Creamy Garlic Chicken is a simple and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, garlicky sauce. The creamy texture and bold garlic flavor really make this meal stand out without needing a long list of ingredients.
I love making this when I want something cozy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The garlic gives it a lovely kick, and the sauce is so smooth and satisfying that it feels like a treat every time. I usually toss in a little fresh parsley at the end to brighten it up and add a splash of color.
My favorite way to serve Creamy Garlic Chicken is over a bed of warm rice or alongside some buttery mashed potatoes. It soaks up the sauce perfectly, and it’s also amazing with roasted veggies for an easy, balanced meal. This dish always brings smiles to the table, and I find it’s a great go-to whenever I want something both simple and special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: I recommend boneless, skinless ones for quick and even cooking. You can switch to thighs if you prefer juicier meat, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best for that strong, pure flavor. If you’re in a pinch, use garlic powder but add it later to avoid burning.
Mushrooms: White or cremini mushrooms add nice earthiness and texture. If mushrooms aren’t your thing, try spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist.
Heavy cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or coconut milk, but the sauce will be thinner.
Chicken broth: Homemade or low-sodium broth works well. Vegetable broth is a good substitute if you want to keep it lighter or vegetarian-friendly.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty depth. You can leave it out or swap for Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast if dairy-free.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Golden Without Overcooking?
Getting a golden crust without drying out the chicken is all about heat control and prep:
- Pat the chicken dry to avoid steaming it during cooking.
- Season well with salt, pepper, and paprika for added color and flavor.
- Heat the skillet first so it’s properly hot before adding the chicken.
- Cook the chicken on medium-high heat, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- Resist moving the chicken too soon—let the crust form for an even, browned surface.
- Once golden and cooked through, remove and let rest while you make the sauce to keep it juicy.
These steps help you get that lovely color and keep the meat tender and flavorful every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I recommend this because it gets hot quickly and gives the chicken a nice sear, plus it’s perfect for making the sauce right in the same pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keep things accurate, especially for the cream and broth.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – easy for chopping garlic, mushrooms, and herbs.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – ideal for stirring the sauce without scratching your skillet.
- Tongs or a spatula – helpful for flipping the chicken without tearing it.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Switch the mushrooms for sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to change the flavor profile and add more vegetables.
- Use grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese instead of Parmesan for a different cheesy touch.
- Add a splash of white wine when simmering the broth for a bit of acidity and extra flavor.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your sauce.
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms (white or cremini)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or rosemary, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamy garlic chicken takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend 10-15 minutes prepping and browning the chicken, and another 15 minutes simmering the sauce to perfection. It’s a quick meal that feels fancy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Brown the Chicken:
First, pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot. Add the chicken breasts and cook each side for about 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Garlic Mushroom Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until you can smell the garlic—it should be fragrant but not burnt. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook them until they soften and turn a nice golden brown, usually about 5 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and use a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the pan bottom. Let the broth simmer for 3-4 minutes so it reduces slightly.
3. Finish the Sauce and Combine:
Stir in the heavy cream, dried thyme, and Parmesan cheese if you’re using it. Let everything simmer gently until the sauce thickens just a bit, about 5 minutes. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors mix wonderfully. Taste and add a little more salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley or rosemary before serving.
Enjoy your creamy garlic chicken served with your favorite sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to fully thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking. This will help the chicken cook evenly and safely.
How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to keep the cheesy flavor without dairy.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Sure! You can cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and reheat before serving. Just keep them refrigerated and bring to a gentle simmer to warm through.