There’s something deeply comforting about a skillet of tender chicken bathed in creamy garlic sauce.
I’ve turned to this creamy garlic chicken recipe countless times when I need a quick but elegant dinner.
The buttery richness of the cream, the bold aroma of garlic, and the salty kick of parmesan all come together in perfect harmony.
It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy—but takes less than 30 minutes to make.
Whether it’s for a weeknight meal or a cozy dinner with friends, this one never lets me down.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Silky, creamy garlic sauce with bold flavor
Crispy, golden chicken breast in every bite
Comes together in one skillet, under 30 minutes
Customizable with spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes
A crowd-pleaser served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Chicken breasts – I use small to medium pieces for quicker, even cooking.
Olive oil – Helps achieve that perfect golden crust.
Garlic – Freshly minced for intense aroma.
Cream – Light or heavy cream both work for a luscious sauce.
Parmesan – Salty and rich, melts right into the sauce.
Italian seasoning – Adds herby depth.
Spinach (optional) – For a bit of freshness and color.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Pound thick chicken breasts to even thickness so they cook evenly.
Let the cooked chicken rest before returning it to the sauce—it locks in moisture.
Don’t skip searing! It builds that golden flavor base in the pan.
Use fresh garlic, not garlic powder, for the most flavorful sauce.
Light cream makes the dish a little lighter, but heavy cream yields a richer result.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Lower the heat to medium.
Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Italian seasoning and parmesan, whisking until the sauce is smooth.
Fold in chopped spinach (if using), and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
Spoon the creamy sauce over the top.
Simmer everything together for 1 minute.
Serve hot with your favorite side—pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
What to Serve It With
Buttery mashed potatoes
Al dente fettuccine or linguine
Steamed broccoli or green beans
Roasted baby carrots or Brussels sprouts
Warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce
Variations / Substitutions
Swap chicken breast for boneless thighs for extra juiciness.
Use coconut cream instead of dairy cream for a dairy-free version.
Add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Try different cheeses like Romano or Asiago.
Sprinkle red pepper flakes if you like a spicy kick.
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream.
Freezing not recommended – the sauce may separate after thawing.
FAQs
Can I make this with pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Just slice and warm the chicken in the sauce during the final step.
Can I use half-and-half instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a little cornstarch slurry if needed.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer—165°F is the safe internal temperature.
Can I double the sauce?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for tossing with pasta or spooning over veggies.
Is it okay to skip spinach?
Yes, it’s optional—but it adds freshness and a pop of green.
Can I make this ahead?
You can cook everything in advance, then gently reheat just before serving.
What herbs can I use instead of Italian seasoning?
A mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and parsley works beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This creamy garlic chicken recipe has become one of my weeknight heroes.
It’s flavorful, quick, and versatile—and I always get asked for the recipe.
There’s just something magical about tender chicken coated in velvety garlic sauce.
Once you try it, it’ll earn a permanent place in your dinner rotation too.
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
- Lower heat and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Pour in cream and stir.
- Add seasoning and parmesan; stir until smooth.
- Add spinach if using and simmer briefly.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/creamy-garlic-chicken/
