Quick & Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe That Everyone Will Love

Whipping up a delightful garlic chicken can turn an ordinary weeknight meal into something spectacular.

Aromas of rich, roasted garlic will dance through your kitchen while this recipe promises comfort and flavor.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly in a velvety sauce that whispers culinary magic.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients combine to create something truly memorable.

Each bite promises a creamy, savory experience that feels both indulgent and approachable.

Our step-by-step guide ensures you’ll craft a dish that impresses without complicated techniques.

This recipe might just become your new go-to when you want something delicious yet uncomplicated.

Let’s make dinner extraordinary with these mouthwatering flavors waiting to surprise you.

Preparation Guide for Creamy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Mix Flavor Blast

• Italian herb seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Granulated garlic
• Flour

Shake the bag until everything gets cozy and well-mixed.

Step 2: Chicken Dancing in the Pan

Heat a nonstick skillet with butter and olive oil over medium heat.

Grab your chicken thighs and give them a quick pat dry with paper towels. Drop the chicken into the seasoned flour bag and shake until fully coated.

Slide the chicken into the hot skillet and cook each side until golden brown and internal temperature hits 165°F. Move the cooked chicken to a warm plate.

Step 3: Sauce Magic Begins

Lower the skillet heat and toss in smashed garlic. Stir quickly for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Pour in heavy cream and use a wooden spoon to scrape up those delicious browned bits. Add chicken broth and boost the heat to medium.

Let the sauce bubble and reduce by half, which takes around 10 minutes.

Step 4: Final Flavor Fusion

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.

Gently return chicken to the skillet and coat with the creamy garlic sauce. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Pro Tips for Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Pat chicken dry completely to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior when cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature, avoiding overcooking that leads to dryness.
• Scrape browned bits from the skillet for extra depth of flavor in the creamy sauce.
• Let the sauce reduce slowly to develop a rich, concentrated taste and perfect consistency.
• Opt for fresh parsley as a garnish to add a bright, fresh element to the rich, creamy dish.

Variations on Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Lean Protein Power: Swap chicken thighs with turkey breast or pork tenderloin for a leaner protein option with similar cooking techniques.
• Low-Carb Champion: Replace flour coating with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to create a keto-friendly version that maintains crispy exterior.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use ghee instead of butter to accommodate dairy-sensitive diners while preserving rich, creamy sauce.
• Mediterranean Magic: Transform the recipe by using Greek yogurt as a cream base, adding oregano and lemon zest for a bright, tangy Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Soak up the rich, creamy sauce with thick slices of toasted garlic bread, creating a perfect companion that complements the dish's intense flavors.
• Select a buttery, oak-aged Chardonnay that mirrors the creamy sauce's richness and balances the garlic's bold undertones with its smooth, velvety profile.
• Create a light, green vegetable accompaniment that cuts through the dish's heaviness, offering a fresh contrast and adding nutritional balance to the meal.
• Toss a light salad with a tangy vinaigrette to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy chicken, cleansing the palate between each decadent bite.

Storage Advice for Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Transfer leftover chicken and sauce to an airtight container, ensuring a tight seal. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
• Pack cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed to 165°F.

FAQs

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken thigh. The meat should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts. Just ensure they are similar in thickness for even cooking. Adjust cooking time slightly as breasts might cook faster than thighs.

• What if I don't have Italian herb seasoning?

Create a simple blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions. If you’re missing one herb, it’s okay to use what you have available.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Overview

• Savor Quick Culinary Comfort: This creamy garlic chicken delivers restaurant-quality flavor without complicated techniques, making gourmet cooking accessible for home chefs of all skill levels.
• Master Versatile Meal Preparation: Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this recipe adapts seamlessly to different dining scenarios while satisfying diverse taste preferences.
• Elevate Flavor with Minimal Ingredients: Using simple pantry staples like herbs, cream, and chicken, you can transform basic components into a rich, sophisticated meal that feels indulgent yet straightforward to create.
• Maximize Cooking Efficiency: The one-skillet approach minimizes cleanup, allowing you to prepare a delicious meal without generating excessive dishes or spending extensive time in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Tender pieces of meat that form the core of this creamy and flavorful dish.

• Italian Herb Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper, Granulated Garlic, Flour: A well-balanced mixture that creates a delicious coating for the chicken and helps develop a rich flavor profile.

• Butter, Olive Oil: A combination that provides a golden-brown sear and adds depth to the chicken's exterior.

• Garlic: Smashed cloves that infuse the sauce with a robust and intense flavor.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Creamy components that create a luxurious and silky sauce with a savory base.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright herb that adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes to the finished dish.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering creamy garlic chicken delivers restaurant-quality comfort straight to home kitchens. Rich parmesan sauce and tender chicken create an irresistible meal you will crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds (907 g) of skinless (boneless chicken thighs)
• 1/4 cup (30 g) of all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) of unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) of olive oil
• 8 cloves of garlic (peeled and smashed (approximately 1/4 cup lightly packed))
• 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 ml) of chicken broth
• 1 tsp of Italian herb seasoning or a preferred blend of equivalent herbs
• 1/2 tsp of salt (adjusted to taste)
• 1/4 tsp of freshly ground black pepper (adjusted to taste)
• 1/4 tsp of granulated garlic
• 1 tbsp of freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Create a zesty flour blend by mixing Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, and flour inside a large resealable plastic bag. Thoroughly combine the dry ingredients by gently shaking the bag.
2. Heat butter and olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium temperature. Blot chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then coat them completely in the seasoned flour mixture by shaking the sealed bag. Carefully place chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring complete cooking.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium-low and quickly sauté smashed garlic for approximately 60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, using a wooden spoon to scrape up caramelized pan drippings for enhanced flavor complexity.
4. Introduce chicken broth to the skillet and increase heat to medium. Bring the sauce to a rolling boil, stirring periodically. Allow liquid to reduce by half, which typically takes around 10 minutes, creating a rich, concentrated sauce.
5. Taste the garlic cream sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Gently return chicken to the skillet, coating each piece thoroughly with the velvety sauce. Warm chicken completely, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.

Notes

• Shake the seasoned flour mixture in a sealed bag to ensure even, light coverage on chicken, preventing clumping and creating a delicate crispy exterior.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe cooking without drying out the meat.
• Intentionally collect those delicious browned bits when making the sauce, as they intensify the overall flavor profile and add depth to the creamy sauce.
• Brief, gentle sautéing of garlic prevents burning and releases subtle, sweet aromatics that enhance the sauce’s complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 482 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 407 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg