When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the rich, velvety goodness of Creamy Garlic Chicken. This recipe is a perfect balance of gourmet flavors and weeknight simplicity, making it a go-to meal for any occasion.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to impress. The best part? It all comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Flavor: Caramelized garlic cloves and a Parmesan-infused sauce make this dish irresistibly savory.
Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you won’t need to make a special trip to the store.
Versatile Pairings: Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even pasta for a complete meal.
Easy Cleanup: Everything cooks in one skillet, saving you time and effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper (to taste)
3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
½ cup all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, shredded
3-4 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 cloves garlic
3 tablespoons flour
2 ½ cups chicken broth
1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon)
1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon mustard powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Work

Before you start cooking, get everything ready:

Mix the Sauce Base: In a bowl, combine chicken broth, bouillon, soy sauce, onion powder, mustard powder, and thyme. Set aside.
Prepare the Dredge: On a plate, mix the flour and shredded Parmesan cheese. Measure out your other ingredients so everything is within reach.

Cut, Pound, Dredge, and Sear the Chicken

Slice each chicken breast into 2-3 thinner pieces.
Place the chicken slices in a gallon freezer bag or between sheets of plastic wrap. Use the textured side of a meat mallet to pound them to about ½ inch thick.
Pat the chicken completely dry. Season both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, tapping off any excess.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Set the seared chicken aside and leave the browned bits (fond) in the skillet—this will add incredible flavor to your sauce.

Make the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium or medium-low and melt the butter in the same skillet.
Add the garlic cloves and let them caramelize for about 6-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden and loses its raw smell.
Gradually pour in the chicken broth mixture while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese (if using) until melted and smooth.

Combine and Finish

Return the seared chicken to the skillet along with any juices that collected on the plate.
Spoon the sauce over the chicken pieces to coat them evenly.
Cover the skillet and let everything simmer on low for about 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken beautifully during this time.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Garlic Chicken pairs wonderfully with:

Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce is perfect for spooning over fluffy mashed potatoes.
Roasted Green Beans: Their crisp texture balances the richness of the dish.
Pasta: Toss some cooked fettuccine or penne directly into the sauce for an indulgent pasta dinner.
Rice: A bed of steamed rice soaks up all that garlicky goodness.

For an extra touch, sauté some mushrooms separately and stir them into the sauce just before serving. This adds even more depth of flavor without compromising their texture or color.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Every Time

Mastering the Sear: Adjust the heat as needed to get that golden crust without burning. If your chicken sticks to the pan, it’s not ready to flip yet—be patient!
Use Low-Sodium Broth: This gives you better control over the dish’s saltiness, especially if you’re using bouillon.
Customize Your Chicken: If your chicken breasts are smaller, use 3-4 instead of slicing larger ones.
Make It Your Own: Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra variety.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer:

This dish freezes beautifully! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

For best results:

From frozen: Reheat directly in the microwave.
From thawed: Warm leftovers in a lightly greased casserole dish at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 508 kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 37g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 111mg
Sodium: 1060mg
Potassium: 451mg
Fiber: 2g
Vitamin A: 887 IU
Vitamin C: 14mg
Calcium: 287mg
Iron: 3mg

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe is everything you want in a weeknight meal—quick, easy, and loaded with flavor. The caramelized garlic cloves elevate it from simple comfort food to something truly special. Plus, with its one-skillet preparation and versatile pairings, it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

So grab your skillet and give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it! And don’t forget to share your creations; I’d love to see how you make this dish your own!