Irresistible Garlic Chicken Recipe

Silky Buttery Garlic Chicken Recipe That Everyone Loves

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy garlic chicken recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Tender chicken breasts bathe in a luxurious sauce that whispers pure indulgence.

garlic lovers will swoon at the rich, aromatic blend of herbs and seasonings.

Each bite promises a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy home cooks seeking a delicious meal.

Simple ingredients combine to create a restaurant-worthy dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible chicken sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamy Garlic Chicken Ingredient Rundown

For Coating And Seasoning Chicken:
  • Italian Seasoning: Aromatic herb blend adding depth and traditional Mediterranean flavor to the chicken.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates a crispy, golden exterior that helps seal in chicken's moisture.
  • Parmesan Cheese (Shredded): Provides a nutty, salty crust that enhances chicken's texture and taste.
  • Salt And Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate and balance the overall dish's flavor profile.
For Flavor Base And Sauce Building:
  • Garlic: Whole cloves caramelize beautifully, releasing sweet and intense flavor throughout the dish.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich foundation for sautéing and developing deep, complex tastes.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base with authentic poultry essence for creating silky sauce.
  • Beef Bouillon: Intensifies broth's umami character and adds robust background notes.
  • Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Introduces subtle saltiness and depth without overwhelming other ingredients.
  • Onion Powder: Adds gentle sweetness and aromatic undertone without chunky texture.
  • Mustard Powder: Contributes subtle tangy kick that brightens overall sauce complexity.
  • Dried Thyme: Introduces earthy, herbal dimension with delicate woodland-like essence.
For Finishing And Enriching:
  • Heavy Cream: Transforms sauce into luxuriously smooth, velvety texture with decadent richness.
  • Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Provides extra layer of sharp, salty complexity when sprinkled on top.
  • Olive Oil: Helps prevent burning and adds subtle fruity undertone during cooking process.

Tools for Making Creamy Garlic Chicken

  • Large skillet: Essential for searing chicken and creating a delicious, creamy sauce.
  • Cutting board: Perfect for slicing chicken breasts into thinner sections.
  • Sharp knife: Helps cut chicken evenly and precisely.
  • Shallow dish: Ideal for mixing flour and Parmesan cheese for coating.
  • Silicone spatula: Great for scraping browned bits and stirring sauce smoothly.
  • Whisk: Crucial for creating a smooth roux and blending sauce ingredients.
  • Measuring cups: Helps measure flour, broth, and cream accurately.
  • Wooden spoon or tongs: Useful for moving and flipping chicken during cooking.

How to Cook Chicken in Creamy Garlic Sauce

How to Cook Chicken in Creamy Garlic Sauce
  • Chicken Preparation

Slice chicken breasts into thinner sections to ensure speedy and uniform cooking. Generously season both sides with aromatic herbs and spices.

  • Crispy Coating

Create a delectable golden crust by dredging chicken pieces in a savory mixture of nutty Parmesan and flour, pressing gently to help coating adhere.

  • Searing Magic

Heat pan with olive oil until it glistens. Cook chicken in batches, allowing each piece to develop a beautiful golden exterior, about 4-5 minutes per side.

  • Garlic Transformation

Reduce heat and introduce butter to the same pan. Gently cook whole garlic cloves until they soften and caramelize, releasing their rich, mellow flavor.

  • Sauce Creation

Whisk flour into buttery garlic base, creating a smooth roux. Gradually pour in broth and seasonings, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles with intense flavor.

  • Creamy Finale

Lower heat and swirl in heavy cream, transforming the sauce into a silky, luxurious coating. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of decadence.

  • Serving

Nestle seared chicken back into the luscious sauce, allowing it to simmer and absorb all the incredible flavors. Plate and serve with your favorite accompaniments.

Tips to Balance Creamy Garlic Chicken Flavor

  • Remove garlic's bitter edge by crushing whole cloves before cooking, which releases sweeter, mellower flavors perfect for this creamy dish.
  • Replace chicken breasts with thighs for deeper flavor, or try turkey cutlets for a leaner alternative that still absorbs the rich sauce beautifully.
  • Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a similarly luxurious sauce without traditional dairy ingredients while maintaining incredible richness.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, or oregano instead of dried thyme to elevate the sauce's complexity and add vibrant green color to your final presentation.
  • Toast flour mixture with Parmesan before coating chicken to develop deeper nutty undertones and create a crispier, more complex exterior that locks in moisture during cooking.

