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Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

4.8 from 71 reviews

This Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich and velvety garlic Parmesan sauce. Infused with Italian seasoning, garlic, and aromatic herbs, this comforting skillet dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The silky sauce is made by building a flavorful roux, then simmered with chicken broth, cream, and Parmesan for a luscious finish that pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce

  • 10 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for sauce)
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 beef bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon beef base
  • 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

For Garnish (Optional)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts very dry. Slice horizontally to create thinner cutlets about ½ to ¾ inch thick or pound them to an even thickness. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Lightly dredge the chicken in ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
  2. Sear Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts, working in batches if necessary, for 4 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer the chicken to a plate and loosely tent with foil to keep warm and rest.
  3. Sauté Aromatics & Build Roux: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter to the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan. Add the 10 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux.
  4. Create the Sauce Base: Gradually whisk in 2 ½ cups of chicken broth along with 1 beef bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon beef base, 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon mustard powder. Whisk the mixture until smooth and without lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, whisking occasionally to combine flavors.
  5. Finish Creamy Sauce: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream and 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce is fully incorporated. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly to your desired consistency. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, if using, to brighten the flavors.
  6. Combine & Serve: Return the seared chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy garlic sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken and simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes over low heat to warm through and meld flavors. Garnish generously with 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

  • For even cooking, pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness is recommended.
  • Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
  • The beef bouillon adds depth of flavor but can be substituted with chicken bouillon if preferred.
  • You can omit the soy sauce to reduce sodium or for dietary restrictions.
  • The sauce can be thickened further by simmering longer or adding more flour during roux creation.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop to avoid curdling the sauce.
  • Optional red pepper flakes can be added for a mild heat variation.

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