If you’ve ever craved a comforting dinner that delivers on both flavor and velvety texture, this Creamy Garlic Chicken is the answer to your mealtime prayers. Imagine juicy, seasoned chicken nestled in a lavish sauce, brimming with savory garlic, parmesan, and a touch of Dijon — every forkful is pure joy. Whether you want to elevate a weeknight meal or impress guests, this is the kind of dish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Garlic Chicken lies in its simple, fuss-free ingredient list. Every component is chosen for a reason — from the paprika-enhanced flour coating to the final flourish of lemon and parsley, each one creates a symphony of flavor and warmth on your plate.

Chicken Breasts: Sliced horizontally for thin, quick-cooking “steaks” that soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
Salt & Cracked Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that brings out the natural flavor of the chicken.
Sweet Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a hint of color to the crust.
Onion Powder: Subtle savoriness that complements the garlic in the sauce.
Dried Thyme: Lends aromatic, earthy notes for a herby undertone.
All-Purpose Flour: Coats the chicken to create a light, golden crust and helps thicken the sauce.
Olive Oil & Unsalted Butter: The combination gives flavor and helps achieve the perfect sear for your chicken.
Freshly Minced Garlic: The undeniable star of the show — pungent, aromatic, and utterly irresistible.
Chicken Stock: De-glazes the pan and builds depth into the sauce.
Heavy Cream (Double Cream): Brings the luxurious, rich texture essential for any true creamy chicken dish.
Dijon Mustard: Adds just the right hint of tang and complexity.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated for umami richness and to help thicken the sauce.
Extra Salt & Pepper: To finish, ensuring every bite is savory and well-balanced.
Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Rice, or Pasta: The perfect base for soaking up all that gorgeous sauce.
Steamed Greens: For color and a welcome contrast to the dish’s richness.
Chopped Parsley & Lemon Wedges: Finishing touches for freshness and zing.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Season and Flour the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken “steaks” generously with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, sweet paprika, onion powder, and dried thyme. Give both sides a nice massage with the seasonings, then press each piece into a shallow dish of flour until totally coated. This not only provides a delicate crunch but also helps the sauce stick in the most delightful way.

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large, deep frying pan set over medium–high heat. Once the liquids are shimmering, add your floured chicken pieces. Let each side cook for 5 to 6 minutes until just cooked through, turning once mid-way. The goal here is a golden, flavorful crust while keeping the meat tender inside. Transfer your beautiful chicken to a plate and set aside — it’s about to get even better.

Step 3: Start the Sauce Base

Without cleaning the pan (all those crispy bits are pure flavor gold), drop in the second tablespoon of butter. As soon as it’s melted, add your minced garlic, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds. The garlic will sizzle and become fragrant, lending its aroma to the buttery base of the sauce.

Step 4: Deglaze and Build Creamy Goodness

Pour chicken stock into the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the stock bubble and reduce for a minute or two, concentrating the savory flavor. Next, pour in the cream and swirl in the Dijon mustard. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for two minutes until it thickens a bit and the aroma fills your kitchen — that’s the Creamy Garlic Chicken magic happening right there!

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish

Sprinkle grated parmesan into your bubbling sauce, stirring well to melt it in. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Finally, nestle your cooked chicken back in, spooning sauce over the top. Let everything heat together for 2 to 3 more minutes — just long enough for the chicken to soak up that dreamy, garlicky gravy. Serve immediately and savor every creamy bite!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley and a few lemon wedges make all the difference! The parsley adds a fresh, grassy pop of color and the lemon gives a little brightness to the cream, cutting through any richness for the perfect balance.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Garlic Chicken practically begs for a plush pile of mashed potatoes, fluffy steamed rice, or a tangle of pasta. These sides soak up every last drop of sauce, transforming a simple dish into an utterly decadent meal. Serve with steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus for a pleasing crunch and vibrant contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and fanning it over your starch of choice, then drizzle the sauce with flair right before serving. If you want to impress, present the chicken in a shallow serving bowl with the greens and potatoes or rice nestled beside and a dramatic shower of parmesan and parsley on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your cooled Creamy Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to spoon plenty of sauce over the chicken to keep it juicy.

Freezing

Cream-based sauces sometimes separate during freezing, but this dish holds up surprisingly well. Let it cool completely, then freeze the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat Creamy Garlic Chicken in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, stirring the sauce occasionally. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of cream or chicken stock until it regains its original silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay even juicier. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as thighs may take a minute or two longer.

What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon, a little yellow mustard or even a teaspoon of white wine vinegar can be used for tang, though Dijon truly brings the best balance to Creamy Garlic Chicken.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, swap half the heavy cream for evaporated milk or just use a lighter cream. You’ll lose some richness, but the flavor will still shine through — and it’s still wonderfully satisfying!

Can I add mushrooms or spinach?

Yes! Feel free to sauté sliced mushrooms or toss in a few handfuls of baby spinach when you add the garlic or just before finishing the sauce. They’re natural partners for Creamy Garlic Chicken and add extra texture and nutrition.

How can I make Creamy Garlic Chicken ahead for a dinner party?

Prepare the recipe right up to the point of combining the chicken and sauce. Cool, then refrigerate. Reheat gently in a skillet just before serving, thinning the sauce with a splash more stock or cream as needed. Garnish fresh for a restaurant-worthy presentation!

Final Thoughts

This might just become your new go-to comfort dish! Give Creamy Garlic Chicken a try and watch it turn any ordinary evening into something special. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like heaven — what more could anyone want?