Serving Creamy Garlic Chicken

  • Pasta Paradise: Ladle this creamy garlic chicken over al dente linguine or fettuccine for a restaurant-quality meal that transforms your dinner into a luxurious experience. The rich sauce clings perfectly to pasta, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
  • Bread Buddy Bliss: Serve alongside crusty French bread or garlic toast to soak up every delectable drop of the incredible sauce. These carby companions will ensure no sauce goes to waste while adding delightful texture to your plate.
  • Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, chives, or basil on top just before serving to introduce a bright, vibrant pop of color and fresh herbal notes. These green accents will elevate the dish's visual appeal and provide a light, aromatic contrast to the creamy sauce.
  • Veggie Sidekick: Pair with roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a crisp mixed green salad to balance the richness of the chicken. These vegetable companions will add nutritional value and create a well-rounded, satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and balanced.

Storing Chicken in Creamy Garlic Sauce

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer any leftover chicken to an airtight container, keeping it sealed and chilled in the refrigerator for maximum freshness up to 3-4 days.
  • Quick Reheating Magic: Warm chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to maintain moisture, preventing dryness and preserving the sauce's creamy texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Portion the chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers, allowing storage for up to 2 months without compromising flavor or quality.
  • Sauce Separation Strategy: Store cream-based sauce separately from chicken to prevent potential texture changes, keeping each component fresh and appetizing when ready to enjoy again.
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Irresistible Garlic Chicken Recipe

Irresistible Garlic Chicken Recipe


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4.5 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent Creamy Garlic Chicken elevates weeknight dinners with its rich, comforting flavors. Italian herbs and tender chicken create a luxurious meal that delights palates and satisfies hunger quickly.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2.5 cups (591 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cube beef bouillon
  • 0.5 cup (118 ml) heavy cream
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) unsalted butter
  • 10 cloves garlic
  • 3 to 4 tbsps (45 to 60 ml) olive oil
  • 0.5 cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 0.5 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsps (23 g) flour
  • 4 tbsps (28 g) Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp mustard powder
  • 0.5 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Chicken Preparation: Slice chicken breasts into thin, uniform sections. Season comprehensively with salt, black pepper, and Italian herb blend across both surfaces.
  2. Coating Process: Blend all-purpose flour with Parmesan cheese in a shallow bowl. Press chicken pieces firmly into mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  3. Searing Stage: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high temperature. Introduce chicken pieces in small batches, creating golden-brown exterior by cooking 4-5 minutes per side without overcrowding.
  4. Flavor Foundation: Reduce heat and add unsalted butter to skillet. Use silicone spatula to incorporate delectable browned chicken remnants, creating rich base for sauce.
  5. Garlic Infusion: Add whole garlic cloves to melted butter, caramelizing gently until soft and golden. Stir periodically to prevent burning and maximize aromatic potential.
  6. Sauce Development: Sprinkle flour over garlic-butter mixture, whisking continuously to form smooth roux. Gradually introduce chicken broth, beef bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and dried thyme.
  7. Cream Integration: Reduce heat and slowly stream heavy cream while stirring. Fold in additional Parmesan cheese until completely melted, creating luxuriously silky sauce with complex flavor profile.
  8. Final Cooking: Return seared chicken to sauce, coating thoroughly. Cover and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and chicken to reach perfect tenderness.
  9. Serving Suggestion: Remove from heat and plate immediately. Pair with complementary sides like pasta, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to enhance the dish’s rich, creamy essence.

Notes

  • Slice Strategically: Cut chicken breasts into uniform, thinner sections for even cooking and faster preparation time.
  • Coat Carefully: Press flour-Parmesan mixture firmly onto chicken to create a crispy, flavorful exterior that locks in moisture.
  • Watch Browning: Sear chicken in small batches to prevent overcrowding, ensuring a perfect golden-brown crust without steaming the meat.
  • Sauce Secrets: Whisk roux consistently and add liquids gradually to prevent lumps and create a smooth, rich sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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