There are few dishes as satisfying and comforting as Creamy Garlic Chicken. Juicy, golden seared chicken breasts meet a silky garlic parmesan cream sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The best part? This restaurant-worthy dish comes together in less than 20 minutes, making it a true lifesaver for busy weeknights.
It’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent without being overly complicated, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides—fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery pasta, or even simple steamed rice. Add some crisp steamed greens on the side, and you’ve got a balanced, crowd-pleasing dinner you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Flavor-Packed: The garlic parmesan cream sauce is rich, savory, and comforting.
- Versatile: Pair it with pasta, rice, or potatoes—whatever you have on hand.
- Family-Friendly: A mild yet flavorful dish that’s loved by adults and kids alike.
- Restaurant Quality at Home: Elegant enough for date night, but simple enough for weeknight cooking.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half horizontally to make 4 steaks)
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ¼ cup (35 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Sauce
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
- ½ cup (125 ml) chicken stock
- 300 ml (10 fl oz) heavy cream (double cream)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ cup (50 g) grated parmesan
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
To Serve
- Mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or pasta
- Steamed greens
- 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season and Coat the Chicken
Sprinkle the chicken steaks with salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and thyme. Press each piece into the flour so that all sides are evenly coated.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium–high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes total, turning halfway through, until golden and just cooked through. Remove and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Sauce
In the same pan, melt the additional 1 tablespoon butter. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken stock and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until reduced by half.
Step 4: Add Cream and Flavor
Stir in the cream and Dijon mustard. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 2 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly. Add parmesan cheese, stirring until melted into the sauce. Season to taste.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for 2–3 minutes until heated through. Spoon sauce over the chicken, then garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta alongside steamed greens for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Even Cooking: Cut chicken breasts into even-sized steaks so they cook uniformly.
- Don’t Overcook: Remove chicken once just cooked—overcooking makes it dry.
- Thicker Sauce: Simmer the cream longer or add extra parmesan.
- Make Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently, then combined with freshly seared chicken.
- Garlic Flavor: Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor—jarred garlic won’t taste the same.
Variations to Try
- Herb Swap: Try fresh basil, oregano, or rosemary instead of thyme.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in some mozzarella for extra creaminess.
- Protein Twist: Swap chicken with turkey cutlets or even pork chops.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.
Serving Ideas
- Over creamy mashed potatoes with roasted asparagus.
- Tossed with fettuccine for an indulgent pasta dinner.
- With fluffy white rice and steamed broccoli.
- Alongside garlic bread for a cozy family meal.
- With a fresh green salad for a lighter option.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.
How can I thicken the sauce more?
Simmer longer, or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water for a quicker thickening option.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, though it’s best fresh. If reheating, warm gently to avoid splitting the sauce.
Can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of cream, though the sauce won’t be as rich.
What wine pairs best with this dish?
A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc balances the creaminess.
Wrapping It Up
This Creamy Garlic Chicken is proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something delicious and comforting. The combination of tender chicken and luscious garlic parmesan sauce makes it a dish you’ll want to add to your weekly rotation. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal at home in just 20 minutes.
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut in half horizontally to make 4 steaks)
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ¼ cup 35 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Sauce
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
- ½ cup 125 ml chicken stock
- 300 ml 10 fl oz heavy cream (double cream)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ cup 50 g grated parmesan
- Salt and black pepper to taste
To Serve
- Mashed potatoes steamed rice, or pasta
- Steamed greens
- 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Coat the Chicken
- Sprinkle the chicken steaks with salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, and thyme. Press each piece into the flour so that all sides are evenly coated.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium–high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes total, turning halfway through, until golden and just cooked through. Remove and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Sauce
- In the same pan, melt the additional 1 tablespoon butter. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken stock and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until reduced by half.
Step 4: Add Cream and Flavor
- Stir in the cream and Dijon mustard. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 2 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly. Add parmesan cheese, stirring until melted into the sauce. Season to taste.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
- Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for 2–3 minutes until heated through. Spoon sauce over the chicken, then garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta alongside steamed greens for a complete meal.
Leave a Comment