a little longer. You can use either boneless or bone in thighs, but boneless thighs keep the cooking time short. If using bone in, simmer the sauce slightly longer until the chicken is fully cooked.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few minutes before adding the chicken back to the pan. You can also add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water. Stir the mixture into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I make this dairy free?

Yes. Replace the butter with olive oil and use a dairy free cream alternative such as coconut cream or unsweetened cashew cream. The flavor will be slightly different, but the sauce will still be rich and comforting. Add a little extra garlic powder to deepen the flavor.

What side dishes go best with creamy garlic chicken?

This dish is flexible and works with many sides. Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted potatoes are classic choices. Green vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or mixed greens add balance. Breadsticks or crusty bread are great for serving with extra sauce.

Why did my cream sauce separate?

Cream sauces sometimes separate if cooked at very high heat. To prevent this, keep the skillet on medium or medium low, stir often, and add the cream once the broth has cooled slightly. Heating gently allows the dairy to emulsify properly.

Final Thoughts

This Amazing Creamy Garlic Chicken in Garlic Sauce is a dependable recipe you will make again and again. It is simple, comforting, and deeply flavorful thanks to the combination of golden chicken, mellow garlic, and creamy sauce. Whether served for a quick dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it brings warmth to the table with minimal effort. The versatility of the recipe also makes it easy to tailor to your tastes, from adding herbs to pairing it with your favorite sides.