Creamy Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate easy comfort food, this creamy garlic chicken recipe is a must-try. It’s made with simple ingredients, comes together in about 30 minutes, and is packed with garlic flavor and a rich, creamy sauce. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or a dish that feels special enough for guests, this one checks all the boxes.
Juicy, golden brown chicken breasts are pan-fried and smothered in a flavorful sauce made with heavy cream, chicken broth, and garlic. The result? A creamy garlic sauce that’s the real star of the show—thick, rich, and perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, zucchini noodles, or garlic bread.
This delicious recipe is easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve for a special occasion. Whether you’re cooking for the whole family or need a comforting meal at the end of a long day, this dish will surely become a family favorite.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it the perfect quick weeknight meal.
- Simple Ingredients – Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen.
- Incredible Garlic Flavor – This dish uses minced garlic (or whole garlic cloves).
- Creamy and Rich – The creamy garlic sauce beautifully coats the juicy chicken breasts.
- Versatile – Works with chicken cutlets, chicken tenders or boneless skinless chicken thighs.
- Pairs Well with Everything – Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a Caesar salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken
This easy recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand:
- Oil – Use your preferred oil for frying, but I prefer lard or tallow.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – If using large chicken breasts, slice them in half for even thickness or use chicken cutlets.
- Flour Mixture – All purpose flour helps create a crispy perfection on the sides of the chicken.
- Minced Garlic – If you prefer a smoother texture, swap minced garlic for whole garlic cloves to infuse the sauce with flavor without getting bits of garlic in every bite.
- Chicken Broth – Adds depth to the flavorful sauce (you can substitute with chicken stock if needed).
- Heavy Cream – Essential for a rich, creamy sauce.
- Thyme – Adds a subtle herby taste.
- Salt + Black Pepper – Crucial for flavorful chicken breast and sauce.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken
Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and black pepper to create the flour mixture.
- Use a sharp knife to cut boneless chicken breasts in half lengthwise for even thickness.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Dredge the chicken cutlets in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides of the chicken are evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken
- Pan fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked, tender chicken breasts.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Lower to medium heat and add garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir well. Then, add heavy cream and thyme.
- Let the cream sauce simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
Finish the Dish
- Return the juicy chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them in the creamy garlic sauce.
- Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the flavors meld together.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. For a finishing touch, sprinkle with dried or fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Use Chicken Thighs – If using boneless skinless chicken thighs, cook them for 5-6 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Want More Seasoning? – Add 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning for extra depth.
- Make Extra Sauce – If you love extra sauce, double the cream sauce and serve it over mashed potatoes or pasta.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken
This delicious recipe pairs well with:
- Mashed Potatoes – The best side to soak up that flavorful sauce.
- Green Beans or Pan Fried Asparagus – A great way to add veggies to your meal.
- Rosemary Garlic Rolls – Perfect for scooping up the extra sauce.
- Caesar Salad – A crisp, fresh balance to the creamy dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken stock instead of chicken broth? Absolutely! Chicken stock adds a richer flavor to the creamy garlic sauce.
- What if my chicken is too thick? Use a meat mallet to pound the large chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
- Can I add cheese? Yes! Stir in a 1/2 cup parmesan cheese mixture to make the cream sauce even richer.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftover creamy garlic chicken breast, here’s how to store it properly:
- Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to thin it out. Avoid microwaving on high heat, as it can cause the sauce to separate.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breast, or 4 chicken cutlets
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup oil
- 2 tablespoon minced garlic or use whole cloves
- 1 ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and black pepper to create the flour mixture.
- Use a sharp knife to cut boneless chicken breasts in half lengthwise for even thickness.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Dredge the chicken cutlets in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides of the chicken are evenly coated.
- Pan fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked, tender chicken breasts.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Lower to medium heat and add garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir well. Then, add heavy cream and thyme.
- Let the cream sauce simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
- Return the juicy chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them in the creamy garlic sauce.
- Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the flavors meld together.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. For a finishing touch, sprinkle with dried or fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs – If using boneless skinless chicken thighs, cook them for 5-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
- Want more seasoning? – Add 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning for extra depth.
- Make extra sauce – If you love extra sauce, double the cream sauce and serve it over mashed potatoes or pasta.
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About Sarah
Wife. Mother. From-Scratch Cook. Homemaker.
I’m Sarah, the creator of Rocky Hedge Farm, where I share my love for simple living, homemade meals, and creating a cozy home. As a wife and mother, I’m passionate about slowing down, cooking from scratch, and finding joy in the everyday moments of life. From DIY projects and family-friendly recipes, I hope to inspire others to embrace a life rooted in simplicity and warmth.
