✨ Introduction
If comfort food had a flavor, this would be it.
Creamy Garlic Chicken is rich, cozy, and packed with buttery garlic flavor wrapped in a silky cream sauce. It tastes fancy enough for guests but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
The best part?
👉 One pan
👉 30 minutes
👉 Simple ingredients
👉 Restaurant-style results
Golden seared chicken + creamy garlic sauce = pure magic.
🛒 Ingredients (Exact Measurements)
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 lbs)
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour (light coating)
Sauce
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8–10 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp dried thyme or oregano
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp lemon juice (brightens flavor)
🔪 Essential Kitchen Tools & Appliances
- Large skillet or cast iron pan
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups & Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Garlic Press (optional)
- Stove
🥣 Preparation Steps (Barney Style – Super Simple)
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Lightly coat each piece with flour (helps sauce stick).
- Mince garlic and chop parsley.
- Measure all ingredients ahead — makes cooking stress-free.
🔥 Cooking Instructions (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Sear Chicken
- Heat olive oil + butter in skillet over medium-high heat
- Add chicken
- Cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden
- Remove and set aside
Step 2 – Garlic Base
- Lower heat to medium
- Add garlic
- Cook 30–45 seconds only (don’t burn)
Step 3 – Make the Sauce
- Pour in broth → scrape brown bits (flavor gold!)
- Add cream + cheese + herbs
- Whisk until smooth
- Simmer 3–4 minutes
Step 4 – Finish
- Return chicken to pan
- Spoon sauce over top
- Cover and simmer 6–8 minutes until cooked through (165°F internal)
Secret Tips
✅ Don’t overcrowd the pan
✅ Fresh garlic > jarred
✅ Let sauce simmer gently, not boil
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This chicken loves company! Try:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Butter rice or garlic rice
- Pasta or fettuccine
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Crusty bread for dipping
Garnish ideas:
- Fresh parsley
- Extra parmesan
- Cracked pepper
- Chili flakes
⭐ Additional Tips & Variations
Flavor Boosters
- Add mushrooms
- Stir in spinach
- Splash white wine before cream
- Add sun-dried tomatoes
Healthier Swaps
- Half-and-half instead of heavy cream
- Greek yogurt (stir in at end)
- Light cream cheese
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat
Dietary Adjustments
- Gluten-free: skip flour or use cornstarch
- Keto: no flour + extra cheese
- Dairy-free: coconut cream + nutritional yeast
🥗 Nutrition Details (Per Serving – Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 40 g |
| Carbs | 7 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Saturated Fat | 17 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
❓ FAQ Section
Can I store leftovers?
Yes! Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, but cream sauce may separate slightly. Reheat slowly.
What if sauce is too thick?
Add splash of broth or milk.
Too thin?
Simmer longer or add extra parmesan.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely — they stay even juicier.
💛 Wrap-Up
Creamy Garlic Chicken is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s quick, comforting, and always impressive — the kind of dish that makes people ask, “Can I get this recipe?”
Fun fact: garlic cream sauces like this started as classic European farmhouse cooking — simple pantry ingredients turned into something luxurious.
Give it a try tonight… and don’t forget extra bread for that sauce 😉
Happy cooking!
