Dinner

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally to make 4 steaks; 1 tsp salt; ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper; 1 tsp sweet paprika; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp dried thyme; ¼ cup (35 g) plain (all-purpose) flour; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp unsalted butter (divided); 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic; ½ cup (125 ml) chicken stock; 300 ml (10 fl oz) thickened (heavy) cream; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese; Sea salt flakes, to taste; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; Mashed potatoes, steamed rice or pasta; Steamed greens; 1 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley; Lemon wedges

ByLana Polati January 22, 2026January 22, 2026

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Introduction

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that comes together in just 20 minutes. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a spiced flour mix, seared to perfection, and then simmered in a rich garlic cream sauce. It’s ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

A white plate shows a meal with three main parts: green beans on the top right, creamy mashed potatoes on the top left with a little pool of brown gravy on it, and a golden brown grilled chicken patty covered with light brown gravy in the center bottom. The chicken patty has small green herb pieces sprinkled on it. The whole dish rests on a white marbled surface with a light brown woven mat underneath part of the plate. On the right side near the plate, there are wooden utensils, and a woman's hand holding a fork is reaching towards the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally to make 4 steaks
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried thyme
¼ cup (35 g) plain (all-purpose) flour
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
½ cup (125 ml) chicken stock
300 ml (10 fl oz) thickened (heavy) cream
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan
Sea salt flakes, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Mashed potatoes, steamed rice or pasta, to serve
Steamed greens, to serve
1 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
Lemon wedges, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Sprinkle the chicken pieces evenly with salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, onion powder, and dried thyme. Press them into the flour to coat all sides thoroughly.
Step 2: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large, deep frying pan over medium–high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, turning once halfway, until just cooked through and golden.
Step 3: Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Step 4: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken stock and cook for 1–2 minutes until reduced by at least half. Then stir in the cream and Dijon mustard, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Stir the grated Parmesan into the sauce and season with sea salt flakes and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
Step 7: Return the chicken to the pan, spoon the sauce over, and cook for 2–3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and well coated.
Step 8: Serve the creamy garlic chicken with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or pasta and a side of steamed greens. Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a bit of olive oil and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
Add chopped mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for a vegetable boost.
Use gluten-free flour if you need to keep the dish gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftover creamy garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or stock if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a meal with three main parts: on the left, smooth, creamy mashed potatoes topped with a light brown gravy; at the top, bright green cooked green beans; on the right, a grilled, golden-brown patty sprinkled with small green herbs, all sitting in a pool of thick, tan-colored sauce. There is a silver fork and knife to the right of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used and will add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through but remain tender.

Is this sauce freezer-friendly?

While you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce, the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. It’s best to freeze the chicken and prepare the sauce fresh if possible for the best texture.