Introduction
If you love comforting, cozy dinners that feel a little fancy but are actually easy to make, this Savory Garlic Chicken in a Creamy Sauce is going to be your new favorite. Tender chicken, rich garlic flavor, and a silky, creamy sauce come together in one pan in under 40 minutes.
This dish is a total winner because it’s:
- Quick enough for weeknights
- Rich and indulgent without being complicated
- Perfect with pasta, rice, or even crusty bread
It’s the kind of recipe that makes people ask, “Did you really make this at home?”
Ingredients (Shopping List)
For the Chicken
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6–8 cloves garlic, finely minced (fresh garlic is key here)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a gentle kick)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Essential Kitchen Tools & Appliances
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Tongs
- Small bowl (for seasoning chicken)
Preparation Steps (Barney Style 🦕)
- Pat the chicken dry using paper towels. This helps it brown nicely.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Mince the garlic finely and set it aside.
- Grate the Parmesan cheese fresh if possible—it melts better.
- Measure out all sauce ingredients so everything is ready to go.
Taking 5 minutes to prep makes cooking stress-free.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Secret tip: Don’t move the chicken too much—let it develop that golden crust.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Cream Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Add butter to the same pan.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30–40 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn).
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the pan (that’s flavor!).
- Add heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Step 3: Finish It Off
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over it.
- Simmer everything together for 5 minutes until creamy and rich.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy garlic chicken:
- Over buttered pasta or fettuccine
- With steamed rice or mashed potatoes
- Alongside roasted vegetables or garlic green beans
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for that restaurant-style look.
Additional Tips & Variations
- Make it healthier: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
- Keto-friendly: Serve with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles
- Extra flavor boost: Add a splash of white wine before the cream
- Mushroom lover? Sauté mushrooms with the garlic
Nutrition Details (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fat | 34 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16 g |
| Cholesterol | 155 mg |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
FAQ Section
Q: Can I store leftovers?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I reheat this dish?
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Thighs are even juicier and very flavorful.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
You can use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives, though flavor will change slightly.
Wrap-Up
This Savory Garlic Chicken in a Creamy Sauce is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s rich, cozy, and satisfying—perfect for family dinners or even date night at home.
Fun fact: Creamy garlic sauces are inspired by classic European pan sauces that were designed to use every flavorful bit left in the pan—nothing wasted, everything delicious.
Once you try it, this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. 🍗✨
