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Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

4.6 from 89 reviews

Creamy Garlic Chicken features tender, seared chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce infused with aromatic herbs and subtle hints of mustard and soy. This comforting skillet dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 10 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for sauce)
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 beef bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon beef base
  • 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken breasts very dry. Slice horizontally to create thinner cutlets about ½ to ¾ inch thick or pound to even thickness. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning. Lightly dredge the chicken in ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
  2. Sear Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken cutlets (in batches if needed) for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest.
  3. Sauté Aromatics & Build Roux: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter to the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits (fond). Add 10 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
  4. Create the Sauce Base: Gradually whisk in 2 ½ cups chicken broth, 1 beef bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon beef base, 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon mustard powder until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, whisking occasionally.
  5. Finish Creamy Sauce: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream and 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens slightly to your preferred consistency. Optionally, stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  6. Combine & Serve: Return the seared chicken cutlets to the skillet, placing them into the creamy garlic sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken and simmer gently on low heat for 3-5 minutes to warm through and let the flavors meld. Garnish generously with 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately alongside rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

  • For a spicier variation, add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
  • Ensure chicken is pounded or sliced evenly for consistent cooking.
  • Use low sodium chicken broth to better control salt levels.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently in a skillet.
  • Can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.

Keywords: creamy garlic chicken, chicken breast recipe, Parmesan chicken, garlic cream sauce, stovetop chicken dish, easy dinner recipe