If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Succulent chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce, enriched with parmesan and a hint of Dijon mustard, create a savory symphony that’s incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for weeknights when you want something comforting yet impressive, this recipe combines simple ingredients to deliver maximum flavor and a beautiful creamy texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two cast iron pans on a white marbled surface. The left pan contains four cooked chicken pieces arranged close to each other, each with a golden brown, slightly crispy texture on top. The right pan contains several light golden roasted garlic cloves spread evenly, surrounded by small pools of oil and dark browned bits on the bottom. Both pans have black surfaces with a handle visible positioned to the left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this recipe lies in straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each element plays a vital role: the chicken for tender protein, garlic and herbs for aromatic depth, and the cream and parmesan for that irresistible rich finish.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cutting them in half horizontally ensures even cooking and tender, juicy meat.
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the chicken’s natural flavors.
Sweet paprika: Adds a subtle smoky sweetness and beautiful color.
Onion powder: Provides a mild savory undertone without the texture of fresh onions.
Dried thyme: A classic herb that pairs wonderfully with garlic and cream.
Plain (all-purpose) flour: Helps create a delicate crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce.
Olive oil and unsalted butter: The perfect duo for sautéing, bringing richness and flavor to both chicken and sauce.
Freshly minced garlic: The hero of the dish, delivering intense, aromatic punch.
Chicken stock: Adds depth and balances the richness of the cream.
Thickened (heavy) cream: Creates that luscious, velvety sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle tang that brightens the sauce’s flavor profile.
Grated parmesan: Melts into the sauce for a savory, salty finish that ties everything together.
Sea salt flakes and freshly cracked black pepper: For finishing touches to enhance and balance flavors.
Mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or pasta: Ideal bases to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce.
Steamed greens: Adds freshness and a pop of color to the plate.
Finely chopped flat-leaf parsley: A bright, herbal garnish that lifts the dish.
Lemon wedges: A squeeze of citrus adds a refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Coat the Chicken

Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, sweet paprika, onion powder, and dried thyme. This seasoning blend creates an irresistible flavor base. Press each piece into the flour so they are lightly and evenly coated on all sides—this not only helps develop a delicate crust when cooking but also thickens the sauce later on.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Steaks

Heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large, deep frying pan over medium-high heat. When the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces to the pan. Cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes, turning once halfway through, until they are just cooked through and golden brown. The chicken should be tender, juicy, and perfectly seared before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Set the Chicken Aside

Carefully remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a warm plate. Leaving the flavorful browned bits in the pan is crucial as they’ll add a fantastic depth to the sauce you are about to make.

Step 4: Build the Garlic Cream Sauce

Add the remaining tablespoon of butter back into the pan. Once melted, toss in the freshly minced garlic and stir it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Now, pour in the chicken stock and let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it reduces by at least half, intensifying its flavor. Stir in the thickened cream and Dijon mustard, reduce the heat to medium, and let the sauce simmer gently for approximately 2 minutes or until it thickens slightly and becomes irresistibly velvety.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Stir the grated parmesan cheese into the creamy sauce, allowing it to melt and enrich the texture even further. Taste and adjust the seasoning with sea salt flakes and freshly cracked black pepper as desired. Return the chicken breasts to the pan and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the chicken soak up the delicious sauce and ensuring it is heated through without drying out.

Step 6: Serve with Love

Your creamy garlic chicken is ready to be plated! Ladle that luscious sauce over the chicken and prepare to enjoy a dish that’s truly comforting and beautifully flavorful.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

A black cast iron pan holds four thick pieces of golden brown chicken on top, nestled in a creamy light beige sauce. The sauce is smooth with visible small green herb bits sprinkled on the chicken and sauce. Around and on the chicken pieces are whole garlic cloves, lightly cooked and slightly softened. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface, and a black and white striped cloth is held by a woman's hand on the pan handle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finely chopped flat-leaf parsley scattered over the top adds a bright herbal freshness and a lovely visual contrast to the rich sauce. Don’t forget a generous squeeze of lemon juice from freshly cut wedges—it instantly elevates the dish by adding a refreshing pop of acidity that balances the creaminess perfectly.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with comforting mashed potatoes, fluffy steamed rice, or even your favorite pasta—each will soak up the indulgent sauce with delicious results. Steamed greens such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus bring a crisp, healthy balance to the plate, adding color and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, present the chicken on a bed of buttery garlic mashed potatoes with a swirl of sauce on top and a wedge of lemon on the side. Alternatively, serve sliced chicken over a nest of pasta tossed lightly in olive oil and herbs for an elegant touch. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens can add a refined visual flair perfect for impressing guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place any leftover creamy garlic chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days and is perfect for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, making it great for meal prep. Store the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve all the fantastic flavors and creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. You can add a splash of cream or chicken stock to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Microwave reheating is possible but go slow and use short intervals to keep the cream sauce from curdling.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and tend to stay even juicier. Just adjust the cooking time since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through depending on thickness.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?

You can substitute the thickened cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer and use a dairy-free butter alternative. Keep in mind the flavor will be a bit different but still deliciously creamy.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and simply reheat before serving. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container and gently warm it up to preserve the sauce’s silky texture.

What can I use instead of Dijon mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon on hand, a mild yellow mustard or a small splash of white wine vinegar can provide a similar tangy note. Just add sparingly to avoid overpowering the creamy sauce.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer before adding the parmesan, or mix a small amount of flour or cornstarch with water and stir it in during the simmering stage for extra thickening power.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe is like a little celebration of comfort food that’s quick enough for any night but special enough to impress. With its rich, flavorful sauce and tender chicken, it’s bound to become a treasured staple in your home cooking rotation. Go ahead and make it soon—you’ll be so glad you did!