Introduction: Why This Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe Belongs in Your Weekly Dinner Plan
If you’re searching for a dinner that’s both rich in flavor and quick to prepare, this creamy garlic chicken with Parmesan crust is a must-try. Perfectly golden chicken breasts are nestled in a velvety garlic cream sauce, finished with Italian herbs and freshly grated cheese. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like something from a restaurant but comes together in just one skillet at home.
This recipe is ideal for weeknights when you want something comforting yet elevated. The chicken is seared to lock in juices, while a simple roux-based sauce made with butter, garlic, and heavy cream creates a luscious base that clings to every bite. The addition of Parmesan cheese, a staple in countless classic dishes, not only thickens the sauce but adds a savory, umami-rich depth. Learn more about how Parmesan enhances recipes in Parmesan cheese. Meanwhile, garlic takes center stage — not just as an aromatic, but as the signature flavor in the sauce. If you’re curious about its versatility in savory cooking, see garlic in culinary use.
What sets this dish apart is how well it adapts to any setting — it’s cozy enough for family meals yet elegant enough for guests. Want to explore similar recipes that start in a skillet and end in smiles? Take a look at these creamy garlic chicken meals for more ideas. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or a bed of mashed potatoes, this garlic-Parmesan chicken will quickly become a repeat favorite.
What Makes Creamy Garlic Chicken So Irresistible?
There’s something universally comforting about the combination of garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese — especially when it’s paired with tender, seared chicken. This dish hits every note: crispy golden edges, a savory, garlicky aroma, and a silky sauce that coats the chicken and whatever you choose to serve it with. It feels indulgent but is simple enough to pull together in one pan on a busy night.
The appeal of this creamy garlic chicken lies not just in flavor, but in texture and technique. Pan-searing the chicken creates a light crust and seals in moisture, while the sauce builds on a foundation of butter, flour, and chicken broth. This is known as a roux-based sauce, a French technique for thickening with fat and flour. To understand the role of roux in cream sauces, see roux-based sauces. It’s an efficient, foolproof way to get that restaurant-style sauce consistency at home.
This recipe is endlessly adaptable — perfect as a base for creative variations. For more quick and comforting dinner ideas like this, check out easy chicken dinner inspiration for more one-skillet solutions. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a family, this dish delivers rich flavor and flexibility.
Ingredient Breakdown: Simple, Classic, and Full of Flavor
Each component in this dish contributes to its full-bodied flavor and creamy finish:
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Chicken Breasts (4 boneless, skinless):
Lean protein with a juicy texture when pan-seared. Read more about its culinary role in chicken breast in cuisine. -
Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder:
Basic but essential seasoning to bring out the chicken’s natural flavor. -
Olive Oil (2 tbsp):
For searing — adds a smooth, lightly fruity taste. Learn about its culinary benefits in olive oil in cooking. -
Butter (3 tbsp):
Adds richness and builds the base for the sauce. -
Garlic (6 cloves, minced):
Bold and aromatic — essential to the dish’s identity. Explore more at garlic. -
Flour (1 tbsp):
Thickens the sauce when combined with butter — essential for roux. -
Chicken Broth (1¼ cups):
Adds savory depth and balances the richness of the cream. -
Heavy Cream (1 cup):
Creates a velvety, luxurious texture. Related styles in cream sauces. -
Parmesan Cheese (½ cup):
Sharp, salty, and nutty — perfect for melting into sauce. Learn more from Parmesan cheese. -
Italian Seasoning (½ tsp):
A classic blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that complements the garlic and cheese. -
Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional):
Adds a pop of color and freshness as garnish.
Looking for more meal ideas using these ingredients? Browse skillet chicken dinner ideas for creative ways to use cream, garlic, and cheese in weeknight meals.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Season the Chicken:
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Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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Sear the Chicken:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through.
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Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
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Make the Sauce Base:
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Reduce heat to medium.
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Add butter to the skillet and melt. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
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Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
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Build the Cream Sauce:
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Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking.
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Simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
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Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3–4 minutes more.
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Return Chicken to Sauce:
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Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet.
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Spoon sauce over the top and let simmer 2–3 minutes more to infuse flavor.
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Garnish and Serve:
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Top with chopped parsley if desired.
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Serve hot with pasta, rice, or your favorite vegetable side.
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For more creamy chicken pairings, explore Parmesan chicken recipe boards for side dish inspiration.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Try these modifications to suit your taste or dietary needs:
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Add-Ins:
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Mushrooms, baby spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes
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Crushed red pepper for heat
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Protein Swaps:
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Use boneless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat
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Pork chops or shrimp also pair well with this sauce
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Dairy-Free:
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Use full-fat coconut milk in place of cream
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Nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan
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Gluten-Free:
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Replace flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend
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Looking for low-carb or keto alternatives? Check creamy garlic chicken meals for adjusted versions with fewer carbs and sugars.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative. They stay juicy during cooking and absorb the creamy garlic sauce well. Just adjust cooking time to ensure internal temp reaches 165°F.
Q2: How do I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, simmer a bit longer to reduce it naturally, or add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and whisk into the sauce.
Q3: Can I prep this creamy garlic chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can cook the chicken and sauce separately, store in the fridge, and reheat gently on the stove. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce when reheating.
Q4: What can I use instead of Italian seasoning?
A homemade mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary works well. You can also use just fresh thyme or parsley if you prefer simpler herb notes.
Q5: Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Portion it out with pasta or rice in containers and reheat as needed. It’s a great option for make-ahead weekday lunches.
The Tender Garlic Chicken in Cream Sauce – Quick and Delicious
Description
This creamy garlic chicken features perfectly seared chicken breasts in a rich, velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce made with heavy cream, butter, and Italian herbs — ready in under 30 minutes and ideal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle in the flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir and simmer the sauce for 3 to 4 minutes until creamy and well combined.
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to blend.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot with pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Notes
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Avoid overcooking the chicken — use a thermometer for precision
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Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor
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Heavy cream gives the sauce body; don’t substitute with milk
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Double the sauce for extra richness if serving over pasta
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Let the sauce simmer gently to avoid separation
