Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning blend, or seasoning blend of choice; 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs; 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 8 garlic cloves, or more as needed, peeled and smashed, about 1/4 cup lightly packed; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; Fresh parsley (optional)

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning (or seasoning blend of choice)
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed (about 1/4 cup lightly packed)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: In a 1-gallon resealable plastic bag, combine the Italian herb seasoning, salt, pepper, granulated garlic, and flour. Seal the bag and shake to mix thoroughly.

Step 2: In a large nonstick skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Place them in the bag of seasoned flour, seal it, and toss the chicken pieces to coat them evenly.

Step 4: Once the butter stops sizzling, add the chicken thighs to the skillet. Cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes, or until golden brown and the center is no longer pink. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165F (74C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to keep warm.

Step 5: In the same skillet, add the smashed garlic cloves. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the garlic, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute or until fragrant.

Step 6: Add the heavy cream to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the chicken broth and bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Let the sauce cook for about 10 minutes, or until it reduces by half.

Step 8: Taste the garlic cream sauce and adjust the seasoning, if needed.

Step 9: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Stir to combine, and allow the chicken to heat through.

Step 10: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve the chicken with the creamy garlic sauce.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 731
Total Fat: 52g (66% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 24g (119% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 360mg (120% Daily Value)
Sodium: 916mg (40% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 11g (4% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (2% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 2g
Protein: 59g (117% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 3mg (3% Daily Value)
Calcium: 87mg (7% Daily Value)
Iron: 3mg (17% Daily Value)
Potassium: 727mg (15% Daily Value)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your individual calorie needs. If following a medically restrictive diet, consult your doctor or a registered dietitian before preparing this recipe.

The Story Behind Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken, as the name suggests, is a dish that highlights the rich, aromatic flavor of garlic combined with a velvety cream sauce. While its precise origins are difficult to pinpoint, it is widely believed to have evolved from classic French and American home cooking traditions. Garlic has been a staple ingredient in European cuisines for centuries, often used to enhance meats and sauces. In American kitchens, combining garlic with cream and chicken became popular in the late 20th century as a convenient yet indulgent dish for weeknight dinners.

Regional Variations

This dish has seen subtle regional adaptations, particularly across North America and Europe. In Southern United States cooking, it is common to use heavy cream with butter and incorporate herbs like thyme or parsley for a richer flavor. In contrast, Italian-American versions may include Parmesan cheese, white wine, or Italian seasoning blends. Some versions in the Pacific Northwest incorporate local mushrooms, while Southern California versions might add a touch of lemon or sun-dried tomatoes to brighten the sauce.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Creamy Garlic Chicken is often compared to dishes like Chicken Alfredo or Garlic Butter Chicken. Unlike Chicken Alfredo, which primarily relies on pasta and a cheese-based sauce, Creamy Garlic Chicken focuses on the sauce enveloping the chicken itself, with a minimal or optional accompaniment of noodles. Compared to Garlic Butter Chicken, which uses less cream and often a more straightforward pan sauce, this dish emphasizes a rich, thick, and silky cream sauce that reduces slightly to concentrate flavors. Its unique balance of garlic intensity and creamy texture sets it apart.

Typical Serving Contexts

This dish is a popular choice in home kitchens and casual dining restaurants. It is commonly served over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice to soak up the luscious sauce. In bistro-style settings, it may appear as a plated entree garnished with fresh herbs. Its simplicity and comfort-food appeal make it a favorite for family dinners, holiday meals, or weekend gatherings where a warm, flavorful dish is desired.

Interesting Facts

Garlic is known for its natural health benefits, including antimicrobial properties, which makes this dish both flavorful and nourishing.
The technique of cooking the garlic briefly before adding cream helps preserve its aroma and prevents bitterness, a trick borrowed from classic French cuisine.
Many cooks personalize the recipe by adding mushrooms, spinach, or white wine, demonstrating its versatility and ability to pair with a variety of ingredients.
Creamy Garlic Chicken has become a social media favorite for its photogenic sauce and golden-brown chicken, inspiring countless home cooks to share their variations online.
The dishs appeal lies in its simplicity: just one pan is needed, yet it delivers restaurant-quality flavor, making it a time-efficient yet indulgent meal.

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FAQ about Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Store any leftover creamy garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce from thickening too much.

Yes, you can freeze the creamy garlic chicken for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, adding extra cream or broth if needed.

Yes, chicken breasts can be substituted for chicken thighs. However, breasts tend to be drier, so make sure not to overcook them. You may want to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For a dairy-free option, you could use coconut milk, though it will change the flavor profile of the dish.

Creamy garlic chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with sautéed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.

To thicken the sauce, you can simmer it for a longer period to reduce the liquid further. Alternatively, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) and stir it into the sauce.

This recipe is not inherently spicy. However, you can easily add a little heat by incorporating red pepper flakes or a small amount of hot sauce into the garlic cream sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and the sauce ahead of time. Cook the chicken and the sauce as directed, then store it separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken in the sauce until it's warmed through.

If your garlic cream sauce turns out too salty, try adding a splash of unsalted chicken broth or cream to balance the flavors. You can also add a pinch of sugar to counteract the saltiness.

Comments

PlushTaco6084

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Fabulous chicken! I sautéed mushrooms then added them to simmer in the sauce for a few minutes and it was delicious!

Sue Egan Wyatt

11/20/2024 12:42:13 AM

I followed the recipe precisely except for using boneless, skinless breasts sliced into thinner pieces. I also doubled the butter and oil for frying the meat because I had a really large pan and needed more coverage. (That didn't seem to affect the cream sauce.) My family really scarfed the meal, and my super-fussy autistic son said, "I'd have that any time!" Thanks for a great recipe!

Matt Cullimore

04/09/2025 08:01:47 PM

It was good the first time I made it, but afterwards I was thinking....I made it again with mushrooms and I used white wine (sauvignon blanc) in the sauce with linguine it was amazing!!! Thank you Brenda!!!

LilacSeed4913

12/09/2024 01:42:53 AM

I went with a chipotle blend for the chicken, otherwise I followed the recipe. It was wonderful. I tossed it all together with some noodles and served with a salad.

HardyClam8488

04/25/2025 05:16:18 AM

I used smaller chicken bites (it's what we already had) and added mushrooms. Other than that, I made it as directed and put it with a little pasta. I will make it again. It could be made ahead of time and combined when eaten.

Diane Roberts

04/14/2025 09:46:30 PM

My friends couldn’t stop complimenting it.

Vicky Lee

03/03/2025 07:48:58 PM

I didn't make any changes to the recipe. The sauce tastes great. I'm making egg noodles to serve it over 😋

Emma Baker

02/14/2025 08:05:16 PM

OMG, so good I cried 😱

Elizabeth Evans

12/26/2024 05:56:46 PM

Can’t believe how easy it was 😍

BETTY BAKER

08/12/2024 11:48:20 PM

Recipe was very good.

VividChip5382

07/22/2024 12:18:38 AM

Absolutely delicious! I didn’t modify a thing, and it was perfect. The juicy chicken thighs were a great pairing with the creamy, garlicky sauce. Will happily make again.

BlueBrie5455

07/14/2024 11:36:36 PM

Easy Sunday meal and tastes great

busyme

07/02/2024 03:51:22 AM

I added baby spinach to the sauce before returning chicken to the skillet. My youngest teenager requested this be added to our meal rotation. Delicious!! Served with mashed potatoes and sautéed broccoli.

Grandma Beckner

06/27/2024 12:27:56 AM

Oh my word, this was phenomenal!

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